Maintaining and cleaning your DT Swiss EX 1700 SPLINE [paid link] wheels regularly ensures optimal performance and longevity. Proper care not only extends the life of the wheels but also ensures smooth, reliable rides. This guide will walk you through the steps for maintaining and cleaning your EX 1700 SPLINE [paid link] wheels, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring compatibility with other components.
Tools Required
- Mild dish soap or bike-specific cleaner
- Soft brush (e.g., an old toothbrush)
- Microfiber cloth
- Chain oil or bike-specific lube
- Wrench or torque wrench [paid link]
- Tire levers
- Spoke wrench
- Rags or towels
- Bucket of water
- Cleaning mitt or sponge
Cleaning the EX 1700 SPLINE Wheels
Step 1: Prepare the Bike and Wheels for Cleaning
Before you begin cleaning, it’s essential to remove the wheels from your bike. Use a wrench to remove the quick release or thru-axle, depending on your bike’s setup. Once the wheels are removed, place them on a clean surface.
Step 2: Rinse the Wheels
Start by rinsing the wheels with water to remove large debris, such as dirt or grit. This step helps prevent scratching the rim and hub surfaces while cleaning. Use a hose or a bucket of water to gently rinse the wheels without using high-pressure water, which can damage bearings and hubs.
Step 3: Clean the Rims and Hubs
Mix a mild dish soap with water in a bucket. Dip a soft brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the rims, hubs, and spokes. Focus on the brake track, ensuring that all dirt and brake pad residue is removed. Clean around the spokes gently, as they can be delicate. Be sure to avoid aggressive scrubbing that might damage the rim or the finish of the wheel.
Step 4: Clean the Nipple Area and Spokes
Use a toothbrush or a spoke brush to clean between the spokes and the nipple area. This is where dust and grime tend to accumulate, so cleaning it thoroughly helps maintain spoke tension and wheel integrity.
Step 5: Dry the Wheels
After cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to dry the wheels. This step helps prevent water spots and ensures no moisture remains that could promote rusting, especially around the spoke nipples and hubs.
Maintaining the EX 1700 SPLINE Wheels
Step 1: Lubricate the Hubs
Regular lubrication of the hubs is crucial for smooth operation. To maintain the EX 1700 SPLINE wheels, remove the hub’s end cap and apply a light layer of appropriate hub grease to the bearings and inside of the hub shell. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the right type of lubricant. Ensure the grease does not spill onto the braking surface, as this can affect braking performance.
Step 2: Inspect the Spokes and Tension
Inspect the spokes for any signs of damage or looseness. Use a spoke wrench to check the tension of each spoke. If any spokes feel loose or overly tight, it’s important to adjust them for even tension. A balanced wheel is key to preventing wheel wobble and maintaining the structural integrity of the EX 1700 SPLINE.
Step 3: Check for Proper Bearing Play
Over time, the bearings in the hubs can loosen or wear down. Check for any side-to-side play in the hubs by grabbing each side of the wheel and trying to wiggle it. If there is play, it may be time to re-tighten or replace the bearings. This process can be tricky, so if you’re unsure, take your wheel to a professional mechanic for assistance.
Step 4: Inspect the Rim Tape
Ensure the rim tape is intact and properly positioned. The rim tape protects the inner tube from the spoke nipples. If you notice any tears, punctures, or misalignment, replace the rim tape. This small maintenance step helps prevent flats and keeps your ride smooth.
Step 5: Examine the Brake Track
The EX 1700 SPLINE wheels feature a high-quality braking surface, which requires attention. If you have rim brakes, ensure that the brake track is free from contaminants. Cleaning the rim periodically with rubbing alcohol can help maintain braking efficiency. For disc brake setups, inspect the rotor for any warping or damage and clean the rotor surface using a specific disc brake cleaner.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue 1: Uneven Spoke Tension
Uneven spoke tension can lead to a wobbly wheel or cause damage to the rim. To fix this, use a spoke wrench to adjust the tension of the spokes. Start by identifying the loose or tight spokes and adjust them evenly around the wheel to ensure proper alignment.
Issue 2: Hub Play or Noise
Excessive play or noise from the hub may indicate worn or loose bearings. If tightening the end cap doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to replace the bearings. Disassemble the hub, clean out the old grease, and reapply fresh lubricant before reassembling.
Issue 3: Brake Track Contamination
If the braking performance is poor, there may be contaminants on the rim, such as oil or brake pad residue. Clean the rim carefully with a mild cleaning solution or alcohol and a clean rag to restore braking efficiency.
Issue 4: Tire Installation Problems
If you’re having trouble installing tires on the EX 1700 SPLINE wheels, make sure the tire is properly aligned on the rim before applying pressure. Using tire levers correctly and ensuring the bead is seated evenly will make installation much easier.
Customizing and Optimizing the EX 1700 SPLINE Wheels
Optimizing for Weight and Performance
The DT Swiss EX 1700 SPLINE wheels are known for their robustness and durability, but if you’re looking to shave off some weight or improve performance, consider upgrading the tires. Lighter tires can significantly reduce rotational mass and enhance performance. Choose high-quality, lightweight tires that still provide durability and puncture resistance for long rides.
Upgrading the Hub for Better Engagement
If you’re looking for quicker engagement or a more responsive ride, upgrading the hub internals may be an option. While the stock hubs on the EX 1700 SPLINE provide solid performance, high-end options can offer faster engagement points for quicker acceleration.
Adjusting for Better Aerodynamics
For riders focused on aerodynamics, optimizing tire pressure can make a noticeable difference. Experiment with different tire pressures to find the optimal balance between comfort and low rolling resistance. Lower tire pressures can offer more comfort, while higher pressures can reduce rolling resistance, depending on riding conditions.
Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components
The EX 1700 SPLINE wheels are designed with compatibility in mind, especially for modern mountain and road bike setups. These wheels are typically compatible with most 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11-speed drivetrains. The hubs use a 6-bolt disc rotor mount, which is compatible with most disc brake systems. Ensure that your cassette body is compatible with the specific drivetrain you’re using. For a perfect match, DT Swiss provides an array of adapters and freehub bodies.
If you plan on using the EX 1700 SPLINE wheels with a 12-speed drivetrain, ensure that the freehub body is compatible with the additional width and new cassettes. Many riders upgrade to a 12-speed cassette for smoother shifting, but it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.