DT Swiss Pawl to Ratchet LN 18 Tooth Conevrsion Kits
DT Swiss conversion kits are "system-specific." To choose the correct kit, you must identify your hub's drive type: Standard Ratchet (350/Old 240), Ratchet LN (Upgraded 370), Ratchet EXP (New 240/180), or the high-engagement Ratchet DEG.
DT Swiss Ratchet freehub conversion kits are the industry standard for transforming or upgrading a drivetrain without replacing the entire wheelset. DT Swiss has streamlined their ecosystem into four distinct "families," each requiring a specific kit.
The most significant change in recent years is the Ratchet LN kit, which allows owners of budget-friendly "3-pawl" hubs (like those found on many entry-level Scott, Trek, or Giant bikes) to upgrade to the legendary star ratchet system.
The Upgrade Families
-
Ratchet LN (The "Pawl Killer"): This kit is designed to convert entry-level 3-pawl hubs (370 series) to a ratchet system. Because pawl hubs don't have a seal on the hub shell, the LN freehub body features an integrated seal to keep grit out of the ratchets.
-
Standard Ratchet (Star Ratchet): Used on the classic 350 and older 240s. These kits are the most common and are interchangeable across almost all classic DT Swiss Star Ratchet hubs.
-
Ratchet EXP: Found on high-end 240 and 180 hubs. These kits are lighter because the inner ratchet is threaded directly into the hub shell. Note: EXP freehubs are not backward compatible with standard Ratchet hubs.
-
Ratchet DEG: The current mtb flagship system with either 72 or 90 points of engagement. These kits use a much larger diameter ratchet and are specific to DEG-only hub shells.
Performance Insight: Which do you need?
-
If you have a bike with "DT Swiss 370" hubs: You need the Ratchet LN conversion kit. This will instantly make your bike sound better and improve engagement reliability.
-
If you're moving from Shimano to SRAM 12-speed: You only need the Freehub Body + End Cap kit for your specific system (Ratchet vs. EXP).
-
The "Lube" Rule: Always use DT Swiss Special Grease (Molykote). Using standard thick grease will cause the ratchets to stick, leading to "skipping" and potential damage to the teeth.
