Spoke machine users share a dream—beautiful, reliable spoke blanks, so many builds can be accomplished with a minimum spoke inventory. Some spoke makers offer product in this direction but today our needs are largely unmet.
Introducing Wheel Fanatyk Spoke Blanks, made to the dream specifications of an experienced spoke maker and wheel builder—me!
We choose the wire, the design, and the maker.
Wire
Metalwork has been done in Fagersta, Sweden since the 15th century. There is perhaps no more famous maker of stainless wire than Fagersta Stainless, the largest supplier of specialty wire to the European spoke industry. Incorporated in 1873, their chief engineer for 20 years was Johan Brinell, the inventor of the hardness measuring method of the same name. In 1921, they were the world’s first mill to produce stainless wire rod.
Fagersta exclusively produces stainless wire and rod. Their standard range includes 70 grades, each with distinct properties. But what makes this wire exceptional for spokes is decades of experience with the most demanding users. For spokes, wire must exhibit extra grade:
• Tight chemistry for identical properties
• Mechanical properties and deformation hardening
• Fatigue properties
• Straightening and bending properties
• Corrosion properties
• Surfaces
• Dimension tolerances
Each run of Wheel Fanatyk Blanks is made from a single 500kg Fagersta spool with an individual inspection certificate.
Since they are 14/15 butted (2.0mm x 1.8mm x 2.0mm), the entire 14G butt can be trimmed and the 1.8mm center threaded. This makes single butted spokes, 2.0mm elbow and 1.8mm threads. Use a 15G nipple, which has a thicker wall than 14G, a strength factor.
Your blanks will never lose value. To ensure they will be recognized each wears our distinctive logo, a stylized "F" resembling a music clef or currency symbol:
Maker
This hyper quality stainless wire is shipped to CN, one of Taiwan’s oldest and most perfectionist spoke makers, with decades of experience. They forge the wire according to our specifications into graceful double butted spokes.
CN also performs incoming wire inspection and in-house mechanical testing. After manufacture, the spokes are polished by tumbling with media, water, and detergent. After rinse, the spokes are shiny and clean.
Blackening is done with a special low temperature (below 80C) process. Conventional black treatment is 180C, which is detrimental to the spoke's properties. This process is also more scratch resistant than conventional.
On Offer
There are 2 models available in 2 colors, and 3 quantities.
You can see that no effort or expense was spared to make these spokes. Their beauty, strength, and reliability are unapproached. Spoil yourself and your customers!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
mike
February 12, 2024
Hi Rick,I think its time you guys write a bicycle wheel building book,there are wheelbuilding books out there dont go into enough detail,its like their opinion and their way of building wheels,a remake of your older spring tension meter would be nice as well