Essential DIY Wheel Maintenance for EX 1700 SPLINE

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The DT Swiss EX 1700 SPLINE [paid link] is a robust and versatile [paid link] wheelset designed for mountain bikers who demand performance, durability, and reliability. Its versatility allows it to tackle rough terrains while maintaining a lightweight profile. Proper maintenance and care are essential for ensuring its long-lasting performance. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for installing, adjusting, maintaining, and troubleshooting the EX 1700 SPLINE [paid link], as well as optimizing it for better performance.

Tools Required

  • Torque wrench [paid link]
  • 15mm through-axle adapter (if applicable)
  • 5mm hex wrench
  • T25 Torx wrench [paid link]
  • Spoke wrench (appropriate size)
  • Tubeless sealant
  • Tire levers
  • Valve core remover
  • Cleaning brush
  • Lubricant (grease and oil)
  • Rags
  • Replacement spokes (optional)
  • Wheel truing stand (optional but recommended)
  • Rim tape (if needed)

Installation of the EX 1700 SPLINE

The EX 1700 SPLINE wheelset features DT Swiss’s high-quality hubs, rims, and spokes. Installing the wheelset correctly ensures smooth performance and prevents premature wear. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Prepare the Bike:
    • Make sure your bike is properly supported using a bike stand [paid link].
    • Remove the old wheelset or the existing wheels from the frame and fork.
  2. Install the Front Wheel:
    • Insert the front wheel into the fork dropout. Ensure the hub is centered and aligned with the fork.
    • Secure the wheel using a quick-release skewer or through-axle, depending on your bike’s setup. Tighten it according to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
  3. Install the Rear Wheel:
    • Insert the rear wheel into the rear triangle of the bike, ensuring the cassette faces outward (on the right side).
    • For bikes with a through-axle, ensure the axle slides through the rear hub properly, and tighten it securely. If you’re using a quick release, adjust it accordingly.
  4. Check for Proper Installation:
    • Once installed, check that the wheels spin freely and without wobble. Ensure both wheels are firmly secured.

Adjusting the EX 1700 SPLINE

Proper adjustment of your EX 1700 SPLINE ensures maximum efficiency and smooth operation. The most important adjustments focus on spoke tension, hub bearings, and wheel alignment.

  1. Spoke Tension:
    • Using a spoke wrench, check each spoke for proper tension. Properly tensioned spokes ensure a balanced wheel that resists deformation.
    • If you notice any spokes that are too loose or too tight, adjust them incrementally. Avoid overtightening, as it could cause the wheel to become out of true.
  2. Hub Bearing Adjustment:
    • The EX 1700 SPLINE features high-quality hubs that require periodic bearing adjustments. To check the bearing preload, spin the wheel by hand and feel for any resistance or roughness in the hub.
    • If the hub feels tight or overly loose, you may need to adjust the bearing preload. Using a 5mm hex wrench, carefully loosen or tighten the hub’s bearing adjustment nut to achieve smooth, free-rolling performance.
  3. Wheel Truing:
    • Use a wheel truing stand to check the wheel’s true alignment. If the wheel is not perfectly straight, adjust the spoke tension accordingly.
    • When truing, aim to correct any lateral or radial misalignment. Adjust the tension of the spokes incrementally, keeping in mind that changes to one spoke may affect others.

Maintenance of the EX 1700 SPLINE

Regular maintenance of the EX 1700 SPLINE helps preserve its longevity and keeps your ride smooth. Here’s how to maintain the wheelset:

  1. Cleaning:
    • Regularly clean the wheels to remove dirt, mud, and grime that can cause premature wear.
    • Use a brush and mild soapy water to clean the rims and hubs. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wheel’s finish.
    • Clean the braking surface to ensure optimal braking performance.
  2. Tubeless Setup and Sealant Maintenance:
    • The EX 1700 SPLINE is tubeless-ready. To maintain a tubeless setup, periodically check the tire sealant levels.
    • If the sealant appears dry or ineffective, remove the tire and apply fresh sealant. Use a valve core remover to top up the sealant through the valve stem.
  3. Lubricating the Hubs:
    • Apply lubricant to the pawls and internal mechanisms of the hub at regular intervals, especially if you ride in wet or muddy conditions.
    • For best results, clean the hubs with a rag before applying lubricant.
  4. Spoke Inspection:
    • Over time, spokes may become loose or damaged. Check all spokes for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any broken or frayed spokes as necessary.
    • Tighten any loose spokes, ensuring even tension across the entire wheel.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

