The ratchet hub is one of the key features of modern bicycles, especially those of a higher standard. It is the central component of the wheel, which allows the transfer of force from the pedals to the wheel, resulting in the movement of the bicycle. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what a ratchet hub is, how to service it, and discuss the differences between ratchets with different numbers of gears.
What is a ratchet hub?
A ratchet hub is a type of freewheeling mechanism in the rear wheel hub. This mechanism consists of a ratchet, or mesh element, and ratchet springs that mesh with these teeth. When you pedal, the pawls engage the teeth of the ratchet, which enables the transmission. When you stop pedaling, the ratchets release, allowing the wheel to spin freely.
The difference between a regular ratchet hub and a ratchet
The key difference between a ratchet hub and a traditional ratchet hub is the way both systems engage the bike's drive. In ratchet hubs, the pawls are built directly into the ratchet, which is an integral part of the hub cylinder. This provides a more direct power transfer and typically faster response to pedal movement. In traditional ratchet hubs, the free-wheeling mechanism consists of separate pawls that engage with a gear inside the hub. Although both systems serve the same purpose, the ratchet mechanism typically offers greater precision and responsiveness, which is especially appreciated in higher-end bicycle equipment.
Ratchet servicing
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the ratchet is key to maintaining its performance and the life of the mechanism. This process involves removing old grease and dirt, and then applying new grease. We recommend a dedicated red grease called "DT ratchet grease." It is recommended that the ratchet be cleaned and lubricated on average every 3,000-5,000 kilometers to prevent excessive wear on the teeth and to maintain precision operation.
Amount of grease vs. ratchet volume
The amount of grease in the ratchet has a direct effect on its loudness of operation. Less grease means that the mechanism will run louder, but on the other hand, the ratchet will require more frequent service intervals (cleaning and lubrication). On the other hand, more grease makes the ratchet run quieter. It is not recommended to use a very large amount of grease, because the teeth of the ratchet can stick together, so it is important to exercise moderation and review the lubrication status on average 1-2 times a year.
Differences between ratchets 18t, 36t and 54t
The latest generation of DT Swiss hubs comes with a 36T ratchet from the factory, or 18T for the entry-level DT 370 model. The number of teeth in the ratchet (18, 36, 54) affects the performance of the mechanism. Ratchets with a higher number of teeth (e.g., 36t) offer faster pedaling response, which is especially desirable for mountain biking where speeds are low on climbs (longer mesh dead time) or high-performance road riding (e.g., frequent finishes). We know from experience that a 36T ratchet is a highly satisfactory solution even for high-performance applications, and the differences between the number of gears are marginally noticeable in practice, and a possible upgrade to 54T is a sensible solution for advanced performance riders.
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