DT Swiss

Star Ratchet Upgrade Kit

DT Swiss Ratchet upgrade

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Great upgrade to my DT Swiss hub. Super easy to install (5 minutes max) and worth the money. Way better power engagement. Helps a bunch on little tech sections where you need to half stroke to avoid a peddle strike.

Better...But not what I expected

I upgraded my Tarmac S-Works to the 54 tooth kit. While I greased it well, I find that the lower count ratchets actually coast faster than my 54 tooth ones. I think there is just more friction because there are more teeth. That said, it is a bit handy in a group ride setting where you may need to slow but don't need to hit the brakes. I think the upgrade was worth it, but don't expect a faster coast because of it. You'll slow faster while coasting, but this is not bad necessarily.

DT Swiss 36t Star Ratchet

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Arrived very quickly. It was super easy to uninstall my previous 18t ratchet and install the new 36t ratchet. Anyone can do it (besides, many YouTube videos show how to exactly do it). I find the price a bit high for what it is but, after looking at other online stores, none comes lower than Competitive Cyclist and I trust this store more than any other store for bicycle-related products.

More Buzz for the bucks!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Love this quick and easy upgrade. Its not the cheapest let's face it, but will it give your bike more engagement climbing and a slight buzzy nosie with is nice. We're always in the hills so i appreciate less drag from the cranks. Looking forward to that 54 maybe...

The special sauce, indeed!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I see many comments slinging their way around on this thread, so let me give you my smack. I ride road and I ride Campagnolo and of course a DT Swiss hub on my Lightweights and let me say that while I moved from the stock 18T up to the 36T it is quite an improvement when instant engagement means everything -- however, I wish I would have gone to the 54T. Even though the difference, ratio-wise, is little more than a hairs-difference, I still need it. As far as noise in concerned, that depends on your frame -- I run Lightweight carbon wheels on a magnesium frame, and yes, it does sound like a rage of bees swarming, the frame helps with this echo though. Bottom line, IMO, if you're going to make the move go straight up 54T and break down with the extra few bucks -- you won't be sorry. Cheers!

Great addition to my wheels-45t upgrade

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Was quite surprised by how much difference this made on my wheel. A lot more snappy when changing climbing cadence and quite more engagement while spinning above 95RPM or so.

Nice addition to your gravel/trail setup

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I have 2 sets of wheels for my 2016 Specialized Diverge Pro. One setup for the road and the 2nd for trails/gravel. Put this in the gravel wheels. Will you notice the 9g savings in rotating weight? Hell no. Will you notice the faster engagement and the change in tone sound wise. YES. I like it! I always prefer the ratchet design over the pawl designs with the “angry bees” annoyance. Your call if it is worth the rather steep price. Now I have the “official” DT Swiss grease. Ha! Any different that the white lithium grease I’ve been using? Who knows? I’m enjoying the switch!