DT Swiss RR 511 Rim Brake Rim
The DT Swiss RR 511 is the aero option in the DT alloy road range: a 32mm-deep, semi-aero, extremely robust rim that adds aerodynamic efficiency and strength for racing and training. The RR 511 is welded, tubeless-ready and rated by DT Swiss for riders up to 130kg, and it ships with Prolock Squorx Pro Head nipples and PHR washers. It comes in a rim-brake version with a machined brake track and a disc version.
This page covers the DT Swiss RR 511 Rim Brake Rim in 700c. The RR 511 is sold here only inside a wheel we build: choose the hub, spokes and nipples in the configurator and the finished wheel ships from Georgia, laced, tensioned and trued by hand.
Design and construction
The factory extrudes the RR 511 from a high-strength aluminum alloy and welds the seam, then smooths it, for the roundest and strongest joint in the range. The 32mm depth is what gives the rim its stiffness and its aero shape; the profile is a semi-aero, tubeless-compatible shape with an 18mm inner width that suits 25 to 28mm tires. At around 533 grams it is heavier than the RR 411 but far stiffer, which is why The factory rates it for heavier riders.
The RR 511 ships with 2.0mm silver alloy Prolock Squorx Pro Head nipples and PHR washers, which spread nipple load in an eyeletless rim. Spoke holes are angled to the wheel's dish.
How it rides
An RR 511 wheel is stiff and fast. The deep section does not flex in a sprint or under a big rider, and the semi-aero profile makes a measurable difference on a flat, fast ride compared with a shallow box rim. It is heavier than a climbing rim and you feel that on a long ascent; on a flat criterium or a fast group ride you feel the aero instead.
For a heavier rider who keeps flexing or breaking shallow rims, or a racer who wants an aero alloy wheel that survives training, the RR 511 is the DT Swiss rim we recommend.
Specifications
| Wheel size | 700c |
|---|---|
| ERD | 579 (29in) |
| Inner width | 18 mm |
| Depth | 32 mm |
| Drillings | 24h, 28h, 32h |
| Weight | 530g (700c/29in) |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Tire type | clincher tubeless compatible |
| Brake | Rim brake-brake |
| Profile | Triangle |
| Spoke bed | Offset -2.7 mm |
| Nipples | External |
| Finishes | black |
This version
This version is the RR 511 in 700c, drilled 24h, 28h, 32h, about 530g, 18mm inside, 32mm deep, rim-brake. Where the same rim is sold in another size or brake type, that is a separate listing with its own page.
The rim-brake version of the RR 511 carries a machined braking surface on each sidewall, which is what a caliper or cantilever brake needs. It weighs a few grams more than the disc version and it is the one to choose for a rim-brake frame; the disc version is listed separately.
Sizes, fit and compatibility
The DT Swiss RR 511 Rim Brake Rim comes in 700c and 24h, 28h, 32h drilling, in rim-brake (machined sidewall) and disc versions; check the name on this page. We build the RR 511 on 350, 240 and 180 hubs, Shimano, White Industries T11 and CLD, Bitex and Chris King R45 hubs, usually with Sapim CX-Ray, Laser or Race spokes or Aerolite and Competition, with the supplied Squorx nipples.
Tire range on the RR 511 is 23 to 30mm. The configurator recommends spoke count and lacing from your bike type and weight.
Put it in a custom wheel
Build a custom wheel around the DT Swiss Rr 511 Rim Brake Rim — the link drops you into our Custom Wheel Program with this rim pinned, ready for you to choose the rest. It is set up for road rim brake, track and road single-speed and touring builds.
Spoke head is decided by the hub, not the rim: this rim builds equally well with J-bend or straight-pull spokes, and the configurator only offers the spokes that match the hub you pick.
How DT Swiss tests its rims
DT Swiss tests rims as part of complete wheels in its Performance Test Center in Biel. DT Swiss states that test methods and parameters vary with the intended use, the maximum system weight and the ASTM F 2043 riding conditions, and are written into an internal factory standard which "ensures compliance with the current international standards (e.g. ISO 4210)". Published methods include a wheel impact test (with and without tire, monitoring rim buckling, spoke tension and run-out), a drum test in which a wheel loaded to its permissible system weight rolls over obstacles on a steel drum for a set mileage, a lateral stiffness test and a burst pressure test. No impact energies or cycle counts are published.
Each rim page states a maximum system weight and ASTM classification: the R 460 road rim is rated "Max. System weight 110 kg", "ASTM classification 1" and not approved for e-bikes; the RR 481 is rated 130 kg, ASTM classification 2 and "Approved for e-bikes Yes (max. 32Km/h or max. 250W)".
