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Home   Blog   Wheel Fanatyk's Tensiometer

Wheel Fanatyk's Tensiometer

January 09, 2012 17 Comments

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.

 

Inlaid, stainless, etched nameplate.

 

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.

 

How to Hold the Tensio

 

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.

 

Digital SPC output.

 

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.

 

Each tool wears a unique serial number.

 

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].

 

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:

 

On a spoke.

 

Battery drawer is opposite mini-USB port.

 

 

Touching the "Zero" button.

 

You can buy it here.



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17 Responses

Alex
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.

Steve
Steve

November 02, 2021

I just built some wheels with my TM-1. Tension seemed light so I built a digital load cell calibrator. Tension was 25kg down on the tables. Now having a calibrator and investigating the TM-1 variability (for same indication) +/- 3-5kg spoke tension would be the realistic outcome. I also found the TM-1 tightened my spokes about 5kg in the test due to the deflection.
Do you have information on serviceability (adjustment) and variability of your instrument. I am the other side of the world and need to re-calibrate myself when necessary.

mpetry912
mpetry912

November 02, 2021

I just got one! C’est tres magnifique. What a pleasure to use. Great job Ric.

Larry and Heather
Larry and Heather

November 02, 2021

Very tempting Ric! An amazing value when compared to the Hozan dial-indicator unit I’ve used for years _ I had to make my own storage box for that one, sadly not nearly as nice as yours.

Anonymous
Anonymous

November 02, 2021

Marvelous tool:Accurate,high resolution,very easy to use,and its finish is absolutely beautiful-Congratulations Ric!

Shaun Blackstock

Ric Hjertberg
Ric Hjertberg

November 02, 2021

A tool’s outside width at spoke contact limits the spoke that can be measured. For the Wheelsmith tensiometer, the spoke contact is 4.5" and the tool outside width is 5.125". The Wheel Fanatyk tensiometer has 4" spoke contact and 4.5" outside width. A bit over 0.5" improvement. Check the spoke length available in your 20" wheel.

cmh
cmh

November 02, 2021

That RS-232 connection would work perfectly with my spreadsheet, too. Wow.

thomas
thomas

November 02, 2021

Hi,

Can this be used on a 20" wheel? I have a Wheelsmith tensionmeter that doesn’t fit on a 3 cross 406 erd wheel, regardless of hub size. If your tensionmeter doesn’t, what is your method to find correct spoke tension on small wheels?

cmh
cmh

November 02, 2021

Wow, that’s awesome. I love my FSA but being able to quickly zero it before the reading was my one quibble. This new one looks fantastic!

So, uhhhh, anyone want to buy a very lightly used FSA? :D Bought directly from Ric middle of last year. I really want to upgrade now.

Vertigo Cycles
Vertigo Cycles

November 02, 2021

if I didn’t already have the FSA version…

I use an Excel spreadsheet to record the the reading, translate it into tension and plot it on a radar graph which is a fairly easy way to represent tension uniformity to customers. I may have to invest in the new tool anyhow.

Ryan
Ryan

November 02, 2021

The tool looks best in class. To be truly amazing, the tool would have to self-zero when the plunger bottoms out. I build few enough wheels that the Park tensiometer is good enough but I’d have a hard time not buying your tool if it auto-zeroed.

Ric Hjertberg
Ric Hjertberg

November 02, 2021

The tool MUST be zeroed when the spoke is in place. Since spokes have unavoidable bends, the zero point cannot be anticipated. It must be done for every spoke if necessary. “Auto zero” is incompatible with this type of tool.

Ric Hjertberg
Ric Hjertberg

November 02, 2021

RS232 will transmit the dial reading. Place a cursor in your spreadsheet (like Excel), press the in-line button, the dial reading enters the cell. Press “return,” and you are ready for the next. This way you can have some or every spoke’s tension in a file.

lpikachu58
lpikachu58

November 02, 2021

Hi Rick,

About the RS232 miniport : what kind of data could you transfert to the computer?

Best,
Cédric
rca-bike

Curtis Odom
Curtis Odom

November 02, 2021

Outstanding!
Can’t wait to see and use one.

PI-Bill
PI-Bill

November 02, 2021

Nice! Watched the video which was very clear and complete.

Aerospoke
Aerospoke

November 02, 2021

Very informative

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