With light assistance eMTBs becoming increasingly popular, the requirements on components are getting more specific, as bike manufacturers demand components that can withstand the higher torque of the motor without bringing weight disadvantages. The new DT Swiss HYBRID LS series is supposed to do just that. But does it even make sense to buy a light eMTB-specific wheelset?
The light eMTB market is kicking and booming, with TQ’s and FAZUA’s newly-introduced light-assistance motors ushering in a new generation of light eMTBs that are designed to offer a particularly natural ride feeling. In this exclusive first test, the Trek Fuel EXe delivered an impressive performance, proving what the latest generation of eMTBs is capable of. DT Swiss have spotted a gap in the market and designed the HYBRID LS wheelset, which was developed specifically for light assistance eMTBs and is therefore meant to bridge the gap between the ENDURO and HYBRID ranges. As a result, DT Swiss’ new HYBRID LS wheels rely on more robust hubs and thicker spokes than conventional MTB wheels but still weigh less than a standard ebike wheelset. Since they’re designed specifically for light assistance eMTBs with up to 50 Nm motors, they’re approved for a maximum of 55 Nm. However, this means that they aren’t officially compatible with more powerful drives like the new FAZUA Ride 60. Moreover, the lab test requirements were different to those of conventional MTB wheels: 50% more weight, 50% more braking torque, 45% additional force on the spokes and 25% increase on distances. However, lab tests say very little about the performance and intended use of a wheelset, let alone of an eMTB. While it makes sense to use a more robust hub and chunkier spokes to compensate for the additional torque generated by an ebike motor, it’s a whole different story with the rims. In a nutshell, it’s the riding style that determines the amount of stress to which the wheels are subjected, not the bike category. It’s refreshing to see that DT Swiss managed to design a wheelset that’s sturdy enough to withstand the higher loads of eMTBing and at the same time isn’t too heavy. Without a doubt, there are riders out there who are looking for a robust wheelset that doesn’t weigh too much. That being said, marketing the wheelset specifically for light assistance eMTBs may be misleading, because you should always choose a wheelset based on your riding style.
The DT Swiss HYBRID LS range at a glance
The new DT Swiss HYBRID LS wheelset is available in two different versions. The first one is the HXC 1700 SPLINE LS, which consists of an alloy rim and 350 HYBRID LS hub with proven Ratchet System freewheel and weighs around 130 g less than the HX 1700 model. Retail price is € 798. The second version is the € 1,668 HXC 1501 SPLINE ONE LS, which combines a lightweight carbon rim with 240 HYBRID LS hub and tilts the scales at exactly 95 g less than the HXC 1501 HYBRID. Both versions are available exclusively with the Boost standard and CENTER LOCK brake rotor system, and come both in 27,5″ and 29″.
| HXC 1700 SPLINE LS | HXC 1501 SPLINE ONE LS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | € 798 | € 1,668 |
| weight | 1.894 g | 1.691 g |
| Rim material | Alloy | Carbon |
| Hub | 350 HYBRID LS | 240 HYBRID LS |
| Max. payload | 130 kg | 130 kg |
| Inner width | 30 mm | 30 mm |
| ASTM classification | 4 | 4 |
| Availability | Available from now | Available from now |
Our conclusions about the DT Swiss HYBRID LS wheelset
Developed specifically for the increasingly popular light eMTB niche, DT Swiss’ new HYBRID LS wheelset is right on trend. It’s slightly lighter than its conventional HYBRID counterpart, making sure that your light eMTB stays light. Whether there was a real need to fill the gap between MTB and ebike-specific wheelsets is a different matter. One thing’s for sure: you should always choose your wheelset according to your riding style.
For more info about DT Swiss’ new wheelset visit dtswiss.com.
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Words & Photos: Simon Kohler
