It’s getting tight on the roof!
4. May 2021

Countdown

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

For 10 years now, DT Swiss has been providing wheels to the Neutral Race Support of the Tour de Suisse.

Material evolution
While the development of racing bike technology was steady until the Noughties, quantum leaps have been made in recent times. Starting with the electrification of gear systems, the Union Cycliste International (UCI) was pressed into the last big development leap and only approved it in racing as of 1st July 2018: disc brakes in racing bikes in National and International amateur and professional races. While mountain bikers had long been aware of the (safety) benefits of this braking technology, the use of so-called disc brakes on racing bikes was considered controversial until recently. Now less than three years later, teams riding with disc brakes are in the majority. And teams that still rely exclusively on rim brakes on their bikes are a “dying breed”. There are good reasons why this development within the peloton has happened so quickly: In addition to the finer brake control, disc brakes allow for consistent braking performance in all riding and weather conditions, providing a much safer ride. In particular, the development of carbon wheels has benefited from this. Advantages in wheel weight and new aerodynamic rim designs, in combination with the inclusion of disc brakes, make distant memories of uneven braking performance on carbon wheels with rim brake walls, especially on long and technically demanding pass descents by hobby riders and professionals.

Innovative partner
DT Swiss, with its wide range of wheels for classic road racing bikes to modern “gravel” wheels, consistently relies on disc brake technology in its range. And yet, without the combined efforts of the bicycle industry, wheels with disc brakes would not have caught on so quickly. Adaptations of frame constructions including the accommodation of the brake housing and in particular the braking forces on the hubs required innovative (material) approaches. The wheels could now be designed free from restrictions in rim construction (caused by brake components limited in width and shape in relation to brake callipers etc.). DT Swiss consistently takes the opportunity to develop new designs on the digital drawing board, refining aerodynamic profiles by means of high-tech computer simulations as well as actual wind tunnel testing. The result is aerodynamic carbon rim profiles that make the racing bike more controllable and therefore safer, even in extreme wind and weather conditions – a benefit for every #ambitiouscyclist, whether on the road to a personal goal or as a competitor striving for victory in the Tour de Suisse.

Neutral race service
Even though most riders in the Tour de Suisse now rely on modern wheels with disc brake technology, the Tour de Suisse’s Neutral Race Support is still equipped for all riders. On the roof, however, things get tight: different freewheel systems, wheels for rim brakes and disc brakes have to be stored in the vehicles of the Neutral Race Support of the Tour de Suisse. And with a cool head and technical expertise, the Neutral Race Support ensures that all riders can reach their daily goals.

You can find further information about DT Swiss racing bike wheels here

Letzte Beiträge