Engagement angle determines how far you rotate the cranks before the hub catches and drives the wheel forward. The DT Swiss Ratchet Upgrade Kit reduces that dead zone from the stock 20° down to either 10° with the 36T version or 6.67° with the 54T option. That difference shows up when you're navigating technical terrain where precise crank positioning matters, powering out of tight corners, or hammering through sections where you need immediate response from the drivetrain.

These kits work with the Classic Ratchet System found in DT Swiss 180, 240, 340, 350, and 440 hubs, plus select factory-built DT Swiss wheels. The upgrade replaces your existing star ratchets with higher tooth-count versions that engage more frequently during each rotation. Two precision-machined steel ratchets sit face-to-face inside the hub body, held together by conical springs. All teeth engage simultaneously when you pedal, distributing torque loads across the entire contact surface rather than concentrating force on individual pawls like traditional freehub designs.

Installation requires no special tools. Pull the freehub body off the hub shell, remove the existing ratchets and springs, clean the surfaces, apply the included DT Swiss Special Grease, then drop in the new components. The 36T option doubles your engagement points from stock and suits road, gravel, and general trail riding where a balance of quick response and long-term durability works. The 54T version triples engagement points, which mountain bikers running technical climbs and tight switchbacks tend to prefer despite the more frequent maintenance requirements that come with shallower teeth.... Read More