Having an issue with DT Swiss Star Ratchet

That makes the most sense.

If it is, Ill ask them to replace with something with a stronger engagement and fewer teeth.

More teeth can usually take more load

More teeth can usually take more load

Given the same tooth size you are correct. In this design however the higher engagement ratchets have less tooth engagement so they are more prone to slipping.

Shop thinks its the ratchets and that Spec will warranty them.

Im putting the 18 tooth in instead today to avoid the couple week wait and hopefully Spec will refund me. I'm not worried, they've been phenomenal on warranty issues with me in the past (which is why I keep buying sworks bikes!)

Given the same tooth size you are correct. In this design however the higher engagement ratchets have less tooth engagement so they are more prone to slipping.

Actually comparing both, the higher tooth count ratchet has almost the same tooth surface contact which means the higher count ratchet increases the total surface contact which makes it the stronger option both by increasing tooth contact and reducing tooth load.

Shop thinks its the ratchets and that Spec will warranty them.

Im putting the 18 tooth in instead today to avoid the couple week wait and hopefully Spec will refund me. I'm not worried, they've been phenomenal on warranty issues with me in the past (which is why I keep buying sworks bikes!)

It is 100% for sure the ratchet

Actually comparing both, the higher tooth count ratchet has almost the same tooth surface contact which means the higher count ratchet increases the total surface contact which makes it the stronger option both by increasing tooth contact and reducing tooth load.

Maybe but the engagement is more sensitive - so if it skips once it seems far more likely to cause damage that prevents it from adequately engaging after.

Maybe but the engagement is more sensitive - so if it skips once it seems far more likely to cause damage that prevents it from adequately engaging after.

Yeah the teeth are less deep so if the ratchets stick just a bit they are more likely to skip. I think. Personally I've not had the courser 18 tooth skip ever over quite a few sets of hubs. I think I had the 24 or a set of Giant wheels and I skipped that enough that it required replacement.

This may sound like a stupid question, but do the ratchets need to go in a certain orientation? They have teeth on both sides, so I'm wondering if it matters (as long as you have the drive-direction correct).

This may sound like a stupid question, but do the ratchets need to go in a certain orientation? They have teeth on both sides, so I'm wondering if it matters (as long as you have the drive-direction correct).

They only have teeth on one side. You need to install them with the teeth faces against each other.

My biggish bike is back and probably working as it should be with new 18tooth ratchets.

I'm sure I will be reimbursed, but man, those small flimsy pieces of metal are more expensive per gram than perfect diamonds.

I'd not like to have to pay for them if they're so sensitive so I'm glad I went with the 18s.

$190.

My biggish bike is back and probably working as it should be with new 18tooth ratchets.

I'm sure I will be reimbursed, but man, those small flimsy pieces of metal are more expensive per gram than perfect diamonds.

I'd not like to have to pay for them if they're so sensitive so I'm glad I went with the 18s.

$190.

Wait a second. The 18T star ratchets were $190?? Or the diagnosis and install + the 18T ratchets were that much?
Someone is making some nice money on the markup on those. Can be had online for somewhere in the $40US range WITH the springs and grease!

18t ratchet shouldn't be 190 bucks, should be max 40~50

Only the 54t and 36t ratchet retails for 170~190 from canadian distributor. Not sure why there's huge markup for those latter two ratchet upgrades.

I will inquire.
It was $190 parts.