Aero wheels are trendy. It's nice when they're versatile. A rim height of almost 50 millimeters indicates this versatility. But do the wheels perform well in use, as the first impression conveys? We got the DT Swiss RC Spline 55 T looked at more closely.
A few months ago we introduced the tubular version of the smaller ones RC Spline 38 T examined in the test. [Link] And were impressed. That DT Swiss the genes of this sentence also RC Spline 55 T has incorporated quickly becomes clear.
Practice
The RC Spline 55 T are like them RC spline 38 T manufactured as a tubular tire variant and therefore have a relatively slim live weight of just 1440 grams. The heart of the wheelset are the Spline-hubs. These grab straight, non-cranked spokes. This design makes it easy to center the wheels. They also become stiffer and more responsive. The radial spoking at the front and the crossed spoking at the rear wheel hub are striking. This also has a freewheel with the in-house ratchet system and allows the assembly of cassettes with up to eleven rings.
Of course, the wheels get their name from their rims. Its 21 millimeter wide bed is designed for tires with a width of 19 to 25 millimeters, but also accommodates larger models. The height of the rims is 55 millimeters, with the teardrop shape being relatively slim. This means that the wheels are a little more sensitive to the wind than their equivalent counterparts from other manufacturers, such as Zipps 404 knows. Compared to these, the roll Spline 55T However, they wear off more easily and are also more reactive in the endurance test.
We have used the wheels both on and off road - although DT Swiss does not necessarily recommend them.
They do it on the street RC spline 55 T from the first meter of fun. They accelerate easily and are pleasantly stiff. The emphasis is on enjoyable, because if it does get slippery, they appear very balanced and don't tend to break away immediately. They show character on flat and fast routes. One that Criterion drivers in particular should enjoy.
But even if you live in the low mountain range, you don't have to be afraid RC spline 55 T to bring to use. They appear balanced on climbs, they react to changes in speed in a direct and directional manner. This is especially noticeable on winding descents.
Only in cross winds they cannot convince one hundred percent. A slightly wider teardrop shape would probably be the better solution here.
In the terrain you first have to overcome the carbon slippers to bring to use. However, you don't have to be afraid of it. After all, directional stability and responsiveness also count here. And they have both RC spline 55 T. On dry routes, they make a good impression, especially on hard ground, i.e. exactly when speed is required. However, they can really shine in the mud. Thanks to the rim height, there is little risk of mud getting stuck in the wheels. On routes that have a large number of small climbs, we would still use the RC spline 38 T fall back on.
Conclusion
DT Swiss RC Spline 55 T are visually rather reserved. In use, however, they shine with a full running behavior. The lateral rigidity and the high directional stability leave nothing to be desired. They are only a little more vulnerable than some of their competitors in crosswinds. But the Swiss don't have to hide behind them with this wheelset. Who Aero is looking for and also wants a high degree of responsiveness, the RC Spline 55 T fit. The fact that the wheelset is also versatile makes it our tip of the week!
product Highlights
- very good running behavior, but slightly wind-prone
- pleasant lateral stiffness
- versatile
price and web
- EUR 1299,00
- www.dtswiss.com