Tutorials/Ergonomics

Handlebar Ergonomics


Dr. Ergo: Handlebar Ergonomics with Cole Townsend

Spoke Adjusting Tutorial

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call at (877) 306-1801. We are happy to help you through the process.

Notes before you get started

  • Your torque wrench will operate in both directions.
  • Back off slightly to break free any dirt or grime in threads.
  • Tighten nipple with Fasst Company’s spoke torque wrench until the wrench clicks, 1/4 to 1/2 turn only.
  • Be sure to torque every fourth spoke so that you do not pull the wheel out of round.

Use the following procedure as an example

It is very important to only turn your nipples a half of a revolution, or two flats at a time on a newly laced wheel. If you find yourself having to turn more than a half of a turn go to the next spoke in the pattern, and gradually bring the nipples up to torque by working the pattern. Once you have all your spokes close to the torque range this will no longer be necessary. If you turn the nipple more than 180 degrees to bring it up to torque you will pull the offset of the wheel off to one side or the other.

  1. Start at the spoke next to the rim lock. Call it spoke #1
  2. Back off spoke #1 until it turns freely, then tighten until spoke torque wrench clicks. Go to spoke #4 – repeat step #2. It will come from the other side of the wheel.
  3. Go to spoke #7 – repeat step #2.
  4. Go to spoke #10 – repeat step #2.
  5. Continue around the wheel torquing every third spoke, until coming back to spoke #1 (on a 36-spoke wheel). Move to spoke #2 and repeat step #2.
  6. Go to spoke #5, then #8, then #11, continuing this pattern all the way back to spoke #2.
  7. Move to #3 and use the same procedure on spokes #6, #9, #12 and so on around the wheel.
  8. It will take 3 revolutions of the wheel to complete the torquing process. You will torque 12 spokes per revolution.
  9. To avoid having the nipples seizing on the spoke it’s a good idea to pull the spoke nipples off one at a time and fill them with waterproof grease. While you have the grease out, use it to fill in the void behind the wheel seals to protect the wheel bearings.