Despite its high-quality build, the EX 1700 SPLINE can sometimes experience issues that require troubleshooting. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  1. Wheel Wobble:
    • A wobbly wheel is often caused by uneven spoke tension or a misaligned wheel. Use a spoke wrench to check and adjust spoke tension. If the wheel continues to wobble, check the wheel alignment on a truing stand and adjust as necessary.
  2. Loose Hub:
    • If you experience play in the hub, it could be due to loose bearings or a poorly adjusted axle. Tighten the bearing preload using a 5mm hex wrench to ensure the hub spins smoothly and without resistance.
  3. Flat Tire:
    • A flat tire on a tubeless setup may be caused by a puncture that the sealant hasn’t sealed. Inspect the tire for visible punctures and add more sealant if necessary. If the sealant is insufficient or dried out, replace it with fresh sealant.
  4. Noisy Hubs:
    • Hubs can sometimes develop a clicking or grinding noise due to dirty or dry internal pawls. Remove the hub from the wheel, clean it thoroughly, and apply lubrication to the pawls. This should resolve any unwanted noise.

Customizing the EX 1700 SPLINE for Better Performance

Customizing the EX 1700 SPLINE to suit your specific riding style or conditions can improve its performance. Consider the following upgrades and modifications:

  1. Upgrade to Higher-Quality Tires:
    • Pairing the EX 1700 SPLINE with high-performance tires suited to your riding style (e.g., grippier tires for downhill or faster tires for cross-country riding) can significantly enhance overall performance.
  2. Adjusting Spoke Tension for Weight Distribution:
    • If you’re a heavier rider or primarily ride on rough terrains, increasing spoke tension can provide extra durability and prevent deformation under load.
  3. Hub Upgrades:
    • For riders who want a quieter hub or faster engagement, upgrading the pawl system or internal hub mechanism could result in a smoother and more responsive ride.

Comparing EX 1700 SPLINE with Similar Models

When choosing a wheelset for mountain biking, the EX 1700 SPLINE is often compared with other wheelsets in the same price range. Here’s how it compares to similar models:

  1. DT Swiss XM 1501 SPLINE One:
    • The EX 1700 SPLINE is more affordable than the XM 1501 SPLINE One, but the latter offers better stiffness and performance for more aggressive riding. The EX 1700 SPLINE is a great choice for those looking for a balance between durability and weight.
  2. Race Face Turbine R [paid link]:
    • The Race Face Turbine R [paid link] is another competitor, but it comes at a higher price point and offers a slightly higher weight. The EX 1700 SPLINE, on the other hand, provides a great combination of stiffness, lightness, and value.

Understanding Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The EX 1700 SPLINE wheelset is compatible with a wide range of drivetrains, making it a versatile [paid link] choice for various bikes. However, it is crucial to ensure compatibility, particularly with the cassette and freehub body.

  1. Freehub Body Compatibility:
    • The EX 1700 SPLINE features the DT Swiss Ratchet System, which is compatible with Shimano, SRAM, and some other drivetrains. Make sure the freehub body matches your bike’s cassette, whether you use a 9-speed, 10-speed, or 11-speed setup.
  2. Brake Compatibility:
    • The EX 1700 SPLINE is available with both centerlock and six-bolt disc brake options, making it adaptable to most mountain bike frames.

Proper maintenance, adjustment, and customization of the DT Swiss EX 1700 SPLINE wheelset can ensure its long-term performance and reliability. By following these instructions, you can keep your wheels in top condition and enjoy a smooth, efficient ride for years to come.