DT Swiss launch a new bombproof rim for DH and freeride
DT Swiss claim their new FR 541 rim has more impact resistance, better pinch flat protection, but with a lower weight
DT Swiss has launched their new FR 541 rim which is designed to take the roughest downhill tracks and biggest freeride hits.
The FR 541 has a welded alloy construction that features a 30mm internal rim width just like the FR 560 that it replaces. However, DT Swiss have developed a new profile that is said to improve the impact resistance and pinch flat protection, whilst still saving weight.
The new rim has taken inspiration from their existing EX Enduro range and added additional material to strengthen the rim. It's not just a beefed-up enduro rim though, the rim hooks have been reshaped and now feature a slight bulge. DT Swiss says that the widening of this surface area allows the distribution of impact forces over a wider area which reduces tire damage.
Strength is always an important factor when building the best mountain bike wheels for downhill and freeride, but so is weight. DT Swiss say they have managed to drop 65g off the rim weight, with the new rim weighing in at 570g.
The FR 541 rim comes in black with red DT Swiss stickers but includes three different sticker colors with the rims so you can customize the rims to your bike. In the box you get gold, chrome, and black that you can apply yourself.
The rims come in both 27.5in or 29er options and are available in either 28 or 32-hole versions.
A single rim will retail for £99.99 (US price TBC) and should become available in the next few months.
Graham Cottingham joined the BikePerfect team as our senior tech writer in 2020. With over 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for BikePerfect.
Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller
Height: 177cm
Weight: 71kg
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