Proper spoke tension
03-25-07 | 06:17 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Wrench Savant
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,316
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From: 61 Degrees North
Bikes: Yes
Proper spoke tension
Too much information is a bad thing.
Got one of those Park spoke tension-meter things for Christmas. I've build wheels for years without one, but am now wonder what is the 'proper' tension. I have always managed to get them relatively even, but now I have this guage that tells me what it really is. I know it depends on rims and spoke size. I have not had much luck finding an answer in any of the usual places (Zinn's, etc.).
Thanks!
Got one of those Park spoke tension-meter things for Christmas. I've build wheels for years without one, but am now wonder what is the 'proper' tension. I have always managed to get them relatively even, but now I have this guage that tells me what it really is. I know it depends on rims and spoke size. I have not had much luck finding an answer in any of the usual places (Zinn's, etc.).
Thanks!
03-25-07 | 07:14 PM
#2
black betty
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: florida
Bikes: custom flatlandbike, trek fuel ex8
different material spokes and different types have different tensions
https://www.parktool.com/products/doc...05912_4301.pdf
have fun(im sure you will(no sarcasm)), building with tension makes building wheels real intresting
https://www.parktool.com/products/doc...05912_4301.pdf
have fun(im sure you will(no sarcasm)), building with tension makes building wheels real intresting
03-25-07 | 07:48 PM
#3
Originally Posted by balindamood
Too much information is a bad thing.
Got one of those Park spoke tension-meter things for Christmas. I've build wheels for years without one, but am now wonder what is the 'proper' tension. I have always managed to get them relatively even, but now I have this guage that tells me what it really is. I know it depends on rims and spoke size. I have not had much luck finding an answer in any of the usual places (Zinn's, etc.).
Thanks!
Got one of those Park spoke tension-meter things for Christmas. I've build wheels for years without one, but am now wonder what is the 'proper' tension. I have always managed to get them relatively even, but now I have this guage that tells me what it really is. I know it depends on rims and spoke size. I have not had much luck finding an answer in any of the usual places (Zinn's, etc.).
Thanks!
from talking to different places on the phone (DTswiss, SunRims), it seems that the rim is the primary determinant of tension. correct me if i am wrong. they made it sound like the rim is the limiting factor and so one should find out from the rim manufacturer what the recommended spoke tension should be.
many of the wheels i have built had rims spec'ed between 80 to 110 kgf.
after you know what the rim can "handle" kgf wise, then you can reference the type of spoke you have on the tensiometer deflection/conversion number chart for your park tool.
this is my basic take on it anyway. hope that helps.
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Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
03-25-07 | 09:33 PM
#4
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,104
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From: Athens, Ohio
Bikes: Custom Custom Custom
I would not exceed 120. Anymore and you will start to pull the nipple through the rim. The Rim is the weakest part so that will limit your spoke tension.
Zipp recommends no more than 100 kgf on their carbon rims.
Zipp recommends no more than 100 kgf on their carbon rims.
03-25-07 | 09:54 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Boulder, Colorado
Bikes: Cinelli Supercoursa 69, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Mondonico Diamond Extra 05, Coors Light Greg Lemond (built by Scapin) 88, Scapin MTB, Stumpjumper 83, Specialized Stumpjumper M4, Lemond Poprad 2001
Check Sheldon Brown's site. Also, Gerd Schraner has a philosophy of high spoke tension...but again consult the rim manufacturer.
03-25-07 | 10:00 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,169
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From: Torrance, CA
Bikes: Homebuilt steel
Originally Posted by DeadSailor
different material spokes and different types have different tensions
https://www.parktool.com/products/doc...05912_4301.pdf
have fun(im sure you will(no sarcasm)), building with tension makes building wheels real intresting
https://www.parktool.com/products/doc...05912_4301.pdf
have fun(im sure you will(no sarcasm)), building with tension makes building wheels real intresting
So what about for butted spokes? For example, 2.0/1.8/2.0. I assume it's best to use the Park conversion table for a 1.8 spoke?
03-25-07 | 10:03 PM
#7
Originally Posted by Nessism
So what about for butted spokes? For example, 2.0/1.8/2.0. I assume it's best to use the Park conversion table for a 1.8 spoke?
the rim is still the "weak link".
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Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
03-26-07 | 05:07 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by mx_599
hello, i have the same tensiometer. great tool!
from talking to different places on the phone (DTswiss, SunRims), it seems that the rim is the primary determinant of tension. correct me if i am wrong. they made it sound like the rim is the limiting factor and so one should find out from the rim manufacturer what the recommended spoke tension should be.
many of the wheels i have built had rims spec'ed between 80 to 110 kgf.
after you know what the rim can "handle" kgf wise, then you can reference the type of spoke you have on the tensiometer deflection/conversion number chart for your park tool.
this is my basic take on it anyway. hope that helps.
from talking to different places on the phone (DTswiss, SunRims), it seems that the rim is the primary determinant of tension. correct me if i am wrong. they made it sound like the rim is the limiting factor and so one should find out from the rim manufacturer what the recommended spoke tension should be.
many of the wheels i have built had rims spec'ed between 80 to 110 kgf.
after you know what the rim can "handle" kgf wise, then you can reference the type of spoke you have on the tensiometer deflection/conversion number chart for your park tool.
this is my basic take on it anyway. hope that helps.
Bob
03-26-07 | 12:48 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,438
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
Bikes: Trek 5500, Colnago C-50
Originally Posted by Nessism
Which column on the conversion chart? 1.8 or 2.0 for a butted spoke?
Based on Park's conversion chart I've been running 157 kgf with no problems on DT 1.1 and Open Pro rims. Not sure I believe the chart conversions for butted spokes.
Al
03-26-07 | 12:49 PM
#11
Originally Posted by Nessism
Which column on the conversion chart? 1.8 or 2.0 for a butted spoke?
but doesn't it specify DB spokes? at any rate, you would want the narrow part because that is what the tool "grips" on
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Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
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