Optimizing spoke tension is the key to building long lasting wheels. Tensiometers make this possible and you have quite a choice in the market today.
History
Wheel Fanatyk Tensiometers are among the most accurate, durable, convenient, simple, and logical available. A breakthrough vision by HP engineer Jobst Brandt in the 1970’s created a tool format that stands the test of time.
Wheel Fanatyk’s version is the evolution of Jobst’s original design, made to ever-higher tolerances, employing super accurate indicators, and optional output system for direct output from the digital model to a computer’s spreadsheet.
Please check our numerous posts about the tool’s details and care. You can view a movie of the tool in use and download the Owner’s Manual for reference. It comes calibrated for spokes between the thinnest aero to 4mm thick Ksyrium aluminum, including 13g and 12g.
From 2009 to 2011, we sold a since-discontinued model by FSA. From 2011 we sold the Original digital model. In those 7 years over 500 tools sold without a single return. Beginning Oct 2015 we switched to Mitutoyo and in Mar 2017 we changed to IPIC indicators. In January 2019 we changed to a more basic digital indicator, more compact, no less accurate, but $60 less expensive.
Features
- Compact design, easy to handle, the gauge is protected from damage or becoming entangled in spokes.
- Less expensive than similar gauges.
- This design is significantly more accurate at low tensions, such as found recently on the left sides of 11 speed road wheels.
- Tools are offered in your choice of cases; with a 26 page Owner’s Manual; a laminated Tension Chart (for gauge reading conversion); and a memory stick with supporting materials.
More on cases here.
All come with a 1-year warranty and lifetime recalibration privilege.
Each tensiometer is individually numbered and tested.
The tool is machined in the US by small shops. Load is applied by a calibrated spring from Lee. Founded in Brooklyn in 1918 by Robert Johannsen, Lee is a global, ISO certified, spring specialist. I personally build and calibrate each tool.
Please see our Library for articles and a movie describing its use.
The digital model can output data with dedicated cable. Here is the selection.
For a recent review, check here.
Download the Dial Tensiometer Owner’s Manual here.
Download the Digital Tensiometer Owner’s Manual here.
Download our latest Calibration Chart (for Mitutoyo and IPIC dial and digital) here.
You can choose between two protective cases—info here, or none.
In 2021 we reintroduced the Digimatic series—built to the Mitutoyo data output system (so it requires the matching output system). The indicator bezel rotates so the display can be aligned with your hand position. This model is compatible with Ryan Kereliuk’s Wheel Analytics system—a brilliant new concept in graphic digital truing and tension management.
