With the new Ratchet EXP OS system with 30 teeth, the torque developed by the motor and the rider is transmitted directly from the pedals to the ground. This transfer is enabled through reinforced spokes for even sharper accelerations than the previous Hybrid range. Every component has been thought out, developed and tested to ensure a fun, stress-free ride at all levels. In addition, the transmitted torque of the motor is higher than with conventional MTBs. The hub shell was completely redesigned for the new hybrid generation with these points in mind. REINFORCED BEARINGS Grooved ball bearings are usually found in high-end bicycle hubs. These bearings have been optimized to spin fast and absorb radial forces while still being able to take up a certain number of axial forces. Bearing wear occurs when the forces on the balls or on the running surface are too high. The high local loads can lead to indentations in the running surface, which causes the balls to no longer run smoothly. Excessive point loads can also lead to abrasion of the running surface, which can result in play. Given the greater loads on eMTBs, adjustments to the ball bearings are also required. Accordingly, the new generation of hybrid wheels use larger ball bearings than the 240 EXP MTB hub. The larger ball bearings distribute loads over a larger area of the running surface, whereby less wear occurs. SPECIFIC HARDENED STEEL FREEHUB BODY The torque of the motor and the crank is transmitted via the chain to the cassette and then to the freehub body. This interface of cassette and freehub body is optimized for the specific loads accrued by eMTBs. Hybrid freehub bodies are made from specific hardened steel. Compared to the conventional aluminum freehub body, the specific hardened steel offers a higher strength. In addition, it has a higher fatigue strength. This means that despite a high number of load changes resulting in minor damage to the surface, the strength remains. The higher strength reduces wear on the surface of the freehub body. As a result, the removal of the freehub body is easier, since it is less likely that the cassette will dig into the freehub body. RESILIENT RIMS Modern eMTBs are developed to go faster and harder. The Hybrid wheels are proven to support a maximum system weight of 150 kg. DT Swiss rims have additional material right where it matters. They have reinforcement on the external central part of the rim, because this is where the biggest loads are when the bike supports its and the rider’s weight. The forces exerted on the wheels come from the top and go down vertically to the ground. That is to say that the spokes which are on the lower part at the time of the rotation, support most of the weight. Therefore, the profiles of the rims have not changed and remain the same as the ones that have been tested and approved on the most challenging trails. These rims are available in a variety of internal widths so that every rider can select the features they want and get the best grip and traction possible. THICKER SPOKES Thicker spokes are used in the Hybrid wheels in comparison to the conventional MTB wheels. This Hybrid specific spoke increases both the lateral and the torsional stiffness. As previously explained in the context of the hub flange, this helps to get better lateral stiffness, more suited to the loads of eMTBs but it also increases torsional stiffness, for the transmission of the propulsion power from the hub to the rim. Furthermore, each spoke is always loaded during a rotation.