GRC 1100 Dicut: New gravel wheels from DT Swiss

The new GRC wheels are particularly striking in their high 50 millimetre aero variant. Here, an edge runs around the rim, dividing the ring into a rounded inner section and an outer section with strictly parallel rim flanks. The distinctive shape is a result of aerodynamic considerations: In order to achieve a gravel rim with a 45-millimetre tyre and a body that is as aerodynamically efficient as a modern road rim with a 28-millimetre tyre, the rim would have to be excessively wide at the hooks. But that would not be practical. The GRCs direct the airflow at the base of the rim to suit the wide tyres, the transition between rim and tyre is then in the slipstream and does not interfere with the flow. The lighter GRC 30 with a flatter rim have a similar concept, but it is less noticeable here.

Whether or how well this works can ultimately only be found out in the wind tunnel, where we will take the GRC 1100 50 when the opportunity arises. Until then, we will have to limit ourselves to other facts and a first ride test. First a few exciting details:

Only with hook

DT Swiss consistently favours rims with hooks for gravel bikes. Although the 24 millimetre wide rim bed is designed for gravel tyres with low pressures - DT recommends tyres between 32 and 50 millimetres wide - the Swiss engineers prefer to play it safe. The hooked rim can be used with all types of tyres (tubeless or clincher), and in extreme cases DT also allows a maximum tyre pressure of 7.5 bar. For comparison: Hookless models are usually limited to tubeless tyres and 5 bar air pressure. In addition, the engineers at DT explain that they were unable to recognise any aerodynamic disadvantage for hooked rims in extensive tests - an argument that the hookless competition diligently uses to advertise.

Fresh from the mould

Another special feature is the finish of the rim. The production process has been optimised so that the rim can be processed directly from the mould and only requires stickers - no post-processing, no painting. This saves weight and ensures an elegant matt finish. However, the patented process is not just for visual reasons. It also prevents resin build-up or air pockets, which should improve quality and reliability.

Two heights, two scenarios

The GRC 50 tyres are designed for racing and are consistently designed for aerodynamics and good directional stability. The flatter GRC 30, on the other hand, are more manoeuvrable and lively because they save around 100 grams per rim. They are also naturally less susceptible to crosswinds and are therefore more suitable for travellers and bikepackers. Only the 30-millimetre version is also available in a smaller 650B version. All GRC 1100 Dicut models come with lightweight DT Swiss Aerolite spokes and DT 180 hubs with high-quality ceramic bearings.

For those on a tighter budget, the programme includes the GRC 1400, which is also available in the same versions. The differences are simpler spokes (DT AeroComp) and, with the DT Swiss 240, a somewhat simpler hub technology, and the 1400s do not have ceramic bearings.

The top model is expected to cost 2499 euros, with the Swiss specifying a weight of 1350 grams for the flat version and 1567 grams for the higher version. The GRC 1400 Dicut are hardly any heavier, but with an RRP of 2049 euros they are almost 25 per cent cheaper >> available here.