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Lows: Price, really only for the fastest rides, not all-rounders
Buy if: You want reliability and easy speed
The overhaul of DT Swiss's road wheel line-up continues with these aero numbers. The naming protocol follows on from the Endurance (ERC) and Performance (PRC) ranges, with the Aero Race Carbon wheels coming in three depths from 48mm to 80mm. All are tubeless ready, and every option can be bought for rim or disc brakes with quick-release or 12mm thru-axles.
These disc-brake examples have blunt-nosed carbon rims that are 62mm deep, 17mm wide internally, 23mm externally at the outer edge, increasing to 26mm at their widest point.
The hubs are DT Swiss 240s Dicut with SINC ceramic bearings, 24 straight-pull, bladed spokes, internal nipples and centerlock disc rotor fitting. The front hub body is slim, and has enclosed flanges over the spoke ends for aerodynamic benefit.
They weighed in at 1,622g for the pair, including the fitted tubeless tape and 12mm thru-axle adaptors, which is pretty competitive for rims of this size. To test them, I fitted 25mm Schwalbe Pro One tyres, set up tubeless with Milkit valves and sealant. The inflated tyre width is 27mm, adding useful extra grip from the consistently rounded carcass.
I'd only consider these wheels if you have a need for speed. You could ride them every day, but the deeper rims get, the more specific their real performance window. At 60mm or deeper, stability is an obvious concern, but with world-class aerodynamicist Swiss Side taking charge of aerodynamics, the ARC 1100s are far more predictable than you'd expect.
The taller rims equal increased rigidity, and the ARC 1100s use this to convert power inputs into raw acceleration, seemingly offsetting their rotational mass — at least on the flat — making them ideal for sprinting and time trials.
On most terrain, short of bergs and mountains, they'll hold momentum, and with a tailwind gain further speed through the aerodynamic sailing effect. In crosswinds and blustery headwinds they're not immune to a little swaying and weaving, but I didn't experience any sudden snaps or anything that compromised control.
DT Swiss rims are among the easiest to run tubeless, and with the enhanced feel, lower tyre pressure, reliability and easy speed, why wouldn't you? Improving grip and comfort in one go only serves to boost performance, in conjunction with the aero advantage.
BikeRadar verdict - 4.5/5
"DT Swiss continues to make even deep aero wheelsets faster and much more usable"
