DT Swiss has announced the launch of its second generation of ARC (Aero Road Carbon) road bike wheels. The new ARC design takes DT Swiss' Aero+ concept and leverages modern technology trends to develop new rim shapes, spokes, and hub internals DT Swiss claims that the new ARC series, available in two model options and three depths, is not only faster but also more easier to control, the company claims.

Road technology has advanced dramatically in recent years, with disc brakes now commonplace and tubeless road tire technology and wider rims now accepted as the future. The original ARC was released in 2018, and DT Switzerland admits that the old ARC was designed to be as aero as possible, but that the design was limited by the requirement for rim brakes on the rims.

DT Swiss made a number of changes to the rim profile, claiming not only improved aero performance, but also improved handling stability and reduced rolling resistance.

DT Swiss continued to work with aerodynamics specialist Swiss Side to rework the AERO+ concept, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, wind tunnel testing, and actual road tests. The rim profile is narrower on the inside edge and wider on the outside compared to the previous model. This not only improves aerodynamic performance, but also makes the rim more predictable and controllable in severe crosswinds, according to the company.

The rim width has been widened to 20 mm for a better tire profile and smoother tire-to-rim transition to reduce turbulence DT Swiss recommends mounting 25 mm front and 28 mm rear tires to get the most performance from the wheelset Both the 1100 and 1400 models are equipped with hook beads, but a tubeless set-up improves grip, comfort, and puncture resistance, and reduces rolling resistance. These wheels are only available in disc brake versions.

DT Swiss claims to have saved 1.1 watts by redesigning the spokes. New 35% wider and 23% thinner DT Aerolite II spokes are used on the front and non-driveside rear, while the laterally stiffer DT AeroComp II spokes are also used on the rear driveside. These new spokes are used only on the Arc 1100 Dicat wheelset, while the 1400 version uses the older DT Comp spokes.

The hubs on both the 1100 and 1400 versions are thinner for improved aerodynamics and have an improved ratchet EXP freehub system; the 180 hub on the 1100 grade uses low-friction SINC ceramic bearings and lightweight 36SL ratchet EXP The 1400 wheelset also uses 36SL Ratchet EXP, but the 240 hub body rotates in stainless steel bearings.