TESTED: DT Swiss FR541 Rim 5

Downhill wheels are designed to be thrashed, and that's just what DT Swiss' latest FR541 rims were built for. Straying from their traditional FR Series rim design, the new rim builds upon the highly sought-after EX Series rim, with added material in key areas to enhance impact resistance and pinch flat protection. We all know the infamous Aaron Gwin tireless run at Leogang on EX471 rims; however, if he was riding the new FR541 rims, the story might have ended differently with air still in his tire at the bottom of his run. 

Highlights 

• Intended for Downhill and Freeride uses
• Aluminum Construction
• Available in 27.5, (650b) and 29-inch
• 28 or 32-hole options
• 24-month Legal Warranty
• Tire Interface: Hooked/Crochet Tubeless TC
• 30mm internal width
• 35mm outer width
• Welded Rim Joint
• Weight: 570 grams per rim
• MSRP: $151 USD

Overview

Building off the EX Series rim, the engineering team at DT Swiss gave the FR541 rim a new profile design and added material around the rim bed, sidewall, and the upper part of the wheel hook. The result? A rim intended to be more impact-resistant with an increased surface area where pinch flats occurred most with the prior rim profile. DT Swiss claims this new rim profile is 17% more likely to withstand a pinch flat than the previous FR560 rim. The FR541 uses the same welded joining method as other DT Swiss aluminum rims, as well as DT Swiss' PHR (Pro Head Reinforcement) system that increases the load-bearing surface of the nipples on the rim to reduce localized stresses.

DT Swiss offers the FR541 rim in multiple configurations to meet the needs of any rider. With individual rims and full 27.5", 29", and mullet options in 28 or 32-spoke count, freeride, downhill, or enduro riders alike can easily replace their stock wheels when they inevitably suffer dents beyond repair. A single rim retails for $151 USD and comes with three sticker kits to match your bike. 

On The Trail

Testing took place at various shuttle spots around San Diego. Each spot brought a different element with high speeds, larger jumps, a mix of corners, and plenty of rocks. We scored with conditions and spent the majority of testing enjoying tacky traction, with only one day of dry laps. The trails ridden provided an excellent representation of how these rims would fare at bike parks or during a downhill race weekend. 

As expected with a downhill wheelset, the DT Swiss FR541 rims shined most when pointed downhill. Aluminum wheels have a distinctly familiar feeling compared to carbon wheels. We have become accustomed to the multitudes of ride characteristics from different carbon layups or designs, but aluminum rims have a less distinct feel. The FR 541 rims were well-rounded, without one distinct characteristic outshining another. They felt compliant from our initial run and wanted to hold a line through rough chatter or smaller rock gardens. When dropping into rutted-out sections of trail, we did not have an issue holding a line (be it in or out of the rut), and the rims never unexpectedly deflected off rocks or ruts. Overall, the rims had a nice ride quality that complimented our downhill trails. 

Since we were testing rims, we decided to drop our tire pressure to 23 psi in the front and 24 psi in the rear (normal pressures are 26 psi front and 28 psi rear with DH casing tires) to really get a gauge of the rims impact resistance. We also made sure to drop our heels when approaching rock gardens we would typically unweight over. The result was as expected and hoped for: we ended up with a few flat spots, some air burping, and a few dents. But impressively and a little surprisingly, no flat tires. We would not go as far as to say the FR541 rims are completely indestructible; however, they did hold up very well and got us to the bottom of each run with air in our tires and never once felt like they were going to suffer a catastrophic failure. 

To us, the FR541 rim did not feel as soft as DT Swiss' other downhill rims,  nor did it dent or flat spot as much as the FR560 and older FR570 rims. Like many aluminum downhill rims, the FR541 was less snappy or responsive than comparable carbon options. However, what they lacked in snappiness was gained in compliance and ride feel. As previously mentioned, the FR541 rims had a fantastic ride quality and exemplary ability to hold a line or maintain an arc through a corner.

Things That Could Be Improved

Even though the FR541 rim felt stiffer and more resilient than DT Swiss' other downhill rims, it still felt softer than other aluminum downhill rims. This characteristic makes them less susceptible to pinch flats or cracks; however, it also makes them more likely to flat spot or dent. It is a bit of a blessing and a curse, making them great for racers looking for a trustworthy rim that can withstand the abuse of a race run and get them to the bottom with air in their tires. But for weekend warriors needing a solid rim to withstand countless bike park laps, the FR541 will definitely show some signs of wear and tear by the end of the season. 

Long Term Durability

The FR541 rims are posed to keep you rolling for a long time, but they will flaunt some flat spots and dents in time. As for wheel tension, or test set has continued to hold spoke tension well, even with multiple flat spots, and is still true. 

What's The Bottom Line?

DT Swiss' FR541 rim successfully provides downhillers and freeriders with a rim capable of withstanding harsher impacts and better puncture resistance than previous FR Series rims. While they are not the lightest or most responsive, they offer excellent ride characteristics allowing them to track the roughest terrain at speed. A tad softer than other DH-rated aluminum rims on the market, riders may collect a few dents and flat spots but will struggle to push the FR541 rim past its breaking point. 

For more information, please visit dtswiss.com 

About The Tester

Tanner Stephens - Age: 28 // Years Riding MTB: 16 // Height: 5’10” (178 cm) // Weight: 145-pounds (65.8kg)

Most known for winning a Pro US Downhill National on an old spray-painted bike, Tanner chased the dream of racing at the World Cup level for several years. Now working within corporate America, he keeps his hands in the bike industry through various creative outlets. He has developed a strong affection for suffering on long road and mixed terrain rides and getting sketchy on an XC bike; however, he hasn’t lost his love for smashing rocks, railing corners, and flowing jumps. A true student of mountain biking, Tanner has a strong love for downhill history and can be heard chatting about racing on Vital’s B Practice Podcast.