DT Swiss Updates its Wheel Line with the New 1700 and 1500 Series

Intro

DT Swiss has been one of the safer bets in mountain bike wheels for a long time. Their stuff usually is not the flashiest option, but it tends to work, last, and stay easy to live with.  The new 1700 and 1500 series are not some huge reset. They are more like a refinement of a lineup that was already solid, with more category specific design, updated hub choices, and a cleaner, more modern look.

One of the biggest changes across both series is the rim design. DT Swiss is now leaning much harder into asymmetrical rims and front and rear specific construction. On the 1700 side, every rim in the range is now asymmetrical to create more even spoke tension and a stronger wheel build overall. The 1500 line follows that same idea, but with carbon rims across the range, front and rear specific layups, and a 30 mm internal width across. The other obvious change is visual. Both wheel lines get a more current finish and cleaner graphics. They still look like DT Swiss wheels, which is a good thing, but the whole lineup has a more modern and premium feel than the older versions. 

DT Swiss 1700 Series

The 1700 line is still the more practical side of the launch. These are wheels for riders who want proven materials, solid hubs, and fewer moving parts in the buying decision. DT Swiss is positioning the 1700 series as the dependable, no-fuss option, and that fits. The wheels use 350 series hubs, category specific rim designs, and DT Competition Race spokes, with options for XC, trail, enduro, and eMTB use.

XRC 1700 SPLINE - XC

The XRC 1700 is the XC wheel in the 1700 family, and it is the one exception to the mostly alloy theme in the 1700 lineup. It uses a carbon hookless tubeless-ready rim, DT Competition Race spokes, and a 350 straightpull hub with a 54T Ratchet SL freehub. Claimed weight for the 29 inch set is 1,410 grams. This looks like the option for riders who want something light and quick without stepping all the way into the top carbon tier.

XM 1700 SPLINE - Trail

The XM 1700 is the all mountain option and probably the one a lot of riders will land on or get spec’d on most trail bikes in the industry. It gets a welded asymmetrical aluminum rim with a 30 mm internal width, DT Competition Race spokes, and a 350 straightpull hub with 72 tooth engagement. DT Swiss also builds this wheel around the 350 DEG DF hub, which gives riders the option of 0, 10, or 20 degrees of freehub movement before engagement to help manage pedal kickback depending on terrain and bike setup. Claimed weight for the 29 inch version is 1,881 grams. For a lot of trail riders, this is probably the middle ground. Alloy rims, modern shape, a useful hub setup, and not too precious to actually ride hard.

EX 1700 CLASSIC - Enduro 

The EX 1700 classic is the enduro wheelset in the 1700 range. It uses asymmetrical welded alloy rims, 28 spokes up front and 32 in the rear, plus a 350 DEG DF hub. DT Swiss lists it at 2,010 grams for the 29 inch set and gives it an ASTM 5 rating, so this one is clearly meant for harder riding and rougher terrain.This is also where the asymmetrical design makes a lot of sense. On a wheel that is going to see repeated hard hits, better spoke balance and a stronger structure.

HX 1700 SPLINE - EMTB 

The HX 1700 SPLINE is the eMTB wheelset in the 1700 line. It uses asymmetrical aluminum rims, DT Hybrid II spokes, and a 350 hub with a 60 tooth hybrid-specific DEG DF hub setup that is set up for 0 or 10 degrees of float. Claimed weight for the 29 inch set is 2,127 grams, with a max system weight of 150 kg. That all points in the same direction. More support, more durability, and less worry under loads that modern e bikes create.

DT Swiss 1500 Series

The 1500 line is the lighter and more premium side of this launch. These wheels are built around DT Swiss 240 hubs and carbon rims, with the goal being lower rotational weight, a more lively ride feel, and better impact resistance than older carbon designs. DT Swiss is using its PURE carbon construction here, with continuous carbon layers at the rim horn, and it is clear the goal is not just to make these wheels light. It is to make them feel fast without giving up too much toughness.

Just like the 1700 range, the 1500 wheels get asymmetrical rims and front and rear specific construction. The difference here is that they are all tied to a more premium carbon package. These also look like the best example of DT Swiss cleaning up the finish and graphics. The overall shape, carbon finish, and simpler branding make the 1500 line look modern and sleek.

XRC 1500 SPLINE - XC 

The XRC 1500 Spline is the lightest wheelset in this launch and the XC race option. It uses a carbon rim, DT Complite spokes, and a 240 straightpull hub with a 54T Ratchet EXP system. Claimed weight for the 29 inch set is 1,384 grams. This is the one for riders who care most about fast acceleration, quick handling, and low weight.

XMC 1500 SPLINE - Trail 

The XMC 1500 SPLINE is the all mountain wheelset and probably the most versatile option in the 1500 lineup. It gets =carbon rims, DT Complite spokes, and a 240 straightpull hub with 90T Ratchet DEG DF kit. Claimed weight for the 29 inch set is 1,599 grams.

On paper, this is the premium trail wheel in the range. It is light enough to feel quick, but still built around real trail use instead of just gram counting.

EXC 1500 CLASSIC - Enduro 

The EXC 1500 classic is the carbon enduro option. It uses front and rear specific pure carbon rims, 28 spokes up front and 32 in the rear, plus a 240 Classic hub with 90T Ratchet DEG DF. Claimed weight for the 29 inch set is 1,783 grams, and it now carries an ASTM 5 rating.

That ASTM 5 rating matters because it makes the intent clear. This is not just a light carbon trail wheel with an enduro label on it. DT Swiss is showing that this one is built to be ridden hard.

HXC 1500 SPLINE - EMTB 

The HXC 1500 SPLINE rounds out the 1500 line as the eMTB-specific carbon wheelset. It gets carbon rims, DT Complite Hybrid spokes, and a 240 Hybrid hub with a 60T Ratchet DEG HY setup and hybrid-specific 0 or 10 degree freehub movement. Claimed weight for the 29 inch set is 1,939 grams.

That is pretty light for an eMTB-rated wheelset, and it shows where DT Swiss is going with this line. Not just stronger or lighter, but more specific.

Final Thoughts

This feels like a smart update from DT Swiss. The 1700 series stays focused on reliability and value, but now gets a more refined shape, asymmetrical rims, and a cleaner finish. The 1500 series brings the same design direction into a lighter, more premium carbon package with 240 hubs and a more dialed ride feel.

The asymmetrical rim design is one of the biggest real changes here because it should actually matter on trail. More balanced spoke tension and a better tuned front and rear wheel layout are the kind of updates that can improve strength and ride feel without needing a huge sales pitch behind them.