DT Swiss Degrees of Freedom (DF) Upgrade Kit — No Tool
SKU code: APO-HWYXXX00N6976S
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Take the harshness out of pedal kickback
On a full-suspension bike, chain tension fights your suspension over square-edged hits — that’s pedal kickback. The DT Swiss Degrees of Freedom (DF) upgrade lets the freehub rotate a set amount before it drives, so the chain lets go and the rear wheel is free to track the ground. The result is a smoother, more planted rear end with more grip on the rough.
Highlights
- Selectable 0°, 10° or 20° of free rotation before engagement — tune it to your riding
- Less pedal-kickback harshness; a more sensitive, more composed rear suspension
- More traction and control through braking bumps, rock gardens and fast chatter
- Keeps DT Swiss’s proven star ratchet — smooth, reliable drive
- Negligible weight; change the setting by hand
- Retrofits the DT Swiss DEG hub you already ride — no new wheels
- Kit only — the lower-cost option for riders who already have the DT Swiss ring removal tool
How it works
The kit replaces the threaded ring and two ratchets inside your Ratchet DEG freehub. The slotted ring lets you choose how far the freehub turns — 0°, 10° or 20° — before the star ratchet engages. As you freewheel, spring pressure resets the mechanism; when you pedal, it takes up drive smoothly. At 0° you get standard, instant engagement, so you can still run it firm whenever you want.
Which setting?
A good starting point, then set it to taste: 0° for XC and racing, 10° for trail and all-mountain, 20° for enduro and downhill. Riding an eMTB? There’s a dedicated eMTB version that runs 0° or 10° only — check with us so we get you the right kit.
Compatibility & fit
Fits any DT Swiss hub with the Ratchet DEG freehub system. This is the kit only — you’ll need the DT Swiss ring removal tool to fit it. Not sure whether your hub is DEG, or whether you have the tool? Send us your hub or wheel details and we’ll confirm before you buy. As Australia’s DT Swiss wheel-building and service specialist, Tune Cycles can install the kit, set the degree to your riding and service the hub at the same time. Fitting is a separate service and the labour is quoted when you book — mobile across Sydney or at our Marrickville workshop.
Need the tool as well? Choose the DEG DF Upgrade Kit (with tool) instead.
New to Degrees of Freedom? Read our guide: what the DEG DF upgrade does to your ride.
Covered by DT Swiss’s manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For warranty support, return the item to Tune Cycles — we’ll assess it and lodge the claim with DT Swiss on your behalf.
- DT Swiss Ratchet DEG “Degrees of Freedom” (DF) anti-pedal-kickback upgrade
- Selectable 0° / 10° / 20° free rotation before engagement
- Retrofits any DT Swiss Ratchet DEG freehub
- Replaces the threaded ring and two ratchets; retains the star ratchet drive
- Tool-free setting adjustment; negligible weight
- Kit only — DT Swiss ring removal tool required (not included)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| System | DT Swiss Ratchet DEG — Degrees of Freedom (DF) |
| Function | Anti-pedal-kickback; selectable freehub free rotation |
| Settings | 0°, 10° or 20° |
| Compatibility | Any DT Swiss Ratchet DEG freehub |
| Kit contents | Threaded ring, two ratchets (ring removal tool not included) |
| Adjustment | Tool-free (by hand) |
| Weight impact | Negligible |
| SKU | APO-HWYXXX00N6976S |
| Barcode # | 7613052418681 |
| Brand | DT Swiss |
