DT Swiss DF Upgrade: Adjustable Float for Ratchet Hubs

By MTBSA contributor

DT Swiss is extending its Degrees of Freedom concept to the familiar Ratchet and Ratchet LN hub families. The upgrade gives compatible riders a choice between conventional engagement and extra freehub movement intended to reduce drivetrain influence over rough ground.

Two settings for the Ratchet DF kit

The kit offers 0° and 14° settings and includes a 54-tooth ratchet. In the 14° position, the freehub can float through that angle before the star-ratchet mechanism begins to engage. The supplied announcement identifies 350 Ratchet and 370 Ratchet LN compatibility and lists the kit as approved for e-bike use.

Included parts are the ratchet rings, threaded ring, springs and special grease. Announced pricing is ≈ R2 756, or ≈ R3 007 with the threaded-ring removal tool.

Float is a trade-off, not free performance

The objective is to reduce the forces that chain movement transmits to the pedals and suspension. That covers more than the narrowly defined event of pedal kickback: chain oscillation and cassette movement can also contribute to feedback through the rider’s feet.

More float also means more movement before drive is taken up. Whether that trade-off suits a rider depends on terrain and pedalling demands; this article is not an independent comparison against crank-based devices.

Race kits and new rim profiles

A separate DEG DF Race Kit offers 10°/30° settings aimed at enduro, and a 0°/40° option aimed at downhill. Those are for DEG-series hubs, not simply another setting on the standard Ratchet kit.

DT Swiss also announced asymmetric XR421, XM431 and EX441 rim designs. Wider flanges target impact protection, while a bead-seat feature is intended to help tyre retention and inflation.

South African buyers should identify the exact hub mechanism before ordering and confirm installation requirements with their workshop. The published US prices do not confirm local retail cost or stock. Compatibility should be checked against the manufacturer’s current instructions.

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About these rand prices

Amounts marked ≈ are approximate rand conversions of overseas prices, using SARS reference rates dated 12 October 2026, rounded to the nearest rand. They are not South African retail quotes and exclude additional shipping, import charges and local retailer costs. Confirm current local pricing with a South African dealer. Unqualified dollar prices in US-market reporting are treated as US dollars; explicitly identified currencies use their corresponding rate.