DT Swiss Alloy Rims
Why DT Swiss?
We love the current range of DT Swiss aluminium rims and we’ve found them to be the strongest, most durable alloy rims on the market. Their range is vast, but we’ve identified the specific DT Swiss rims which we believe build into the highest quality wheelsets.
We’re still happy to build with other brands if you have a unique need or a specific brand in mind, but for most riders and most uses, the DT Swiss range is our first suggestion.
Road Rims
The following is a selection of DT Swiss rims we use in our Maker Rim Brake and Disc Alloy builds. There are many other rims we can also use - if there is something else you’re interested in, get in touch.
R 460
23mm deep, 18mm internal. Rim brake only.
The jack-of-all trades of road rims: light, wide and with an ideal price/performance ratio. The R 460 works perfectly with narrower tyres and will deliver many unforgettable rides on the road thanks to its reliability.
RR 511
32mm deep, 18mm internal. Disc or rim brake.
Anyone wanting to build a reliable super-stiff wheel is starting in the right place with the RR 511. Thanks to a state-of-the-art alloy and surface treatment, this extremely robust 32mm high semi-aero rim is lighter than you would think. And those thinking of using it on Gravel or Cyclocross courses can easily install tubeless tyres.
RR 481
For those running 28mm+ road tyres, this is our rim of choice due to it's wider internal width compared to the RR 511.
Are you searching for a pair of rims capable of riding off the beaten path? The RR 481 may be the perfect option for you. With an inner width of 22mm and approved up to 130kg system weight, this extremely durable rim is made for rough off-road rides. Whether you mount them on your cyclocross bike, your gravel racer or for your next bikepacking trip, the RR 481 won't let you down.
Gravel Rims
The following is a selection of DT Swiss rims we use in our OG Alloy builds. There are many other rims we can also use - if there is something else you’re interested in, get in touch.
GR 531
Wider and tougher than a road rim while still working well with a wide range of tyres, the GR 531 is best suited to tyres between 28mm and 45mm in width. In it’s lower spoke-count options the GR 531 excels at cyclocross and day-tripping but when built with a higher spoke count and stiffer spokes it is durable and stiff enough for overnight trips and bike packing. Available in both 650b and 700c.
EX 471
The EX 471 is a versatile rim with a 25mm internal width and excellent durability. It works well for bikes with tyres ranging between 38mm cyclocross and 2.4″ and you could think of it as the burly big-brother of the XM 421.
EX 511
This is one of our favorite rims to build with: Stiff, precise, and durable. All of the attributes which make the EX 511 well suited to Trail and Enduro mountain bike riding also mean it’s perfect for loaded touring. The EX 511 has a 30mm internal width which works well for tyres ranging from 2.2″ up to 2.8″.
Mountain Rims
The following is a selection of DT Swiss rims we use in our FLITE Alloy builds. There are many other rims we can also use - if there is something else you’re interested in, get in touch.
XM 421
XC / Down-Country
This is a lightweight rim suited for XC race bikes with up to 2.1″ tyres. In many cases the XM 481 will be a better choice as its 30mm width widens tyres and gives more grip at lower pressure, but for those XC purists the XM 421 is the perfect rim.
XM 481
Trail
The XM 481 is a versatile trail rim which works well for Down-country bikes with 2.2″ tyres all the way up to light-weight 140mm trail bikes. It has a wide 30mm internal width for more grip at lower pressure.
EX 471
Bikepacking
The EX 471 is a versatile rim with a 25mm internal width and excellent durability. It works well for bikes with tyres ranging between 38mm cyclocross and 2.4″ and you could think of it as the burly big-brother of the XM 421.
EX 511
Enduro
This is one of our favorite rims to build with: stiff, precise, and durable. All of the attributes which make the EX 511 well suited to Trail and Enduro mountain bike riding also mean it’s perfect for loaded touring. The EX 511 has a 30mm internal width which works well for tyres ranging from 2.2″ up to 2.8″
FR 541
Downhill and Super-Enduro
Are you and your bike too rowdy for the EX 511? The all new FR 541 has the same 30mm internal width but its rugged build and increased pinch-flat resistance will shrug off your cased landings and poor rockgarden choices.
H 612
27.5 Plus
The H 612 is a big burly 35mm internal rim designed for tyres 2.8” and wider. It’s only available in 27.5” size and is perfect for e-mtbs running plus-size tyres.
Rim Specifications
Reference this chart for technical info on each DT Swiss Rim.
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