We're proud to announce the Wheel Fanatyk Tensiometer. Based on an ingenious Jobst Brandt (author of The Bicycle Wheel) design, this tool is the non plus ultra of tension gauges.
FSA briefly made a version and it acquired an eclectic, worldwide following. It was discontinued several years ago and can no longer be found for sale. The Wheel Fanatyk tool upgrades the design in several crucial ways. To hear about the tool basics, in its FSA incarnation, check here.
For 2012, we've incorporated much higher specification moving parts and a digital indicator. Parts are all USA made with tolerances and materials that enable a new level of accuracy. This is perhaps the World's most accurate. The digital gauge is feature laden:
1. Extra low spring force for high accuracy.
2. Shock, dust, and water resistant.
3. Large LCD screen.
4. Zero-set.
5. Inch/Metric Conversion.
6. On/Off button.
7. One year battery life (continuous operation).
8. SPC/RS232 output (downloads to a PC).
9. Resolution: 0.0005"/.01mm.
SPC/RS232 output is via a mini-USB port and requires a dedicated cable that costs $120. Instructions here.
The instrument is fully calibrated on our in-house fixture using a precision Dillon force gauge. We provide tension conversion for all common spoke gauges and diameters.
There's no spoke tension gauge with this combination of accuracy, ease of use, durability, and value. Watch this movie describing its use and features.
The tool costs USD$295, and here is what you get:
1. A shock-proof, lockable, foam lined case with metal pin hinges.
2. 26 page Owner's Manual, with many wheelbuilding tips.
3. Laminated Spoke Tension Chart, for convenient conversion.
4. Spare battery.
5. A CD with PDF files of the manual and chart, and our instruction movie.
![What's inside the case [2012].](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0553/5707/9710/files/Tensiometer-contents.jpg)
The warranty is one full year, but we aim to meet every user's highest expectations. Lifetime recalibration is no-charge. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Check these images:
You can buy it here.
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Alex
November 02, 2021
Nice tool. However there is something I don’t understand. One of the virtues of this type of tool is said to be (as explained in the FSA tool link) that the readings are independent from spoke thickness and material, which results in a faster wheelbuilding as you don’t have to look for conversion tables as with, for example, the Park Tool one.
But on the other hand, in the YouTube video showing how to use the tool, it is shown a conversion table also. I have had a look a it and certainly there is less variation between thickness and material than other tensiometers, but still some variation, which some how defeats the purpose of super precise reading…. if you want super precise tension you will have to look at the tables anyway.
In my opinion, this tool would be amazing if you can just enter the data of material, shape and thickness of spoke and then it reads the tension straight away. Being a digital reading, must not be super difficult for the right person. That would be the way of getting rid of conversion tables, which is kind of charming in a 80s way of looking at things, but maybe a bit out of date for the 21 century.