Second post of the day!
Seems that most DT hubs come with the cheaper 18 tooth ratchet system. Reading some reviews and most are largely negative (really bad) saying that it's basically shite.
From what I can find my current E13 rear wheel has 8 degree engagement but the hub has play in it and the spokes are starting to snap again, so its time to go. Will I notice a big difference between 8 and 20 degrees? The ratchet upgrade kit seems like a bit of a rip off TBH.
Keen to hear views on the 20 degree engagement
Got some 18T hubs and some 36T hubs - can I feel the difference? Of course. Does the difference bother me? Not really. The 18T set up is about the most robust and reliable you’ll find too.
Nah, I’ve got 18 on my E1700’s yes I’ll get more if/when they wear out.
You know they’re all interchangeable yeah? You just buy the ratchets and away you go.
Is it the star ratchet hub you’ve got?
I’ve got a DT 370 hub which I believe is their cheaper pawl system and never noticed a slow engagement. My other bike has Hope Pro 4 hubs which are meant to be much quicker and can’t say I’ve noticed a difference.
I do notice the difference. I like technical climbs and the ability to ratchet or clock the cranks is really useful. I test rode the zerode taniwha but didn't get on with the 30° pick-up on the gear box for that reason.
I'm currently in the market for some nice new hubs but when comparing spec, I have to include the upgrade for the DT. I'm actually drawn to the Onyx Racing hubs with 0° lag.
However, if you're some xc whippit who never stops pedalling, it won't matter at all.
decisions.....I have seen some "cheaper" upgrade kits on ebay from HK . Anyone tried them?
It annoys some people. It's more psychological than anything else but, psychological is still important. (I upgraded mine just because it feels nicer, not because it works better)
Reading some reviews and most are largely negative (really bad) saying that it’s basically shite.
Nope. Don't know what reviews you've been reading but they're talking bollocks.
The basic ratchet is fine. Engagement is a personal thing but really makes crap all difference. The greater numbers may feel better and they buzz more, but I'm not a fan of buzzing hubs. Also I've read reviews saying the higher engagement ratchets are less durable. But that could be bollocks too.
Anyway, they're not cheap quality. 370 hubs with the 3 pawl are "cheap" (but still pretty decent). 350 hubs with the basic ratchets are tough and decent quality. Top hubs in my opinion and not all that cheap.
Nope, never been an issue for me. I was ratcheting up a few of the rocky climbs at Cwmcarn at the weekend and never found myself wanting quicker engagement.
Better legs, yes.
It seems to annoy some people who have had higher engagement, some people dont care. If you are used to a high engagement it can be disconcerting to feel the pedal "fall" before anything happens, also depends what type of riding you do.
You can upgrade the star ratchets, but they are less reliable and more prone to slip/damage on a MTB. Upgrading to the 36t I dont see issues on a MTB, but do with a 54t.
I think it's fair to say that everyone would have a point where slow engagement bothers them, the question is just 'how slow'. Personally that turned out to be somewhere in between the old hope 24t and the DT Swiss 18t. I managed to find some (relatively) cheap 54t ratchet rings to upgrade.
swanny, where did you get the 54t from? I a bit wary of copies if cheap.
