hybrid WHEELS & COMPONENTS 

The DT Swiss mission to bring e-bike riders the components they need continues and now becomes even broader.

WHAT DOES HYBRID upbuilt MEAN TO US?

Electric bikes and their uses are evolving and diversifying. At high altitude in the mountains, between the tape on a trail, climbing a steep mountain road or weaving between cars with loaded bags in town, the bikes and their expectations are not the same. This expansion in the e-bike category requires an adaptation of the components. DT Swiss, a pioneer in the diversification of hybrid components, has upbuilt its Hybrid range. Hybrid Upbuilt answers the new demands of users concerning their electric bikes.

choose a hybrid category to dive deeper

extended hybrid testing

confident riding

With many years of experience, DT Swiss has great testing know-how. Through a global network of specialists, DT Swiss has the ability to produce a large number of prototypes resulting in a clear advantage when it comes to laboratory testing. These tests are conducted to replicate as closely as possible what the wheels will have to endure once in the field and in a whole life cycle. Our testing facilities and methods reflect cutting edge technologies and are the key to ensure high safety and performance of our products. In addition, numerous long field tests are necessary to investigate the products under real world conditions. 

hybrid wheels

Loads on e-bikes tend to be higher as the system weight is generally higher than on a classic bikes. Additionally, they can carry for longer distances with less effort while allowing riders to strongly accelerate, resulting in higher torques. Accordingly, DT Swiss has Hybrid-specific test requirements, based on the application range of the relevant ASTM condition. The DT Swiss Hybrid wheels must pass several tests, which are specified in the DT Swiss internal test standard. The applied test methods reflect higher loads and an increased quantity of load cycles compared to other wheels, in order to ensure sufficient strength and durability under demanding riding conditions. 

hybrid FREEHUBS

The higher system weight and the increased number of load cycles during e bike riding result in significantly higher loads acting on the freehub. Bringing a heavy e bike into motion within a short time requires high drive torque due to the additional motor power. To meet these demands, we have strengthened the core of our hubs and upgraded the freehub body from aluminum to steel, ensuring long term durability under these conditions. In the specific case of the DF Technology, there is an e-bike specific kit, with 0 or 10 degrees of freedom featuring ratchets with 60 teeth for reliable power transfer and controlled engagement.

hybrid spokes

A bicycle wheel in motion is exposed to different load cases. For spokes, the dominant load is tensile force. During each wheel rotation, every spoke is subjected to continuously changing tensile loads. These higher demands are mainly caused by increased radial forces on the wheel as well as higher drive and braking torques. To meet the specific requirements of hybrid wheels, a dedicated range of hybrid spokes has been developed.

NILS VERHOEVEN​ Director pm & Customer Experience

«Our goal at DT Swiss remains the same when it comes to Hybrid components: develop e-bike wheels in line with the new specificities and with the users’ behaviors. The new range of Hybrid wheels brings quality, reliability and high performance to another level, precisely fitted to the users’ needs. »

daniel berger
Senior Product Expert

«A few years have passed since the presentation of the first range of wheels for electric bikes. Just like the bikes, the components have also evolved to more accurately match the new practices that emerge from this evolution. At DT Swiss, since day one, our passion for e-bikes, has been the driving force behind the technological advancements, aiming to adapt all users' wheels to their practice.»