DT Swiss have released preliminary details of their 2012 wheel and suspension range, which will be launched at the Eurobike trade show in Germany in September. There's no word yet on pricing, but expect to see this kit in shops from October.
Mountain
First up is a new rear shock for all-mountain/trail riding. The M 212 keeps adjustments to a minimum – there's just a rebound dial and lockout lever – in order to keep weight down to a claimed 198g. It uses DT's ABS air spring and is available in four sizes: 165 x 37.5, 190 x 50, 200 x 50 and 200 x 55.
Also confirmed for an autumn launch is the ultralight 150mm-travel 26in all-mountain fork that we first saw at this year's Sea Otter Classic. Now named the XMM 150, it'll use the Twin Shot damping that was previously only available on DT's 100, 120 and 140mm-travel models. The new cartridge uses less oil than the old Launch Control II damper and is said to dissipate heat better. It offers three settings: open, climb and lockout.
Other features are the same as last year's 150mm EXM fork – ABS air spring, 32mm aluminium uppers and Torsion-Box magnesium lowers. The top-end model, with tapered carbon steerer and crown, and remote lockout, is said to weigh less than 1,570g. Non-tapered and aluminium crown versions will also be available, along with a choice of 9mm or 15mm dropouts.
We covered DT's new 29er wheels and XMM 100/120 fork at Sea Otter, but you can see the just-released official photos in our image gallery. The new XRC 950 T tubular cross-country wheelset will also be available in a 26in version, which was piloted to victory by Nino Schurter (Scott-Swisspower MTB Racing Team) at this year's first World Cup round in South Africa. Here, carbon fibre rims (26x30mm) are laced with 28 spokes to DT's new 180 Carbon Ceramic hubs.
The 180s are an evolution of the existing 190 hubs. By using oversized carbon fibre hub bodies and machining excess material from the metal parts, DT say they've managed to shave weight yet torsional stiffness has increased. The hubs run on smooth and durable ceramic bearings, with the rear using DT's Star Ratchet System. They're quick-release only, and available in road (no disc mounts) and mountain (Center Lock, though six-bolt adaptors are available) versions.
DT have another new 26in wheel in the form of the mean green FX 1950 Tricon. Aimed at freeriders, this 2,000g (claimed) wheelset is tubeless-compatible and available for a load of axle standards – 15mm or 20mm through-axle front; 135x10, 142x12 or 150x12 rear. It uses DT's Tricon hubs with six-bolt rotor mounts. The 30-hole aluminium rims measure 30x21mm.
Road
The big news on the road side of things is that DT are launching a new range of carbon fibre aero wheels, called RRC. Details are scant at this stage, with just this tantalising glimpse provided, but the company are promising a "high performance braking surface", "innovative spoke and hub design" and "outstanding aerodynamics". All will be revealed at Eurobike.
