DT Swiss 350 vs. 240

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Last Updated on June 29, 2021

DT Swiss is a well-known brand for its excellent production in the cycling industry. It has proven to be the provider of reliable hubs at a highly competitive price.

Recently, the cycling brand has updated its range of freehubs by introducing the DT Swiss 240 hub. Let's see how it compares to DT Swiss 350, another byword for reliability among the many hubs from DT Swiss. 

Contents

Here’s What You Need to Know About DT Swiss 350 

DT Swiss 350

DT Swiss 350 offers incredible value, and its design makes it last for a long time. The hubs are easy to maintain and have reliable performance. They are time-tested, and bikers from all over the globe trust them. 

The Swiss 350 hub comes in 28- and 32-hole pairs and is an 11-speed piece. One attractive feature of the hub is how easy it is to swap the freehub hoodies from Campagnolo or Shimano.

This means that even after changing the groupset, you can continue to use your wheels. 

Performance

If you're a mechanically-inclined rider, then you may want to buy the DT Swiss service tools. Having a DT 350 hub is an expense that adds value to your bike accessories collection.

Since the hub is easy to service, you don’t have to worry about failed performance. The best thing is that Swiss 350 is easily upgradable or configurable and will never give you a hub failure. 

Components

The hub comes with several features that make it reputable as a high-quality and high-performing hub. Its Ratchet System driver mechanism is easy to service without special tools, durable, and highly reliable.

Its simple press fit assembly allows all freehubs to work in any axle configuration. This makes it compatible with a wide range of bikes. 

The seals are contact-free and built with high precision to guarantee a smooth operation. Every bit of your energy effortlessly transforms into forwarding momentum.

The racing legacy of the 350 model hub is carried in the super light design of all the parts of the hub. 

Axle End Caps

Just like its 240 model counterpart, you can convert the Swiss 350 hub into the current axle system. This is possible by swapping the press fit end pieces. You won't need to use any tools to achieve this. 

The hub also has two high-precision star ratchets that enhance its safe engagement for reliability. The press-fit assembly only serves to make servicing quick and easy. 

Who is DT Swiss 350 For?

DT Swiss 350 technology

DT Swiss 350 is for the rider who is looking for a high-performing hub at a competitive price. It has the same manufacturing quality and specifications as the higher-end DT 240.

The differentiating factor between the two components is that DT 240 has a weight advantage that DT 350 doesn't have. 

Advantages of DT Swiss 350

  • Servicing is quick and easy
  • Fitted with a Star Ratchet engagement system
  • The teeth engage simultaneously, hence distribute weight evenly across the freehub
  • Reliable design 
  • Smooth performance

Disadvantages of DT Swiss 350

  • It has more weight than its 240 counterpart

Verdict on the DT Swiss 350

The DT Swiss 350 hub is hard to beat from a price perspective. It allows you to build up great wheels for excellent performance for less money. Its installation is easy and lets you change the front hubs from 15 mm to 12 mm or 9 mm as you like.

On their downside, the DT 350 hubs come stocked with 18 tooth step ratchets. This means a 20-degree engagement straight out of the box, which may not be ideal for riders who prefer a little more engagement. The hub is also weightier than others in the range. 

Here’s What You Need to Know About DT Swiss 240 

DT Swiss 240

DT Swiss 240 is one of the recent upgrades the brand has made in the recent past. It has become the equivalent of reliability, especially in high-end wheelsets. The improvements make it a top choice among most wheel builders the world over. 

The design of the Swiss 240 hub closely resembles that of the DT 180 hub, which is also a popular version in the range.

While most freehubs engage ratchet teeth with sprung pawls to transfer the driving force one way and freewheel the other, DT star ratchet is different. It employs a system of two stepped rings and springs to make the forward push. 

The steps are well oriented to transmit the drive in a particular direction by sliding over each other. The mechanism works well, different from the previous settings where the ratchet rings would push against each other. 

Lighter System

The design of the DT 240 hub significantly contributes to its lightweight. One ratchet fuses to the threaded ring, eliminating the need for two springs to push the ratchets together.

The result is a hub with fewer components, hence less weight. A lighter hub can fully engage, creating small point loads and a larger degree of reliability. 

Components

DT 240 features a bearing integrated with the threaded ring. This means it delivers a stiffer bearing stance because of the increase in distance between the drive shell bearings.

The design of the EXP end caps provides a secure fit when you install them. The design and placement make it easy to change the hub without the need for any tools. Freehubs are easy to swap and are available from many brands, including SRAM and Shimano. 

In upgrading the DT 240 hub, DT Swiss redesigned the hub shell to enhance its compatibility with the new EXP system. The new hubs comprise stainless steel bearings for improved durability.

 They come at a standard 36T as they tend to provide the perfect balance between reliability, engagement, and weight. The more the points of engagement, the higher the potential of pedal kickbacks depending on your riding speed and bike type.  

Who is  DT Swiss 240 For?

 DT Swiss

Having a bike that you can grab at any time and go for a ride is a simple pleasure. However, if it keeps rattling around from worn-out bearings, all the excitement disappears.

 This is where the DT Swiss 240 hub comes in to change the narrative. Consider installing 240 for enhanced bike performance, ease of control, and faster full engagement for the right balance. 

Advantages DT Swiss 240

  • Light in weight 
  • Reliable performance 
  • Easy installation 

Disadvantages DT Swiss 240

  • More expensive than many complete wheelsets 
  • It doesn't provide enough engagement points.

Verdict on DT Swiss 240

DT Swiss 240 technology

DT Swiss 240 is a no-tool hub designed for easy disassembly. It allows you to transform to a different drivetrain standard within no time.

The newly integrated bearing into the threaded ring helps maximize the bearing distance for a stiffer axle and increased bearing life. The compatibility of 240 with a wide range of systems is a factor that sets it apart from the competition. 

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between DT Swiss 350 and 240 

DT Swiss is known for its high-end bike components and products. Choosing between the wide range of hubs can be an uphill task, given their close similarities and high performance.

However, in choosing between DT 350 and 240, the latter seems to have more advantages than the former. 

The recent upgrades of the DT 240 hub saw it shed off some parts, which means less weight, thus more efficiency.

It also seems to have a wider bearing placement and life, decreased wear, and easy maintenance. However, in comparing the prices, the 240 hub is more expensive but gives you value for your money. 

That was DT Swiss 240 Versus 350 Hubs Detailed Comparison. You can share your findings in the comments section below.



Harold Whitford

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About the Author

My name is Harold Whitford, a husband, father, and avid cyclist with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Delaware. Having been in the industry for more than 15 years, I have a number of the road race and national time trial championships in my bag.

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