Review: DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT® Wheelset

The list of ingredients for the new, disc only flagship of the DT Swiss endurance line reads as follows: 1530 g (my own scale even weighed the wheels in at 1510 g), 47 mm depth, 27 mm outer width and 19 mm inner width. The rims are designed to fit “plus-size” road tyres from 25 to 28 mm. The hubs feature ceramic bearings, the proven DT Swiss Ratchet System with 36 teeth and their proprietary RWS 12 mm axle system. Endcaps and adapters for other standards come included in the package, and the wheels are tubeless ready out of the box. Oh, and the maximum system weight (rider + bike + gear) is 120 kg. Not too shabby, don’t you think?

With the revolutionary design of the of the ERC 1100 DICUT®, which is dubbed “Aero+”, DT Swiss aims to leave the competition in the dust. Behind that concept is the optimization of three critical areas: aerodynamics, handling and efficiency. DT Swiss has partnered up with SWISS SIDE, an experienced Formula 1 aerodynamics expert, to maximize results. Although wheels are only responsible for 8% of the overall wind resistance (rider 75% and the bicycle as a unit 25%), they are nonetheless a key area for improvement. Apart from reducing drag, DT placed special emphasis on handling and aerodynamic stability. Only when you’re completely comfortable with the way your wheels handle, will you trust them enough to ride in an aero position for longer periods of time. Hobby cyclists should benefit the most from the superb handling.

Coincidence or pure luck? I already had a trip to La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, planned, when the day prior to my departure, the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT® wheels arrived on my doorstep. Out of the already packed bike travel bag came my DT Swiss RR21 training wheels and in went the new ones made of carbon fibre.

Hence, the brand new wheelset was broken in on the sometimes very rough asphalt of a volcanic island. With my 28 mm tyres set to 5.5 bar, I barely noticed the uneven surface as I “floated” along. The wheels still gave instant feedback, allowing me to spontaneously sprint and get out of the saddle. On the numerous downhill sections, the wheels performed in perfect harmony with the wide tyres, providing perfect grip and reliability.

While La Palma was not very windy, riding back home was a different story. On training rides through southern Holland, I had the “good fortune” to test the high profile rims during stormy conditions. My lack of experience with aero wheels made me start out carefully, but I soon discovered that I can trust the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT® wheels under any condition. Of course, the higher rims offer a greater area of attack for the wind, which is certainly noticeable, but I never felt out of control.  Although I have to admit, with 84 kg I’m more of a solid rider than a lightweight climber, which might have contributed a bit to the stability in heavy winds. I would not advise letting go of the handle bars completely in these conditions, but the DT Swiss ERC 1100 DICUT® are definitely good natured rather than temperamental. As expected, the wheels also performed quite well on unpaved surfaces, but in the end I was never quite happy to expose all that expensive carbon fibre to rocks and gravel.

Be it the rough, mountainous roads of La Palma, the windy plains of Holland or when attacking the local KOMS, the ERC 1100 DICUT® performed extraordinarily well in every condition. Whether or not you want to call them a revolution, you’ll have to decide for yourself, but they are an extremely good set of wheels. What I do see is a successful evolution of the (bicycle) wheel. And a great looking one as well – 5 out of 5 stars here. If you are in the market for a reliable and loyal companion in every situation, the ERC 1100 DICUT® will not let you down (given that you don’t mind the high price tag).

Now I’ll stop hammering away on the keyboard and start mashing the pedals. Tomorrow I’ll have to hand back this brilliant wheelset – time for one more ride.