DT Swiss has just updated their almost top-tier 1500 MTB wheels series, bringing their lightest and toughest carbon rims down to a more attainable pricing level built with their benchmark 240 hubs and now with their unique DEG DF functionality already inside.In almost every practical sense, these DT Swiss 1500-series mountain bike wheels are the best the trusted wheelmaker has to offer. 1500 delivers all the important tech of DTs ultra-premium 1200-series MTB wheels at 1/3 lower prices, plus newer anti-kickback tech that didnt make it into those ultralight, ultra-expensive wheels.DT Swiss 1500-series carbon mountain bike wheels(Press Camp photos by Nina Ludwig/DT Swiss)DT Swiss MTB added 8 new aftermarket mountain bike wheelsets since the start of April 5 with carbon rims and 3 in aluminum, from 750 up to 1700. Thats really too many to deal with at once. Even these 4 in the all-carbon 1500-series feel like a stretch. But honestly, they all are pretty important for riders looking to upgrade the stock setup to something more high-performance. There are XC wheels, all-mountain wheels, gravity-ready enduro wheels, and extra heavy-duty eMTB wheels.Now, while there isnt really much tech inside that we havent covered before, these are some of the most feature-packed, high-value wheels that DT Swiss has ever made.Whats inside and whats new?With the new 1500s, you get the exact same light but tough pure carbon rims as the top 1200-series wheels. Those are DTs latest, lightweight carbon MTB rims with stronger continuous fibers at the bead and 100% quality-control of each layer of their layup. DT says they are much stronger and more impact-resistant vs. aluminum rims. The 1500 wheels mix-and-match combos of the same 3 asymmetric pure carbon rims that DT debuted last spring, made in their factory in Poland. (Photo/Cory Benson)At the center of all the 1500-series wheels are various iterations of DTs reliable 240 hubs, now with faster-engaging DEG freehub bodies for everyone except XC. And also for the first time, these complete wheels (and OEM versions that will start popping up on complete bikes soon) now come with adjustable DEG DF anti-kickback devices already inside.(Renderings/DT Swiss)DT builds them up with new stronger fluted & butted Complite pokes for tougher wheel builds. Actually, Complite has officially existed for more than 2 years now, as the slightly heavier version of DTs uniquely fluted RevoLite spokes. Complites get the exact same multi- round & flat forging construction as their more premium siblings, just with thicker material that results in a significantly stronger spoke for increased wheel durability.It really is a best of the best setup. The only fancy tech left out are the ceramic SINC bearings found in the 180 hubs. But here you also get bigger 240 hub shells and flanges that build stiffer wheels. The only actual sacrifice for that extra strength, stiffness, and durability is a few extra grams. But even there, these DT Swiss 1500 MTB wheels are respectably lightweight.4 separate 1500-series families, but even more MTB disciplines Pure carbon rims plus 240 hubs and Complite spokes result in solid wheels that will hold up to years of use and abuse. Then, the fact that the XCM, EXC & HEC wheels all come with anti-kickback DEG DF functionality already installed is a total bonus. Whether your mountain bike suffers severely from pedal kickback or not more likely with longer travel or a higher main pivot or whether you can even tell, being able to try out an anti-kickback device thats already built into your real wheel feels like a big win.(Photo/Cory Benson)Cross-Country & MarathonThe lightest is the 1384g XRC 1500 Spline cross-country wheelset, the only one to not get an anti-kickback device because it prioritizes lightweight and maximum pedaling efficiency.The DT Swiss XRC 1500 wheels get built on small flange straight-pull, centerlock 240 hubs with 24 2x T-head Complite spokes per wheel, and a fast 54T 6.67 engaging Ratchet EXP freehub.All-Mountain & TrailProbably the most versatile of the bunch is the XMC 1500 Spline all-mountain wheelset at just 1600g +/- for either 27.5, mullet, or 29er setups. With an ASTM Category 4 certification, these cover everything from all-around trail riding all the way up to what most riders call enduro riding, just probably not full-on elite enduro racing. These DT Swiss XMC 1500 wheels also get built on straight-pull, centerlock 240 hubs. Interestingly like the 1200-series wheels, these XMC 1500 wheels get the same lighter 36mm external cross-country carbon rim up front & the tougher 36.8mm external all-mountain carbon rim in the back. But they also get extra wheel stiffness thanks to the switch to 28 3x T-head Complite spokes per wheel, and bigger rear hub flanges with the move to a 90T, 4 engagement DEG hub. Plus, they are among the first complete DT wheelsets to feature adjustable DF anti-kickback devices out of the box pick from 0, 10, or 20 of anti-kickback movement inside the rear hub.Enduro also now means Freeride & DH now, too!Likely the most misunderstood or underestimated wheels in the 1500 line-up would be the EXC 1500 Classics. Officially, DT is phasing out freeride and downhill wheels, because after certifying the enduro line-up for ASTM Cat. 5, they realize that these wheels are plenty strong for any gravity riding and racing, too. Already with the separate EXC 330 carbon rims, DT rated these for downhill racing, so the enduro 1500 series wheels are DH tough, and therefore also come in the latest DH axle standards like Boost & Super Boost Slim to work with