DT Swiss's videos
From DT Swiss
Certifications
- ISO 4210 / ASTM F 2043 — DT Swiss states its internal factory standard 'ensures compliance with the current international standards (e.g. ISO 4210)' and sets test parameters by ASTM F 2043 riding conditions (self-declared, no certificate published) (source)
- ASTM classification per rim — R 460: ASTM classification 1, max system weight 110 kg, not e-bike approved; RR 481: ASTM classification 2, max system weight 130 kg, approved for e-bikes (max. 32 km/h or max. 250 W) (source)
- UCI approved wheels — UCI list version 2024.10.02 lists DT Swiss complete wheels, e.g. ARC 1100 DICUT 700C 38 SPO (02.05.2024), GRC 1100/1400 DI 700C CL 30 and CL 50, AR/ER 1600 SP and A/E 1800 SP 700C/650B CL 30, ARC 1100/1400 DI 700C CL 38 (all 13.06.2024); earlier ARC/ERC/PRC/GRC models 2016-2023. Component rims are not listed individually (source)
- Warranty — 24 months legal warranty on all products; lifetime warranty for first owners of carbon component rims bought after 1 March 2025; Fair-Share crash replacement for carbon rims available 10 years after purchase (source)
Sources on DT Swiss's site:
- Performance test center | DT Swiss
- Warranty & Fair-Share | DT Swiss
- Fair-Share Policy & Warranty | DT Swiss
- R 460 | DT Swiss
- RR 481 | DT Swiss
DT Swiss publishes those results; ProWheelBuilder builds the rim into a wheel and does not test it in a lab.
Building it at ProWheelBuilder
DT Swiss makes the RR 511; ProWheelBuilder is an independent wheel builder in Georgia, not the manufacturer. Spokes are cut from the ERD we measure on the actual rim, the wheel comes up in stages on a tensiometer, and it is stress-relieved and trued before it goes in the box; tape and a valve go on if you ask.
The configurator filters to what fits, crosses out what is not made, and prices the build as you go.
Warranty
DT Swiss's warranty. DT Swiss covers its products against material and manufacturing defects for 24 months from purchase, excluding wear parts such as bearings and tubeless tape. Carbon rims and carbon wheels bought new since 1 January 2020 carry an extended guarantee to the first owner against defects in material and workmanship, and DT Swiss runs a paid crash-replacement scheme on carbon wheels for up to ten years from purchase.
ProWheelBuilder. If we lace this into a wheel for you, that wheel also carries ProWheelBuilder's own one-year warranty, which covers broken spokes regardless of cause and all wheel-related labor, including truing and rebuilding, for a year from purchase. Where a rim or hub is covered by its maker, we make the manufacturer's claim for you and coordinate it; where it is not, we offer an eligible replacement rim or hub at 25% off current retail. Shipping to and from us is the customer's. This cover does not extend to wheels built from components you supply yourself.
Full terms are on our Policies & Warranty page.
RR 511 Rim Brake Rim questions
What tire width suits this rim?
At 18mm inside this is a road width. It suits roughly 25 to 32mm tires, which is where most road bikes now sit, and it will run a 23 if you still want one. Go much wider than 32 on this rim and the tire starts to balloon above the sidewalls and squirm when you lean on it.
Is the RR 511 an aero rim?
Semi-aero. The 32mm depth gives a real aerodynamic gain over a shallow rim without the weight or cost of a deep carbon rim.
What is the rider weight limit on the RR 511?
The factory rates the RR 511 for riders up to 130kg, making it one of the strongest alloy road rims available.
Is the RR 511 tubeless?
Yes. It is tubeless-ready with the maker's tape and valves, which we fit on request.
What tires fit the RR 511?
23 to 30mm. A 25 to 28mm tire is the pairing most of our customers run on its 18mm inner width.
Is ProWheelBuilder the manufacturer of the DT Swiss RR 511 Rim Brake Rim?
We are not. DT Swiss manufactures the rim; ProWheelBuilder's part is the wheel: measuring, lacing, tensioning and truing it here in Georgia.
Is it tubeless-ready?
Yes. DT Swiss lists the RR 511 Rim Brake Rim as clincher tubeless compatible; we tape and fit a valve when you choose the tubeless option.
Not sure? Text or leave a voicemail on 470-253-0929 or email info@prowheelbuilder.com — you will be talking to the people who build the wheels.
