Bicycle Mechanics - Truing Stands - What's Good?

I'm going to be building wheels for the first time in 10 years, and my old stand got boosted. Aside from the top-flight Park Pro model, what are people happy with these days?

Thanks!

I have the Spin Doctor (or something like that) from Performance. It works okay for a quick true, but I certainly wouldn't trust it for building wheels. It is quite flimsy/flexy. I had the Park Pro stand years ago, I wish I would have just kept it; now I'm saving up to buy it again.

Started out with a Spin Doctor Truing Stand II it did ok but sold it for a Park Tool TS-2 Truing Stand big difference if you plan on doing wheels often get the Park Tool TS-2 if its just an occasional truing on your wheels the Spin Doctor Truing will be ok.

i have been very happy with the cheap park home version one.

mx

I read many a threads on this on this site and settled on the Minoura True Pro Truing stand (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=1115) and a Park TM-1 Tensiometer (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=3953). Search for a lower price via shopping.google.com and Universal Cycles will price match given the URL of the page and the price. Save some $$$.

This is my first stand but I dig on the single adjuster for the lateral indicators as well as the linked arms holding the wheel.

Good luck.

somegeek

Thanks all. I have decided to just jump back in all the way. So best to start at the top - rather then end up with an old less-expensive animal cluttering up my shop. So the Park Tool TS-2 won. Same as I had before, or close. Been awhile. And got a good deal on Mavic A719's to build wheels for my Trek FX 7.5 hybrid. 3X Laced. Had enough Bontrager radial jokes.

If you really only need to just true some wheels then a zip tie and your fork is good enough. If you actually want to spend money on something you'll use a bit and want to keep around - park TS-2.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/imgWrapper.aspx?img=/41/TS-2.JPG&type=3

Another vote for the TS-2, and the optional base for it, if your budget permits.

Yup & thank you for the suggestion. I ordered a Park base for it as well. Again - thanks all for your suggestions! What the hey - it's only money! LOL.

I already have the Park TM-1 (tension meter). That's a terrific tool! Highly recommend it to all.

I went for the "Hozan" which is built like a tank and will be around a long time after I've gone. Nothing fancy, just rugged and rigid and reliable.

I'm going to be building wheels for the first time in 10 years, and my old stand got boosted. Aside from the top-flight Park Pro model, what are people happy with these days?

In the end, a wheel trueing stand simply provides a stable place to measure from. That's ALL that it does.

The more expensive ones are a little bit quicker to use but the lower priced ones will produce perfectly acceptable results.

if its just an occasional truing on your wheels the Spin Doctor Truing will be ok.

I've built two sets of wheels on my Spin Doctor very easily.

Agree with Retro Grouch. Also, the next most important tool next to a good spoke wrench is.........good eyesight.

Agree with Retro Grouch. Also, the next most important tool next to a good spoke wrench is.........good eyesight.

Awww...I was planning on opening MaGoo WheelWorks. Right next to the Hindenberg Tire Company in Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Anywho - it's set in stone. The TS-2 and base are on their way. Thanks again.