SRAMs latest DH Transmission drivetrains.The DT Swiss EXC 1500 Classic wheels get built on classic high-flange 240 hubs for traditional J-bend spokes, so you increase stiffness but can also more easily replace a broken spoke with your choice of centerlock or 6-bolt brake interface. Again, the EXC 1500 wheels get the lighter 36.8mm external all-mountain carbon rim up front & the tougher 37.2mm external enduro carbon rim in the back. They also get built with 28 3x Complite spokes (just J-bend ones) and 90T, 4 engagement DEG hub complete with adjustable DF anti-kickback internals already installed. Weight claims are just 1686g for a 27.5 wheelset or 17.83g for a 29er wheelset. Not bad for a DH-certified enduro wheelset.Super tough eMTB wheelsLastly, the HXC hybrid eMTB wheels are built extra-tough to handle the higher torque loads of modern ebikes. They feature the same enduro-spec carbon rim front & rear, laced with 28 3x thicker Hybrid-spec Complite spokes to straightpull 240 DEG Hybrid hubs. These heavy-duty reinforced hubs get tougher bearings, stainless steel freehub bodies, and double engagement 60T Ratchet DEG internals with a heavy-duty DF system limited to 0 or 10 of suspension smoothing movement inside.All-in, they are 1837g (27.5) to 1939g (29) carbon wheels built to handle the extra loads of increasingly high-torque ebikes these days.DT Swiss 1500 MTB Pricing, options & availabilityThe beauty of the DT Swiss 1500 carbon mountain bike family is that all these wheelsets sell for the same $2189 / 1700 price tag, and they all have the same hookless tubeless-ready 30mm internal width, regardless of discipline.XRC & XMC wheels come just in Boost spacing, while EXC & HXC wheels add more axle options like Super Boost and the latest DH/gravity standards. All DT 1500 wheels are pre-taped for tubeless, include tubeless valves, 6-bolt adapters when necessary, and come standard with both XD & MicroSpline freehubs.DT Swiss has also added a new stand J-bend flange Classic version of their 240 DEG rear hub that already includes the DF device inside for riders and wheelbuilders looking to get anti-kickback performance from their next custom wheel build.All of the new carbon DT Swiss 1500-series MTB wheels are available wherever you buy wheels from online retailers, specd on premium mountain bikes, and directly from your local bike shop. And DT backs them with a fair-share crash replacement program, so you shouldnt have to worry about opting for premium carbon wheels.DT Swiss 1500: First RidesSo far, Ive had a chance to put in some first rides on two sets of the new carbon DT Swiss 1500 MTB wheels. A pair of XMC 1500 all-mountain wheels on a burly alloy Propain trail bike and a pair of HXC 1500 eMTB wheels on an unreleased alloy ebike that may or may not feature a new super-powered motor! To be honest, my time on each wheelset so far has been limited, but I feel confident in recommending any 1500-series wheelset based only on the high-value proposition of the tech packed inside.Much of my home riding is on DT Swiss wheels. I came directly into DTs 1500/1700 preview event having been riding an XMC 1200 wheelset on some surprisingly tough trails. And frankly, these 1500 wheels felt just as light, stiff, and responsive. Honestly, I would have rather had the XMC 1500 wheelset that weighs just 100g more over the XMC 1200, if only for the tougher Complite spokes, which realistically help blur the lines between all-mountain and light enduro where this wheelset sits. The fact that these new 1500-series wheels come with DEG DF built-in is just an undeniable bonus.DEG DF built into XMC, EXC & HXC wheels(Photo/Cory Benson)But talking more about reviewing the tech inside the 1500 I ride a lot with wheels I have custom-built myself around 240 DEG and 350 DEG hubs with either alloy enduro EX511 or bulletproof carbon enduro EXC 330 rims. I first picked these no-nonsense hubs for their fast 90T, 4 engagement. (The 240s are the heart of the 1500 series, and the 350s the center of the 1700 series.) (Photo/Cory Benson)But ever since DEG DF dropped last autumn, Ive converted a few to the built-in anti-kickback devices. For the most part, my personal shorter travel trail bikes dont really need DF. But I have noticed smoother suspension, especially at high speeds in the bikepark on longer travel enduro & freeride bikes. And I get the sense that longer travel eMTBs benefit from DF too. Parting thoughtsThe beauty of course is that since it is built-in and adjustable, you can decide for yourself whether it improves the feel of your own bike or benefits your riding style. And if you dont prefer the extra DF lag, you can go back to the 0 setting and still have the 3g weight savings that comes from DEG DFs simple design. IMHO: I dont really like the extra lag and clanking sound of the 20 setting. But Ive found the 10 setting to be beneficial without any noticeable downsides.So thats where I stand on the DT Swiss 1500 series MTB wheels for now. Sure, pick 1200 if you are a weight-weenie or if money is no object. But the 1500 series is where the real performance happens. If you actually ride and want the best mountain bike wheels that DT Swiss makes, these are the ones to pick.I think Im gonna need to pick up a set of XMC 1500 Spline wheels. And I probably need to get some Complite spokes to re-lace my 27.5 EXC 330 rim x 350 rear hub into proper 1500-series spec for true bulletproof freeride and gravity bashing!DTSwiss.comThe post First Rides: DT Swiss 1500 MTB Wheels Get Top Carbon Rims, DF Anti-Kickback in 240 Hubs & More! appeared first on Bikerumor.

