DT Swiss Expands Anti-Kickback DF Tech to Classic Ratchet Hubs and Unveils New Race Kits

DT Swiss has announced a significant expansion of its Degrees of Freedom (DF) hub ecosystem, bringing anti-pedal kickback tuning to classic Ratchet hubs and introducing dedicated race kits for DEG systems.

Retrofitting DF Technology to Classic Ratchet Systems

Originally introduced on the high-engagement Ratchet DEG platform, DT Swiss’s DF technology is engineered to decouple rear suspension movement from chain tension, mitigating pedal kickback during heavy compression while automatically resetting via normal freewheeling rotation.

The new Ratchet DF Upgrade Kit extends this functionality to classic 350 Ratchet and 370 Ratchet LN hub platforms, enabling retailers and workshops to offer retrofittable anti-kickback tuning on hubs going back nearly three decades.

• Mechanism & Engagement: Features a 54-tooth ratchet ring system.

• Dual Setup Options: Allows riders to alternate between standard zero-degree engagement (0°) and 14 degrees of freedom (14°) by reversing the positions of the inner and outer ratchets.

• E-Bike Approved: Rated for e-MTB torque loads.

• Compatibility Notes: Compatible with standard Ratchet and Ratchet LN hubs. It is not compatible with Ratchet EXP or EXP OS systems due to their integrated ring nut construction.

Dedicated Race Kits for DEG DF Hubs

For riders equipped with 240 DEG DF or 350 DEG DF hubs, DT Swiss has introduced the DEG DF Race Kit, offering 90T engagement with specialized micro-adjustment options for race-day suspension tuning:

• Gravity / Downhill Configuration (0° / 40°): Designed for extreme suspension travel on rough courses to smooth out high-speed hits.

• Enduro Configuration (10° / 30°): Tailored for enduro racing to strike a balance between stage float and pedalling efficiency.

Commercial Overview & Pricing