I was just asking about these as well. So far I have determined the advantages are they are durable, reasonable weight, and have a strong engagement mechanism. Disadvantages are only 18pt engagement, somewhat expensive. I think if the price is right, they are a good hub, but I am willing to spend the extra money for quicker engagement.

 

I have a set of 240s and they are nice and light. Only downside to them is you need special tools to disassemble the hub to get to the bearings and maintain them. Otherwise great hub, spin forever.

 

Any opinions on these hubs ? They are on a wheelset I am thinking about purchasing ? Read they only have 18 points of engagment but use a star wheel ? Is this ok ? Thanx

The 340 is a less expensive, heavier version of the 240s (mainly because of using steel in place of aluminum in places). Good hubs. I would have no reservations in using them.

 

The hubshell on the 340 is thicker without the machined holes of the 240s. That's the real difference. I have both and they look the same internally, just hubshell differences and not for a pricepoint, but for the purpose of greater durability due to the thicker flanges.

 

I have both and they look the same internally, just hubshell differences and not for a pricepoint, but for the purpose of greater durability due to the thicker flanges.

Sorry it is not completely clear to me what you are saying here. Do you mean that the 340 have a greater durability than the 240s because of the thicker flanges?

That would mean that the sole advantage of the 240s over the 340 is the weight?

apaju

 

That's exactly what I mean, yes. THe 340 was not made to satisfy a price range. In fact, the only reason it's a small amount less is because of less machinework. It was designed for heavier duty than the 240s. Internals are the same.

 

340 vs 240s vs Hope Pro II

Hi Jerk_Chicken

So you own 340, 240s and I think also Hope Pro II hubs . These are the three hubs I have in mind for my next wheelset and could not decide yet. I have good experience with some old dt swiss hubs on my road bike but in these forums I read a lot of good things about hope.

What do you think are the pros and cons of the three hubs. I do not plan on a lot of abuse (no drops and jumps) and my main priorities are smooth running and durability. (I am at about 195 lbs decreasing).

Thanks apaju

 

Thanks, that sounds great. I could go with 340, save money and gain durability.

apaju

 

Yeah, it's a great hub and no less quality than the 240s. The 240s is very strong as well. I wouldn't even say the flanges are even appreciably thicker or wider, just less machine work from a similar or the same blank.

Either way, it's a strong hub. I'll see if I can post closeups later.

 

Here are the pics. I will note that I did not get the micrometer out to measure the flange thickness. On appearance, I will amend the above to say that if there's any differential in thickness, it's minimal because I can't really tell. The main thing you'll see is the disc flange is machined on the 240s, as well as holes. They are probably the biggest bit of weight savings between the two.

According to DT's new site, which is horrible to navigate through, the 340 is 372gms, while the 240s is 273gms. I still wouldn't qualify the 340 as their "economical" hub, because they have the Taiwanese made Onyx line for that which doesn't use the Hugi star ratchets. The 340 is simply a less machined 240s and it will still cost you, but in reliability, they are tops. Few parts, great sealing, low drag, and incredible precision.

 

The problem with 340 hubs is that you can't covert them to 9/10 or 20mm from 5mm or vice versa. You can do that with 240s.

 

Do you know what is the reason? I could swear the same parts apply to the 240s and the 340.

 

Do you know what is the reason? I could swear the same parts apply to the 240s and the 340.

DT Swiss said that the 340 hubs have larger bearings. So you can't convert. For that reason, I would get the 240s or the 440. I have 340 on one set of the wheels, and I am stuck with 5mm.

 

Any opinions on these hubs ? They are on a wheelset I am thinking about purchasing ? Read they only have 18 points of engagment but use a star wheel ? Is this ok ? Thanx

You can't go wrong with these. Get them.

 

DT Swiss said that the 340 hubs have larger bearings. So you can't convert. For that reason, I would get the 240s or the 440. I have 340 on one set of the wheels, and I am stuck with 5mm.

Well I purchased the wheelset only to find out the next day I couldn't do any rear thru axle conversions :madman: May have to put them on the auction block .

 

Well I purchased the wheelset only to find out the next day I couldn't do any rear thru axle conversions :madman: May have to put them on the auction block .

You may be able to convert the rear from 5mm to 10mm. I think this may be possible, but not the front. The only problem is that this only marginally improves the rigidity (unlike the front), and would cost something like $50 for the thru-bolt and $50 for the new end caps. Check with DT Swiss and let us know.

 

Ahhh...now I see where the confusion lies...I was only referring to the rear hub in my experience. I do not have DT front hubs because I use Hope ProII on both bikes.

 

That's exactly what I mean, yes. THe 340 was not made to satisfy a price range. In fact, the only reason it's a small amount less is because of less machinework. It was designed for heavier duty than the 240s. Internals are the same.

In the U.S. the 340 costs ~25% less than the 240s, more than a small amount less in my book.

 

And they are still expensive, relatively speaking, even with 25% off because the 240s is an expensive hub.

 

And they are still expensive, relatively speaking, even with 25% off because the 240s is an expensive hub.

But still less expensive than the 240s. I never said they were cheap or a bargain.

 

You may be able to convert the rear from 5mm to 10mm. I think this may be possible, but not the front. The only problem is that this only marginally improves the rigidity (unlike the front), and would cost something like $50 for the thru-bolt and $50 for the new end caps. Check with DT Swiss and let us know.

Ya I contacted DT Swiss directly on Fri. Said the 340 rear was available in QR or 10mm but neither is convertible.

 

Well, I have a very good condition (maybe 10 rides?) DT Swiss wheelset w/ 340 hubs, EX 5.1d rims, and DT Swiss spokes/nipples + 5mm QR (both) that is sitting in my garage, if you are intested.