DT Swiss wheels: buying guide

Everything I know about DT Swiss wheels in 2025

🕒 5 min read

Category: Bikes

Tags: bike, wheels

I've had my bike for 5 years now, with the same factory wheels: a pair of Mavic Aksium. They are fairly good wheels, but they're entry-level and I've decided it was time for an upgrade.

For some reason, I've set my mind on DT Swiss. Don't ask why 😁. Also, I'm not yet ready for carbon wheels. They're pricey and they do not work well with rim brakes (which I use), especially in the wet.

I want wheels with a rim depth that is both suitable for flat terrain and mountains. In a few years, I might invest in wheels for flat/triathlon/time trial only (50mm+).

So here's my 2025 buying guide for DT Swiss wheels. Spoiler alert: I'm lazy, I've used Google Gemini a LOT, so some information might be incorrect.

Lines of wheels for road bikes

First things first, each model starts with a line name, and then contains a number. Like, "ARC 1100 DICUT".

Lower numbers typically signify higher-end wheels with premium components (like higher end hubs).

[source: Google Gemini]

Now, the lines. They are essentially three of interest to me: Aero, Performance and Endurance. The rest is for gravel, track, cross road or ebikes.

Aero (ARC/AR/A) is out of my league: they're almost all carbon (in ARC, C stands for Carbon), except the AR 1600 SPLINE and the A 1800 SPLINE. But they're both entry-level wheels, and for disc brakes. And even if I was considering the other carbon wheels for rim brakes, they are too expensive for me at this point. I don't want to spend more than 1,000 euros for the pair.

Performance (PRC/PR/P): this is the one that I'm the most interested in. Here, they're all made of aluminum, expect the "PRC 1400 SPLINE" wheelset. The 1600 and 1800 ones are considered entry-level, so all that's left of interest to me are the "PR 1400 DICUT OXiC". They come in 2 variants: 32mm rim height, or 21. I'd go with 32.

Endurance (ERC/ER/E): those are only for disc brakes. Also, they prioritize comfort, stability, and durability on long rides and are compatible with wider tires, unlike the performance line. As a result, they're usually heavier than the performance ones. Not what I'm looking for.

Additional Indicators

OXiC

OXiC is a special ceramic coating that DT Swiss applies to the rims of some of their wheels. It's not just for looks (though it does give a cool matte black finish!) - it has some serious performance benefits:

  • Super Braking Power: OXiC makes rim brakes work incredibly well, even when the rims are wet. This means you get consistent and reliable stopping power in all kinds of weather.
  • Tough as Nails: The ceramic coating is really hard, so it resists wear and tear much better than a regular aluminum rim. This makes the wheels last longer.

Think of it like a super-durable, high-performance brake pad for your rims. It's a technology that makes DT Swiss wheels with rim brakes perform better and last longer.

You'll usually see OXiC on their higher-end aluminum wheels, like the PR 1400 DICUT OXiC series.

Do I need special brake pads for OXiC wheels?

Yes, you absolutely need special brake pads for DT Swiss wheels with the OXiC ceramic coating. Standard brake pads designed for regular aluminum rims will wear down the OXiC coating prematurely and won't provide optimal braking performance.

DT Swiss recommends using brake pads specifically designed for ceramic coated rims. These pads are made from a softer compound that's gentler on the OXiC coating while still providing excellent braking power. Using the correct brake pads is crucial for maximizing the lifespan of your OXiC wheels and ensuring safe, reliable braking.

[source: Google Gemini]

Here is some additional information from DT Swiss themselves.

SPLINE/SPLINE

SPLINE:

  • This refers to a system-wide approach to wheel design. It emphasizes the integration of all wheel components (rims, hubs, spokes) for optimized performance.
  • SPLINE wheels are designed for a broad range of cycling disciplines, prioritizing a balance of performance, reliability, and durability.
  • It signifies the use of DT Swiss's engineering principles and technologies across various wheel levels.
  • It uses standard straight pull spokes.

DICUT:

  • This designates DT Swiss's high-end, performance-oriented wheel line.
  • DICUT wheels are specifically engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and performance.
  • They often incorporate advanced technologies, such as optimized rim profiles and high-quality hub components.
  • DICUT wheels use custom "Nailhead" spokes.
  • DICUT is generally found on the highest end wheels.

Key Differences:

  • Performance Focus: DICUT wheels are more focused on top-tier performance, especially aerodynamics, while SPLINE wheels aim for a broader balance of performance and reliability.
  • Spoke type: Dicut wheels use a specific "nail head" spoke, where spline uses standard straight pull spokes.
  • Target Audience: DICUT wheels are typically geared towards competitive cyclists and those seeking the highest performance, whereas SPLINE wheels cater to a wider range of riders.

In essence, you can think of SPLINE as a foundation of quality engineering, and DICUT as a specialized, high-performance subset within that foundation.

[source: Google Gemini]

My choice: PR 1400 DICUT OXiC 32

So this is it. More of a default choice for lack of options, really. I found them at a very good price online: DT Swiss PR 1400 DICUT 32 OXiC - Wheelset - Clincher - RW Double Crossed - QR - black for 799,99 € (discount of 30% - RRP was 1.149,80 €).

"QR" stands for Quick Release. "RW Double Crossed" refers to the spoke lacing pattern on the rear wheel (RW). Double Crossed means that each spoke on the rear wheel crosses over two other spokes before reaching the rim. This is a common and strong lacing pattern for rear wheels, offering a good balance of strength, stiffness, and power transfer. It's particularly useful on the drive side of the rear wheel, where the forces are higher

[source: Google Gemini]

Let's go!! 🚴🚀