[CR]tensionometers

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

From: <kmacafee@isd.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 20:37:20 GMT
Subject: [CR]tensionometers

I have never used one personally and know people who swear by them. But I built a lot of wheels in the 70's and 80's without one for myself and friends and to the best of my knowledge, never had a spoke break in any of them. In fact, I still commute on a set of clinchers I built in about 1973 and have never had any problems.

I have no doubt they are better at determining consistent tension than the "twang" method. But,I have always maintained that building strong straight wheels was as much art as science and some people were born with the aptitude for it. Kind of like using a paint gun -- anyone can lay paint but only the naturally gifted can do it well.

Kevin MacAfee
St. Paul, MN