DT Swiss GRC 1400 Wheelset

The DT Swiss GRC 1400 Spline 42 Wheelset is a carbon gravel wheelset built around the principle that faster, more versatile performance on varied terrain demands purpose-built engineering — not a road wheel adapted to handle dirt. DT Swiss developed the GRC 1400 with input from SwissSide, their aerodynamics partner, arriving at a 42mm carbon rim with a 24mm internal width. That combination puts this wheelset in a precise performance window: deep enough to cut through wind on paved descents and rolling gravel, wide enough to run 35mm+ tires at the pressures that actually work on rough ground.

The TSS (Tubeless System Spline) rim construction is hookless — the correct engineering choice for wider gravel tires. Hookless rims allow for a more uniform cross-section that distributes casing tension more evenly, reducing the risk of burping on chunky terrain. The GRC 1400 is rated for tires up to 45mm wide and carries an ASTM 2 classification, covering moderate off-road use including typical gravel and light trail riding. DT Swiss also rates this wheelset for e-bike use up to 250W and 32km/h, giving it real versatility across different bike platforms.

The heart of the build is the Spline hub — DT Swiss' flagship hub architecture adapted for gravel. Up front, 12x100mm thru-axle engagement is predictable and stiff; at the rear, 12x142mm. The rear hub runs DT Swiss' 36-tooth SL Ratchet system, providing quick and positive engagement. The freehub is convertible between Shimano HG, SRAM XD, and SRAM XDR driver bodies, covering the full range of current gravel drivetrain standards.

DT Swiss laces both wheels with 24 Aerolite Comp II straight-pull spokes — an aero-profiled bladed spoke that combines aerodynamic shaping with tensile strength suited for both on- and off-road loading. Straight-pull spoke beds eliminate the J-bend stress point that causes conventional spokes to fatigue over time, relevant for gravel riding where vibration and lateral load cycles are constant. The 24/24 spoke count keeps rotational weight in check without sacrificing durability. The complete set weighs 1,634g (front 763g / rear 871g) — competitive for a carbon gravel wheelset at this rim depth, and well below the threshold where wheel weight starts to blunt climbing performance on long gravel ascents.

Design Benefits

1. Aerodynamically optimized profile — Developed with SwissSide, the 42mm depth reduces aerodynamic drag on paved and hardpacked sections without the handling penalties of deeper road-racing profiles in crosswinds.
2. Wide hookless rim architecture — 24mm internal width runs 35–45mm gravel tires at appropriate pressures, improving traction and compliance while hookless construction distributes casing tension uniformly.
3. SL Ratchet engagement — 36-tooth drive ring provides immediate, predictable power transfer — critical on technical gravel climbs where momentum is hard to recover.
4. Aerolite Comp II straight-pull spokes — Bladed profile reduces spoke drag while straight-pull construction eliminates the fatigue-prone J-bend, extending durability across varied terrain.
5. Universal freehub compatibility — Convertible for Shimano HG, SRAM XD, and SRAM XDR, covering virtually every current gravel groupset without additional purchases.
6. ASTM 2 and e-bike rated — Broad certification covers real-world gravel riding and e-bike use, making this a versatile wheelset across multiple bike platforms.

Final Take

The DT Swiss GRC 1400 Spline 42 earns its position in the carbon gravel market through precise engineering rather than specification padding. The 42mm/24mm rim combination, hookless TSS construction, and SwissSide-informed aerodynamics combine into a wheelset that performs across the full range of gravel riding — fast on pavement, capable on broken terrain. Backed by DT Swiss' service network and the proven Spline hub platform, these wheels are a long-term investment in gravel performance.