Skoda has revealed the DuoBell, a new bicycle bell that's said to bypass noise-cancelling headphones in a bid to improve road safety. The car company points to Transport for London data, which reveals that bike-pedestrian collisions rose by 24 per cent in 2024. One contributing factor is the widespread rise in the use of noise-cancelling headphones. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) reduces awareness of approaching cyclists, posing serious danger to pedestrians and cyclists, it says. Researchers and acousticians from the University of Salford worked with Skoda to examine how ANC technology affects the audibility of bicycle bells. ANC works by generating sounds that cancel incoming audio signals, which can mean pedestrians can no longer hear the humble bike bell. But, throughout testing, the researchers found a narrow frequency band of between 750Hz and 780Hz that consistently penetrates ANC filters, and the DuoBell targets. [T]he DuoBell features a second resonator tuned to a higher frequency, and a specially designed striking mechanism that produces rapid, irregular impacts to generate sound waves that are designed to fool the ANC algorithms, Skoda says. The Skoda DuoBell has a second resonator tuned to a higher frequency that 'fools' ANC algorithms. Skoda The tech is said to help bell ringers be heard five seconds or 22 metres earlier. Skoda says the bell has been tested in busy urban environments. A two-week trial with Deliveroo riders led to feedback that helped finalise the prototype. Skoda worked with the creative agency AMV BBDO to develop the DuoBell. Ben Edwards and Guy Hobbs, of AMV BBDO, say: Bike bells have barely changed in a hundred years, but the world around them has. Skoda DuoBell is the first-ever bell designed to cut through noise-cancelling headphones. A clever analogue hack that outsmarts the AI algorithms inside them. Its one tweak that will make city streets safer. The DuoBell is not currently available to the public, but there is an influencer-led awareness campaign about the bel running through April, featuring the delivery driver London Hustle and professor Hannah Fry. Read more: Cycling with headphones is safe and 5 more lessons from 2 years of testing

