New DT Swiss FR 1500 Classic Wheelset Gets FR 541 Rims for Improved Impact Resistance
The DT Swiss FR 541 rim can now be purchased as part of a complete downhill race-ready wheelset; the DT Swiss FR 1500 Classic. The 30mm internal width aluminum rim boasts a wider external width as compared to the current FR 1950 Classic wheelset, improving resistance to pinch-flats by a claimed 17% according to tests the brand conducted with a leading tire supplier.
Distributing load over a larger surface area increases the rim’s impact resistance, too. You don’t need me to tell you why that’s hugely important to downhill racers like Matt Walker, whom we saw running this very wheelset on a prototype Saracen Myst earlier his season.
DT Swiss FR 1500 Classic Wheelset
The DT Swiss FR 541 rim was released in September of last year as a lighter, more impact resistant alternative to the long-standing FR 560 rim. Those looking for an off-the-shelf solution can now invest in a complete wheelset benefiting from the improved rim profile.
The DT Swiss FR 1500 Classic has a front wheel laced with 28 spokes, and a rear laced with 32 spokes; that compares to the FR 1950 Wheelset where each wheel runs 32 spokes a piece. Professional downhill racer Jamie Edmondson, formerly of the Rockshox Trek Race Team says, “I definitely benefited from the front wheel having a couple less spokes – a little bit more traction and helping you take lines you maybe couldn’t get before”.
The J-Bend DT Competition spokes are connected the rim with DT ProLock Squorx Pro Head aluminum nipples. The FR 1500 Classic wheelset brings with it no updates for the hubset; the brand’s premiere aluminum wheelset for gravity riders still runs on 240 hubs with 36T Ratchet EXP internals. The brake interface is 6-bolt only.
Claimed weight for the DT Swiss FR 1500 Classic is 1,928 grams for the 27.5″ wheelset with XD Driver.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing for the DT Swiss FR 1500 Classic wheelset starts at $1,152.80 USD / 899.80 € / 946.80 CHF.
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