Review: DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT 55

It's no longer a secret that professional cycling is increasingly opting for wider tires. However, for these to exploit their full potential, a suitable internal rim width is also required. On the new ARC models this is 22 millimeters. Technically, an even wider version would have been possible, but the focus was on the perfect match with the 29-millimeter-wide AERO 111 tire, which has meanwhile established itself as the new aero standard.

A larger internal width directly affects the frontal area of the wheel. To compensate for the resulting aerodynamic drawbacks, DT Swiss uses a V-shaped rim profile. According to wind-tunnel tests, this design not only delivers the lowest measured base drag but also reduces steering torque. The result is stable, controlled handling that performs convincingly even in crosswinds.

Specs: ARC 1100 DICUT 55

They didn't skimp on the details.
Thanks to the in-house modular system and pooled know-how, all components could be precisely matched to one another.
The goal was a wheelset that not only excels aerodynamically but also delivers first-class handling.
The specially aero-optimized spokes make an important contribution to this.
Their number on the front wheel was reduced to 20, which slightly lowers aerodynamic drag while also saving weight.

Things got serious during the spusu road bike review, when the DT Swiss wheels and the Contis hit their stride and the setup really came to life. Besides good aerodynamics — of course, otherwise you might as well ride lightweight climbing wheels — what matters most to us in an aero wheelset is high stiffness, as little susceptibility to crosswinds as possible, and absolute everyday practicality. The Swiss aced all of those points. As for aerodynamics, we had no choice but to rely on the data provided by DT Swiss, but for the rest you didn't need a rocket scientist.

Even with only 20 spokes on the front wheel, the wheels impressed with high stiffness and first-rate handling. Despite the 55 millimetre deep rims, the new ARCs proved surprisingly neutral in steering in gusty winds and noticeably less affected by crosswinds than the originally fitted wheels. The 29er front tyre scored with its stiff carcass and sharper profile, delivering high agility and excellent steering precision — like the proverbial scalpel. However, impacts and vibrations now transmitted a bit more clearly to the handlebars. The also stiffer rear tyre could be run at lower pressures thanks to its width and offered good damping.

Given the overall package of looks, improved aerodynamics, and more agile, more precise handling, the slight loss of comfort up front was an absolutely acceptable compromise.