It seems like truing stands are either <$100 or >$500 (entry level Park tool TS 2.3) in Canadian dollars.
Are there any decent options that are <$200 or $250 for home use?
The cheap ones seem to have wildly mixed reviews.
It seems like truing stands are either <$100 or >$500 (entry level Park tool TS 2.3) in Canadian dollars.
Are there any decent options that are <$200 or $250 for home use?
The cheap ones seem to have wildly mixed reviews.
I’ve known they’ve existed for a while, but use the “zip tie” method to true wheels, and it’s just getting to be more of a PITA.
I’m a fan of using dedicated tools, and don’t mind the investment. But not a $500+ investment for something I might do a few times a year! LOL
Was about to troll you with “zip ties” but you preempted it…
Do you repair bikes professionally or do you also have a bike problem like me?
LOL. When I got my 90s MTB, I purposely loosened all the spokes, then trued it using the zip tie method. It went from flopping around like a taco, to something quite rideable until I replaced the wheel (the rims were worn at that point).
But I do have several times, and will put off maintenance if it’s not convenient. A truing stand would be more convenient, and would allow me to do a better job in less time.
It’s time for a new tool! 😂
It’s also time to start waxing your chain. 🤭
I ALREADY DO! Humph! 😏
Honestly, though. Waxing my chains has been the single best decision I’ve made with regards to my bikes. I absolutely lothed dirty chains, and the shit I needed to do in order to keep them “clean”. The solvents, ultrasonic cleaner, endless wiping after rides, switching to “clean” lubes… I just had enough.
Goddamn, your problem is bigger than mine. I just waxed my first chain last week. Will be converting all. Especially with the ridiculous prices of chains and other conponents currenty.
That moment when you hope the ultrasonic has removed the grime, only to discover there are bits firmly stuck on the chain and that your scrubbing is assured.
Yup. When I got my gravel bike, I knew it was the perfect time to try, since everything was new and I did not want to burn through more expensive 11speed components. Within a week, I converted the other two. LOL
One tip: Look up “Wippermann” chains, or at least their Connex master links (Made in Germany products, but are sold through several Canadian dealers). The links can be opened and closed without tools, making waxing easier. I also rotate through several chains, so I can quickly swap a dirty one for a freshly waxed one.
Damn I just stocked up on KMC. I’m aware of Connex but didn’t think of switching. KMC now sells reusable links, although I don’t know whether they’re infinitely reusable. What wax do you use and how many kilometers do you ride between rewaxing?
E: Ordered a Connex chain and some links. Might sell some of the KMCs.
I use both KMC and Wippermann chains. On one bike, I only run KMC with rust buster (Z8.1, believe) during the winter.
But the Connex links go on everything. Super easy.
The KMC quick links are reusable, but for something like five times. Wippermann links are designed to be used “forever” or for the life of the chain.
For Wax, it’s Silca hot melt and Silca drip wax between. I’m looking to move away from Silca wax (or any American wax), but finding alternatives isn’t easy without spending at least 3x more.
Immersion wax is usually after 600 to 800km, with drip wax every 200km or so. This is in dry conditions.
Over the winter, or after a gritty/wet ride, the chain gets rewaxed more often. Because I rotate chains, the process is really quick.
Silca sells an endurance drop in block that should extend longevity by hundreds of kilometers more.