Build a precision bicycle wheel truing stand for less than fifty bucks

Step 13: Final thoughts

Some final thoughts:

There is another instructable that uses a dial gauge and a similar inexpensive stand. That instructable actually inspired me to consider modifying my own! But do you really need a dial gauge? From my perspective the answer is "no". Just buy a cheap set of "feeler gauges" that include 0.2mm and 0.5mm sizes. With the precision of the screws we've installed, you can insert a feeler gauge between the indicator and the rim. Then spin the rim. If it doesn't touch the entire way around, your wheel is true to that maximum error.

If you want it to look mildly prettier, you could conceivably file/dremel the edges off of the "second" nut and insert it into the plastic, then press the brass insert in over it.

Opinions and suggestions on this guy are welcome!

Comments

[fdrennan]

This is a great mod to a good truing stand. I've got one of these stands on the way and am looking forward to modifying it along these lines. Regarding dial gauges and the like, two things. Firstly, a dial gauge will make the work easier as it can just rub on the rim, removing the need to fine tune the lateral screws. Secondly, one the key issues is to maintain the rim in a central position relative to the hub. Using a dial gauge you can judge not only where the rim goes to the left and right, but also where the true centre is. Knowing this makes truing the wheel more accurate, especially the rear where there is considerable dish. The Park TS-2 truing stand get around this problem by using a pincer gauge that simultaneously brings in the left and right indicators. A neat solution, but the TS-2 retails for 5 times the Performance stand.