Review: 6 Months with the New DT Swiss 240 DEG Hubs

Engagement is not without compromise. The DEG hubs incur a 90 gram weight penalty when compared to the equivalent EXP hub. The weight comes from a few factors: two springs instead of one, larger diameter ratchet rings, and a larger hub shell to fit the increased ratchet size.


The DEG system is coming exclusively in these 240 hubs for now, striking a middle ground in their overall lineup when it comes to cost, weight, and finishing touches. While the EXP family remains the lightest in the lineup, the DEG really is just focused on increased engagement above all else.

There is one serviceability detail worth pointing out, and that's the ease of bearing removal when that time comes. Due to the ratchet size, you don't have to remove the threaded drive ring to punch out the driveside bearing. This means no special tool required, one less step, and an even more field-serviceable product.


The construction is visually different from preexisting DT designs, but the principles are almost identical to the original Ratchet concept. That should be welcomed news to anyone concerned with durability, as the originals have a pretty bombproof reputation, regardless of discipline or rider level.

E-bikes bring a more destructive level of power into the mix, though, and as DT didn't have explicit information regarding the DEG hubs use on eMTBs, I inquired and got the following answer:


The reinforced Hybrid hubs do probably make more sense for eMTB usage, and I personally only used the DEGs on meat powered bikes.

For those who want something a little more exclusive, there's a limited release of candy red 240 DEGs accompanying the release. Only 240 sets of these will be in circulation, so you'll have to be quick if you're after the trailside clout.


Ultimately the DEG hubs are a fairly simple update, in keeping with the DT Swiss approach to hub design. Reducing parts, complication, and potential failure points is welcomed to me, but anything new has to be put through the paces.


Ride Impressions

I've been riding these new DEG hubs laced to some EX511 rims since last October, so suffice to say they've seen their fair share of mileage. Most of that riding took place in the wet Bellingham winter, but they also accompanied me on a trip to the dusty and dry summer in Chile. A wide array of conditions, and more than enough time to get a feel for the hubs.

In my book, hubs should be a bike part you absolutely never think of, except for the rare occasion when you lube the drive mechanism or replace the bearings. I prefer quieter hubs to the screamier options out there, and want something that will work season after season with little fuss. For those reasons, I've really enjoyed DT's original Ratchet hubs, and rarely wanted for much more.

However, there are upsides to increased engagement, as the 36-tooth stock ratchet does leave some room in the drivetrain before things catch. In this sense, the DEG hub has been a massive improvement, with very tight engagement and the secure-feeling ratchet drive feel. Technical climbing, sprinting out of corners, and small power inputs on the pedals all feel snappier with less room between engagement points. The amount of drag feels decently low, though it is increased a bit over the lower engagement alternatives from DT.

I'm not ultra-sensitive to the pedal feedback you feel between a low-engagement and high-engagement hub, but do notice some extra feedback on certain bikes as the engagement decreases. By no means have these 4° DEGs made bikes unrideable, but those of you who get up in arms about pedal kickback and high engagement hubs will probably want to stick with the good ol' Ratchets.

As to durability, I haven't had a single issue over the past 6 months, with some wear beginning to show in the bearings but nothing extraneous. Winter in the Northwest is hell on bearings, so a refresh will probably be due by the beginning of the next slop season. The ratchets are good as new, the grease internally still looks fairly nice, and the fact that you can clean and regrease them in about two minutes makes the lifespan that much better.

For those looking for a high-engagement hub in a very durable and time-tested package, I think the DEG is a worthy contender, and a welcomed addition to the DT Swiss lineup.