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New DT Swiss ARC 1100 38 Wheelset – Lighter Than Ever with Carbon Spokes

4 weeks ago
by Rolf Rhodes
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With the tagline “The Lightest Way Up,” DT Swiss are finally entering the carbon-spoke era. The new ARC 1100 38 CS are said to be the lightest wheels the Swiss brand have ever built. But what’s really behind the big claims? Let’s take a closer look.

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It was only a matter of time before DT Swiss joined their competitors in releasing carbon-spoked wheels. Just this year, they launched the new ARC 1100 Dicut DB range – now comes the next evolution with the ARC 1100 SPLINE 38 CS WTS, a complete wheelset priced at € 3,199.

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DT Swiss’ new wheelset is purpose built for steep climbs like the Furka Pass
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DT Swiss introduce carbon spokes with the new ARC 38 CS Wheelset
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The wheelset is initially available exclusively as a WTS (Wheel Tire System) package

DT Swiss ARC 1100 SPLINE 38 CS WTS: Key Facts

As the shallowest rim in the ARC 1100 line-up, the 38 mm profile is purpose-built for climbing – light, stiff, and responsive. True to the motto “The Lightest Way Up,” DT Swiss are targeting riders who live for steep gradients and featherweight performance.

Long known for their precision spokes, DT Swiss are finally going carbon, as reflected in the “CS” (Carbon Spokes) designation. As such, expectations are high. Considering that most of the premium competition have already gone this route, it’s about time that DT Swiss catch up.

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The climbing specialists weigh in at just 1,200 g including the tires

Also new are the 180 Straightpull hubs, which, according to the Swiss brand, have been specifically redesigned for carbon spokes. Revised flanges and a new 18-spoke pattern up front help trim extra grams, while the tried and trusted Ratchet EXP freehub system continues to provide reliable power transfer.

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Make easy work of the climbs thanks to carbon spokes. That’s the promise, at least.
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The 180 Straightpull hubs have been optimised for carbon spokes…
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…with just 18 spokes up front.

For now, the ARC 1100 38 CS will be exclusively available as a complete Wheel Tire System, tipping the scales at just 1,200 g (1,174 g without tires).

Conclusion

With the ARC 1100 38, DT Swiss take their first leap into carbon-spoke territory, promising a blend of minimal weight, refined aerodynamics, and seamless system integration thanks to their WTS concept. As masters of spoke design, they’ve taken their time entering the carbon-spoke segment – and the expectations are sky-high. Whether their real-world performance can deliver remains to be seen and you’ll be the first to know once we’ve put them to the test.

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Words: Rolf Rhodes Photos: DT Swiss

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