Ratchet upgrade for Elite MTB wheels

[paulpalf]

I recently ordered some Elite SLR MTB wheels via the AliExpress store. I asked them about a ratchet upgrade (which is available on the main web shop) and they sent me a link to this one:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008457924901.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.97.46f383d56lYpTy&algo_pvid=56d954ee-c8ae-426d-a655-c98de3ddf003&algo_exp_id=56d954ee-c8ae-426d-a655-c98de3ddf003-48&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2223%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%7D&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%2149.99%2149.99%21%21%21256.36%21256.36%21%402101ec1f17462485434895478e81e2%2112000045221758516%21sea%21CA%21728463904%21X&curPageLogUid=aec5xiRoqijk&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

A week later the ratchet order was cancelled due to "unforeseen shipping error". I'm wondering if all the aftermarket ratchets are interchangable? Are they exactly the same as the DT Swiss ones? The one I had purchased didn't even specify it was for Elite hubs.

I don't really want wheels with a standard ratchet so will likely cancel my wheel order if I can't figure out the ratchet.

[coffeebreak]

Does your wheelset already have star ratchet and you are trying to upgrade it to higher teeth count? Or your wheels don't have star ratchet at all?

If it's the first case, then yes it will fit. If not, then no - you need extra hardware, a special tool and preferably a vise.

[paulpalf]

Yes, the wheels have 35t ratchet as standard, i just prefer faster engagement. If the DT ratchets will fit I'll likely just wait for the wheels to arrive and swap in the DT ratchet from my old wheels

[dolph]

DT swiss ratchet works properly, you can also use DT freehub if you want. DT swiss newer ratchet exp is not compatible with elite wheels.

[coffeebreak]

Yes, the wheels have 35t ratchet as standard, i just prefer faster engagement. If the DT ratchets will fit I'll likely just wait for the wheels to arrive and swap in the DT ratchet from my old wheels

They will fit. I have DT ratchet in Goldix 180SL hub.

[dolph]

Elite uses this ratchet style:
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005008457924901.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.61.6ca0TDP9TDP9WB&algo_pvid=d561f7b4-346b-4b8c-9d11-ed6772dce16d&algo_exp_id=d561f7b4-346b-4b8c-9d11-ed6772dce16d-30&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2224%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%7D&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21EUR%2137.99%2137.99%21%21%21302.47%21302.47%21%40211b80e117464268164502982e0c79%2112000045221758516%21sea%21ES%21712868593%21X&curPageLogUid=r6yHnlSFmNXG&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

I use it on both my elite wheelsets as an upgrade in 60t. I keep a DT original in my spare bag, it s really easy to swap. I had one original elite one fail at a very high incline on first ride, teeth were skipping but nothing seemed broken when I degreased it.

[bobobox]

This thread comes up in a lot of google searches on the topic, so just posting here to hopefully help the next person:

EliteWheels AliExpress models (at least as of early 2026) use rebadged Goldix hubs, so the ratchet type you want is one that works with Goldix hubs/freehub bodies. Goldix sells these, they are easy to find in various tooth configurations. The Goldix ratchet design is different from either the new (EXP) or classic DT Swiss ratchet, although it has some elements of both.

Anyone saying you can use an actual DT Swiss (or compatible) ratchet in an EliteWheels hub is repeating incorrect info they read online. While the ratchet splines are the same as the classic DT Swiss ratchet, the rest of the unit is different and will not work.

TL;DR: Goldix ratchets are what you need to replace/upgrade EliteWheels, because they use Goldix hubs.