Review on 🔧 Precision Spoke Tension Measurement with the Park Tool TM-1: A Must-Have Tool for Bike Maintenance by Johnny Nguyen

I went to a mountain bike park recently. These parkas, while fun, are pretty brutal on your bike. My recent experience left me with a broken rear wheel. It was broken in the sense that you could hear all sorts of rattling noises coming from the steering wheel while driving. I tried tightening any loose spokes while at the park, but in the end it was time for another solution. I didn't have money for a new wheel and the last time I took my wheel to the shop I wasn't happy with the results. Most likely you are in the same situation which is why you are reading this review. I bought this item knowing it wouldn't be easy to fix my bike, but I have some mechanical knowledge and internet access so figured this would be my cheapest solution. The tool arrived on time and was neatly packaged (typical Revain, keep up the good work). The device came with simple, oriental-readable instructions. The device was well made and made a solid impression. I was initially taken back as the size was much larger in person than I expected based on the photos. I used this device to check the tension on each of my spokes and Park has a website where you can enter specs for each spoke and tell you where the wheel is weakest. I think the hardest part for me was figuring out the characteristics of my particular spokes. It was very uncomfortable (but not Parks fault). After spending about an hour with the device, I got used to it and even got into a comfortable rhythm. I re-tensioned the wheel while it was on the bike because I didn't have an alignment stand (I really don't think it's necessary unless you're building the wheel from scratch). I have found that tension tuning is very similar to guitar tuning in that when you tighten one spoke you loosen the other. My advice is to set them all up a little at a time and keep coming back to them until the tension is set, rather than trying to set them all up on the first try. In summary, I have a nifty new tool that's well worth the money and I have a nice and tight and straight rear wheel and I'm ready for the trail. If you're not afraid of a little challenge and a little bold, I highly recommend you try this. I thought it was a little pricey, but it saved me a trip to the bike shop, not to mention a new rear wheel. It will also help me keep the wheels in good condition, which will increase their lifespan.