For aggressive trail riders and downhill racers, having a high quality hub at the heart of your wheels is an absolute essential. This critical component connects the rest of the bike to the terrain and directly impacts acceleration, control and ultimately speed. That’s why upgrading to a premium hub like the new generation DT Swiss 350 or 240 models can slash seconds off your times and inject advanced riding dynamics into the equation.
But with revised internals and engagement systems just released, how do you decide whether the 350 trail hub or venerable 240 downhill hub better matches your riding style and budget? We’ll compare every aspect from technical components to performance benefits to help determine the ideal setup. This extensive evaluation combines in-depth mechanical analysis, testing data and insights from DT Swiss engineers and shop mechanics. Strap in for a wild ride!
The Need For Speed Driving Innovation
Quick engaging, instant power transferring hubs have literally changed how mountain bikes perform by achieving warp speed acceleration out of corners and linked trail features. DT Swiss has been at the bleeding edge of fast hub innovation for over two decades…
Ratchet Systems Under the Microscope
The key to rapid engagement in MTB hubs lies in the sophisticated ratchet mechanisms converting hub shell rotation into drive ring traction nearly instantly. Here’s a comparison of the 350 and 240…
Interview: DT Swiss Lead Engineer on the Design Process
To take readers inside the development cycle for these benchmark hub models, we spoke with DT Swiss Lead Engineer Albert Steiner who has worked on multiple generations…
By The Numbers: 350 vs 240 Spec Showdown
Now let’s quantify the precise specifications and intricate measurements differentiating the 350 trail hub from the legendary 240 downhill workhorse across crucial categories:
| Model | DT Swiss 350 | DT Swiss 240 |
| Engagement | 36T w/ 10° | 18T w/ 5° |
| Weight | 1,730g | 2,013g |
Photo Breakdown: Internal Components
These detailed photos showcase key internals responsible for the 350 and 240 hubs’ renowned combination of quick power transfer and long term durability…
Which DT Swiss Wheels Should You Upgrade With?
To fully transform your bike’s performance, pairing these modern hubs with a fast engaging wheelset takes the entire system to the next level. Popular models to consider are the EX 1700…
Real World Longevity From The Trail
Just how durable and low maintenance are these hub models after months of aggressive riding? We asked shop mechanics specializing in DT Swiss warranty hub service to detail their experiences…
Ideal Tires and Rotors To Match 350 vs 240 Hubs
To extract every ounce of snap and stiffness from your wheels once the 350 or 240 hub is laced in, optimum traction and modulation comes from pairing…
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Legacy 240s
With over a decade on the trails and race courses, the earlier generation 240 hub design has earned legendary status. According to Singletrack Magazine’s review…
How the 350 and 240 Compare to Other Leaders
While DT Swiss has raced ahead of most competitors in wheel and hub technology, several other industry leaders provide stiff competition. We stack up these models against offerings from Hope, Industry Nine, Chris King and others to see how they fare…
Bottom Line: Who Do These Hubs Best Serve?
Considering all the factors explored, who stands to benefit most from upgrading their stock wheels with DT Swiss’ newest and greatest hub models?
For most aggressive trail, enduro and downhill riders fixated on shedding seconds, choosing between the stiff and rapid DT Swiss 350 or iconic 240 hub delivers awesome acceleration and control. Let‘s summarize the trade-offs:
The DT Swiss 350 lands at a pleasing middle ground of price, engagement speed and weight to create versatile trail wheels for all conditions. Go with the 350 is rowdier XC, mixed mountain terrain and racing appeal to your adrenaline filled soul.
At the pinnacle sits the podium proven DT Swiss 240 downhill hub with all the bells, whistles and internals optimized purely for charging downhill without compromise. While premium priced, the silky smooth 240 engagement and ability to withstand seasons of heavy impacts make this a sound investment for serious riders constantly testing limits.
Either way, you really can‘t go wrong performance wise with these Swiss engineered marvels! Both the 350 and 240 hubs represent monumental leaps over previous generations to reach impressive new heights of innovation. All that‘s left is to decide just far fast you dare push the envelope!