DT Swiss 54t Star Ratchet Kit: Rider Review

Arguably one of the best bike upgrades under $100, the DT Swiss 54T ratchet kit is a must-have for riders with stock DT Swiss hubs. Once you try it, you'll be hooked. Just ask our customer Chris, he recently purchased 2 of them! One for his trail bike and one for the dirt jumper. Check out his thoughts to learn more!

Overview

About a year ago I got a new full suspension bike that came stock with a set of DT Swiss M1700. Before purchasing the bike, I did a bit of research and found out that the hubs could be easily upgraded. I knew the hubs came stock with an 18 tooth ratchet and figured for an extra $100 why not try the DT Swiss 54 tooth ratchet kit and see what happens. To make a long story short, I just got a new hardtail. When shopping around I wanted to make sure I got a bike that offered a DT Swiss wheelset. I actually ordered the 54 tooth ratchet kit about a month before I pulled the trigger on the new bike.

First Impressions

Hub upgrades often go overlooked. Outside of acquiring a dropper post, a hub upgrade will noticeably increase rider performance on the first ride. The DT Swiss 54 tooth ratchet kit is that perfect hub upgrade for anyone on a budget. The quicker engagement feels better when getting through technical rock gardens and root sections, like the ones here in Ohio. The extra points of contact are extremely efficient on technical climbs as well as catching a gear quickly on the downhill for an extra burst of speed. The quick contact has also bailed me out a few times by using a quick backpedal to keep my balance to get up and over a tough section without a foot dab or worse an a** busting. Also, if you got some trials, they’ll help you impress everyone in the car park. Until you slip a pedal and get a nice shiner so being a showoff.

Quick Tips

The teeth are quite small, so I assume you have to use a lighter lubricant and keep them greased... of course, they give you a lifetime supply, so it shouldn’t be too hard. If you really want to make those hubs sing use little to no grease, of course, they may not make it for a long period of time. Installation is a breeze. If you have a chain whip and a cassette tool the whole process takes maybe 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Great engagement, great sound and a fraction of the price of an i9. With many of the new bikes on the market coming with stock DT Swiss wheelset this is a great value with minimal cost. This upgrade shouldn't be taken lightly and considered by all riders using DT hubs. I would highly recommend this relatively inexpensive upgrade to anyone using the ratchet system.

Watch our review on the DT Swiss 54T Ratchet Kit