DT Swiss ERC 1100 and 1400 DICUT presented – reliable companions for long days on the bike?
Aerodynamics and riding stability – that’s what the new edition of the DT Swiss ERC series promises to balance. For this purpose, the endurance wheels were given a new rim profile, more inner width and the latest aero spokes. We tested the ERC 1100 DICUT 35 and provide you with all the information and riding impressions here.
With the DT Swiss 1100 and 1400 DICUT, the Swiss company brings the ERC series, which is optimised for endurance use, up to date. The focus is on aerodynamics and riding stability. The second generation of the wheel is designed – even more so than the first generation – to fit optimally into a complex aerodynamic system formed by the rider and bike, while still maintaining the highest level of riding stability. Greater control and predictability in crosswinds and gusts should ensure highersafety, more confidence and ultimately fun on long rides.
The technical features of the DT Swiss ERC series
The DT Swiss ERC series includes four variants: the ERC 1100 DICUT and the ERC 1400 DICUT, each available in 35 mm and 45 mm rim height. What they all have in common is the inner rim width of 22 mm and internal nipples. There are differences in the hubs, freewheel and spokes, though. While the more expensive 1100 models feature DT Swiss 180 DICUT hubs, ceramic bearings and the new DT aero comp II and DT aero lite II spokes, the cheaper 1400 models are laced with the proven DT aero comp spokes of the first generation to DT Swiss 240 DICUT hubs with stainless steel bearings. The new spoke generation is 23% thinner and 35% wider than its predecessor.
The carbon rims of all models combine the V- and U-shape. They are optimised for maximum aero performance – even though this comes with a slightly increased rotational force around the steering axis. In addition, with an increased inner width of 22 mm, the rim is anoptimal base for 700x28C tyres. It has been well established that a wider tyre can bring a number of advantages: more comfort, less rolling resistance, more grip and lower risk of punctures. Awesome!
| Model | DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 35 | DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 45 | DT Swiss ERC 1400 DICUT 35 | DT Swiss ERC 1400 DICUT 45 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (set) | from 1,391 g | from 1,442 g | from 1,468 g | from 1,519 g |
| Inner width | 22 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm |
| Hub | 180 DICUT | 180 DICUT | 240 DICUT | 240 DICUT |
| Price | € 2,387.80 | € 2,387.80 | € 1,956.80 | € 1,956.80 |
First ride: the first impression of the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 35
We had the opportunity to ride the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 35 wheels before their official release. Visually, the wheels sport a truly modern look with their wide body and internal nipples. Together with the Continental Grand Prix 5000 TL tyres we mounted in 28 mm width, as recommended by DT Swiss, the wheels form a neat unit. The ERC 1100 DICUT 35 wheels with a weight of 1,391 g per set are absolutely competitive. The 35 mm rim height offers a good compromise between climbing and aero performance and forms a sensible basis for a wide range of use cases. For our test, we mountedthe DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT 35 on a MERIDA SCULTURA V TEAM. Here, they provide good vibration damping with the voluminous 28 mm tyres and also reliably defuse transverse bumps. They are light on their feet and show good aerodynamics at all speeds – and the faster you go, the more you can feel it. Autumnal gusts of wind from different yaw angles did not cause any problems for our testers, either. DT Swiss’ concept seems to work quite well.
Our conclusion on the new DT Swiss ERC series
With the new ERC series, DT Swiss brings wheels for endurance use that are modern all round: more inner width for wider tires, tubeless ready and disc only. The new aero spokes, a revised Ratchet EXP freehub and internal nipples, are all additional technologies that contribute to their good performance in our test. The ERC 1100 DICUT 35 definitely convinced us in this test we did in gusty winds on undulating terrain.
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Words: Photos: DT Swiss
