From the wooded mountains of northern Slovenia come some of cycling’s most impressive tools. Unior (from Slovenian for “universal tools”) has been crafting hand tools in Zreče since 1919. They sponsor many professional teams, including (for 2019) Ineos (the legendary Sky of TdF fame), Aevolo, Segafredo, Movistar, DeVinci, Commencal, and Deceunink/Quick-Step; plus illustrious US mechanics Vince Gee and Win Allen.

Their dishing tool is completely unique—a bent steel tube with two large polymer disks and central indicator.There is no single Best Dishing Tool, regardless of budget. Everyone has a favorite and most of us own several. Unior is certainly World’s Strongest, a deeply chromed and thick wall tube is burley enough to be a DH handlebar. The black disks touch a wheel rim’s side and easily reach past mounted tires.Once handled, it’s hard to beat the all-around durability, versatility, and simplicity. It weighs almost 2lbs (850g), the rim disks cannot fall off the tube, and you can use it with confidence to keep paparazzi at bay.

There are no templates for success with a craft like wheel building, each of us creates a personal system unique to our situation. Since we never finish honing the craft, it pays to study other builders who are willing to share.

Rich Lesnik, master builder at Rivendell.

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