DT SWISS Africa: Tech Q&A

[MarcHD]

6 minutes ago, dewaldsss said:

one for sale on bike hub

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/cassettes/870924/xd-freehub-body-brand-new?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21907151989&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInZrm2qeckgMVJZdQBh1JhiDyEAQYBiABEgK8c_D_BwE

It's hard to tell from the photos, but from what I can tell I'm not convinced that's a DT Swiss freehub. 

Certainly the laser etchings are not the same, but then it has been several years since the Star Ratchet patent expired and this could simply be another brand's copy of the DT Swiss version. 

I would reach out to the seller and ask them to send photos of the free hub internals (teeth that interface with the ratchets) 

[NotShatterProof]

On 1/21/2026 at 11:26 AM, dewaldsss said:

one for sale on bike hub

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/cassettes/870924/xd-freehub-body-brand-new?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21907151989&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInZrm2qeckgMVJZdQBh1JhiDyEAQYBiABEgK8c_D_BwE

Thanks Dewald. I missed that, it was under cassettes. I contacted Andy.

[NotShatterProof]

On 1/21/2026 at 11:32 AM, MarcHD said:

That's unfortunate...

The correct SKU / Part number is: HWRAAL00S3114S

That being said, the EXP freehub will also work retroactively on Star Ratchet hubs - the only difference is the finish is matte instead of gloss and the end cap has a machined notch for easier purchase when removing. 

You can find the EXP version here:

https://evobikes.co.za/product/dt-swiss-240-driver-body-for-xx1/?add-to-cart=90241&srsltid=AfmBOooRj3btpACgyQnSrT6YJjaPUwdpjU0iP3EuhBOWQINOuBKy9IdL 

Thanks Marc. That is very interesting, my initial research on Google seemded to indicate that it may not work very well. Just to be certain, mine are 240 hubs from circa 2016. The hubs are fine in general (in fact I'm very happy with them) but the freewheel body was completely destroyed in a fairly short time at the end of last year during the excessivly rainy season, I suspect due to water/mud ingress which I did not notice before it was too late.

If the EXP will work on my 11s setup that would be a big relief because I'm not too keen to rebuild the wheels.

[NotShatterProof]

On 1/21/2026 at 11:34 AM, MarcHD said:

It's hard to tell from the photos, but from what I can tell I'm not convinced that's a DT Swiss freehub. 

Certainly the laser etchings are not the same, but then it has been several years since the Star Ratchet patent expired and this could simply be another brand's copy of the DT Swiss version. 

I would reach out to the seller and ask them to send photos of the free hub internals (teeth that interface with the ratchets) 

OK, noted. Will do.

[MarcHD]

3 minutes ago, NotShatterProof said:

Thanks Marc. That is very interesting, my initial research on Google seemded to indicate that it may not work very well. Just to be certain, mine are 240 hubs from circa 2016. The hubs are fine in general (in fact I'm very happy with them) but the freewheel body was completely destroyed in a fairly short time at the end of last year during the excessivly rainy season, I suspect due to water/mud ingress which I did not notice before it was too late.

If the EXP will work on my 11s setup that would be a big relief because I'm not too keen to rebuild the wheels.

Definitely won't need to rebuild the wheels thankfully!

The internal drive system (the ratchets themselves) are significantly different between EXP and Star Ratchet systems, but the freehub itself is identical apart from the aforementioned finishings and end cap.

I'm surprised you cannot find the original Star Ratchet freehub anymore unless the current distributor came to the same conclusion and just ordered EXP freehubs to save on inventory costs. 

Hopefully that freehub for sale is indeed a DT Swiss compatible one. 

Best of luck

[Beerboy]

i have a DT-350 front hub with torque caps 

Where can i find the 15MM Retaining rings for the end caps,

i believe the part number is HCD00100S4603S

[droo]

1 hour ago, Beerboy said:

i have a DT-350 front hub with torque caps 

Where can i find the 15MM Retaining rings for the end caps,

i believe the part number is HCD00100S4603S

Try a Specialized store. Many Roval wheelsets use DT hubs so they often have a drawer of spare bits.

[DieselnDust]

On 9/6/2024 at 1:59 PM, Mook said:

IMHO this "special grease" narrative is like a pyramid scheme 😈

Google will provide hundreds of threads where this very issue is beaten to a pulp, and the overwhelming opinion is that any good low viscosity grease will work perfectly well. You want a light lubrication.

I have personally used White Lightning's wet chain lube on my first set of DT Swiss Rovals for about 6 years without any issues whatsoever. The trick is to clean and re-lube your hubs regularly.

I have not used the special grease and I have not destroyed my hubs as it is punned to happen if you do not use the prescribed stuff.

 

The DT Swiss Racthet drive grease is a low tackifier grease with a Consistency of 0.

There isn't a lot of options but Chris King Ring drive grease works or you can use a pumpable tractor steering rack grease and share the 20kg pail with your mates

[betaboy]

I use Bumble Bee from Veyga (Germany) it’s 100% made for Freehubs with a NLGI 1 rating, so basically zero consistency. You Welcome. 

[DieselnDust]

37 minutes ago, betaboy said:

I use Bumble Bee from Veyga (Germany) it’s 100% made for Freehubs with a NLGI 1 rating, so basically zero consistency. You Welcome. 

Should be fine for a DT Swiss star ratchet because a pawl and spring freehub also needs low tack grease to prevent the pawls sticking in the closed position.

PS: My LBS did order the genuine DT Swiss grease for me. I"ve still got the tub. It lasts a long time