DT SWISS PR1600 SPLINE 23

£475

Specification

These PR1600 Spline wheels form part of DT Swiss’s Performance range, and are also available in a disc brake version. The shallow aluminium rims are 23mm wide externally, 18mm internally and 23mm tall with a pinned joint and wear indicating dimple. The Spline hubs are based on DT’s high quality 350 units and use straight-pull, bladed Aero Comp spokes, with 20 radial up front, and 24 laced two-cross at the back. Supplied with tubeless tape, our wheelset weighed 1632g, plus 99g for the skewers.

Fitting

DT’s RWS skewer is allaluminium and its design ensures great clamping force and wheel security, and the Ratchet System freehub makes a satisfying sound. Our 25mm Michelin Power tyres were a tight fit and took some high pressure persuasion to fully seat, but the broad internal width opened the tyres out to a voluminous 27mm wide.

Performance

The PR1600s accelerate willingly, but are a fraction less sharp than the Dedas. There’s no lack of lateral stiffness, and they climb and descend well, with no braking issues. Where the DTs score is in the versatility their internal width gives, providing more tyre volume, and greater support for rubber of 35mm or more. Their less aggressive, but slick ride quality makes sense here, riding rough surfaces with a taut suppleness.

In conclusion

The PR1600s are great for road use and beyond, adding to their versatility and ride quality.