Customer Review: DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline 27.5" Carbon Wheelset

This review was written by Dennis Woods on his new DT Swiss XMC 1200 27.5" carbon wheelset. See how these DT Swiss wheels improved efficiency in climbing and descending!

--

This review is for the DT Swiss XMC 1200 27.5 carbon wheelset that I ordered from Worldwide Cyclery. These wheels were replacements for my stock DT Swiss M 1700’s which came with my 2016 Pivot Mach 6. This upgrade was seamless and very rewarding.

First of all, in relation to ordering the wheel, the XMC 1200 arrived quickly and was priced very competitively. Upon opening the box, I quickly realized that the wheel was of high quality when I pulled out the wheel bag. I have never used a wheelbag before, but then again, I have never owned such a high quality mountain bike wheel. Another thing to mention is the packaging job that Worldwide did: Everything was packed nice and neat with no potential for shipping damage.

Next, I would like to touch on the performance of my new XMC 1200 wheelset. Although my Pivot Mach 6 came with a pair of DT Swiss M1700’s ( great wheels during my experience with them ), the XMC 1200’s were an obvious better wheelset. During my first ascent, I quickly noticed the ease of turning the lightest wheels that DT Swiss has ever built. Dropping nearly a pound in the wheels alone allows them to turn with substantial ease. Combine the weight with the new 36T ratchet system which engages a lot faster and you get an ascending beast which eliminated all of my skepticism about spending so much on a set of wheels.

Third, while descending, the 1410 g wheelset again showed the benefit of a light and high quality wheel construction. The 24mm rim width helps achieve great tire support and allows for a better feel. The only thing I can compare the feel to is when I changed from a tubed set up to tubeless several years back.

Finally, I would like to comment on the look of the DT Swiss XMC 1200. Leave it to the people at DT Swiss to provide a great looking wheel. These wheels are not too flashy and not too plain. In my opinion, the amount of bling is just right. Definitely the nicest looking mountain bike wheels that I have ever owned.

To conclude, I would recommend these wheels to anybody who wants a good looking, excellent performing enduro wheelset. The DT Swiss XMC 1200 offers a great quality wheelset and in all actuality is priced right when you consider the product. Good job DT Swiss, you will keep me coming back with a product like this!