Egan Bernal has confirmed he will line up at the 2026 Giro dItalia, bringing clarity to a situation that had threatened to derail his Grand Tour plans at the last minute. The INEOS Grenadiers leader had faced an unexpected administrative issue in recent days, raising real doubts over whether he wou...

New wheelset uses recycled carbon in the rims spoke bed to cut vibration, boost comfort and reduce fatigue while also improving aero efficiency

Tadej Pogacar has laid down an early marker ahead of Paris-Roubaix, setting the fastest recorded time on one of the races key cobbled sectors during a final recon ride this week. Just days before lining up at the Hell of the North, the world champion headed out for a 146-kilometre ride with his UAE...

With Wit Slingers in Leipzig, Germany, closing, bikepackers in Europe lost a beloved custom bag maker. While crafting a final frame bag with designer Tijmen Kervers, Josh Meissner learns all about his path to success and why he quit while on top. Settle in for a candid reflection on what small-scale manufacturing needs to truly thrive, along with photos of the now-shuttered shopThe post Inside Wit Slingers: Product of Its Environment appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The debate that followed the 2026 Tour of Flanders has refused to fade, but the focus has already shifted to what comes next. As Mathieu van der Poel prepares to face Tadej Pogacar again at this weekends Paris-Roubaix, his decision to work alongside the Slovenian in Belgium continues to divide opin...

Decathlon offers cash for old bikes in expanded BuyBack schemeDecathlon is expanding its UK BuyBack service for 2026, giving cyclists a new way to trade in unwanted or outgrown bikes for money paid by bank transfer, often within an hour. The retailer says riders can also choose store credit instead, with trade in values reaching as much as 45 per cent of the bikes original retail price after assessment.The headline change for this year is a one hour bank transfer option, which means riders no longer have to take payment solely as credit. For cyclists planning their next upgrade, that could make the process much more appealing, especially if an old hybrid, kids bike or commuter has been sitting unused in the garage. Decathlon says customers can first use an online quick quote tool to get an estimated value before heading into a UK store for a full assessment.The scheme is not limited to Decathlon bikes. The company says it will accept all brands, from major names such as Specialized and Trek to bikes bought from local independent shops, as long as the customer is a Decathlon member at the time of exchange. Membership is free, and the in store assessment is designed to turn unwanted kit into cash quickly.There is also an Easter incentive for riders who prefer credit over cash. Decathlon says customers choosing a gift card will receive an extra 20 per cent on top of their trade in value from 23 March until 12 April. On top of that, every customer completing a buyback in store over the Easter weekend will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five 1,000 Decathlon vouchers.For cyclists, the timing makes sense. Spring is when many riders start thinking seriously about replacing an old bike, upgrading family bikes before summer, or clearing out equipment that is no longer being used. Decathlon says interest in bike buy backs has risen sharply, with searches in the last year increasing by as much as 300 per cent as commuters and families look for more cost effective ways to refresh their gear.There is also a sustainability angle. Decathlon says returned products are serviced and refurbished by its experts before being resold through its Second Life range at a reduced price. The wider BuyBack programme covers equipment from up to 15 sports, and the company says more than 10,000 items have been bought back since the service launched in 2023. The aim is to reduce waste, extend product life and make sport more accessible through lower priced refurbished kit.Chris Allen, Sustainability Leader at Decathlon UK, said the updated service is designed to help both customers and the environment by turning unused bikes into instant value. He added that the new bank transfer option and Easter bonuses are intended to give riders more flexibility when trading in old gear for new adventures.For anyone weighing up whether to sell privately or trade in, Decathlons pitch is clearly convenience. You may not get the top end price that a well marketed private sale could bring, but a fast assessment, quick payment and no need to deal with listings or haggling will appeal to plenty of riders. For families with childrens bikes to move on, or commuters with an older bike gathering dust, that simplicity could be the biggest selling point of all.

NSN development rider sanctioned for violent conduct