Minoura Japan – FT-1 Combo

Rim and hub are connected via spokes on wheel. Spoke end is threaded and nipple is a kind of nut, so tightening nipple will pull the spoke.

First of all, before starting truing job, check if every spoke tension is correct or not.
Loose spoke will cause wheel deformation shortly and will provide unstable riding feel. Too tight tension should break the spoke quickly.
To check the spoke tension precisely, use a special tool "Spoke Tension Meter". It's available from WheelSmith or DT Spoke.

Set the wheel on FT-1 and check the clearance between the rim surface and the gauge tip by rotating the wheel slowly. Do not spin the wheel fast.
If the wheel has been deformed, the gauge tip comes close/further to/from the rim. Wheel truing job is making this clearance equal at every position.

The basic theory of wheel truing is pulling the spoke which comes from opposite side of outward shaking by tightening the nipple with spoke wrench. Do not try to loosen the nipple for adjustment.

For more detail, read the instructions manual of FT-1, buy a guide book, or ask to a well skilled bike mechanic.

FT-1 has a pair of checking gauges for side shaking and a gauge for vertical shaking.

Side shaking gauges are designed to move together by rotating the knob.
If the rim is positioned exactly center of both gauges when you set the wheel on the stand, it means the wheel is almost exactly symmetrical.

Each arm can be manually opened widely and locked temporally. It will help you for setting a wheel with tire quickly without changing the preset gauge position.

You can fold down the vertical gauge when not in use.
The gauge length is adjustable by turning the center drum to set it at ideal angle to the rim.

Even though FT-1 holds the wheel properly, you cannot expect proper result if the gauge body has been set in wrong position. It's a possible sad story that the wheel is not symmetric after working truing job for long time.
Let's check the gauge body position with T-Gauge before job.

Set T-Gauge on the pillars as precisely as the case for mounting wheel, then set the gauge bar between the side shaking gauges.
If T-Gauge bar comes in the exactly center of the gauges, it means the gauge body is being in proper position. If not, it means the gauge body has been in wrong position due to some reasons. Adjust the gauge body position by loosening the backside bolts.

• Wheel is one of the most important parts for your safety. If you are not confident on wheel truing job or you don't have enough skill, you should ask to professional mechanic. Wheel truing job must be done at your own risk. Minoura is not responsible to any result your job will cause.
• FT-1 is a portable truing stand for consumers, so its accuracy, stability and assuredness must be lower than professional tools. You should be aware of this fact before use.
• Fits standard 9mm quick release skewer or hub nut only. Any thru axle type hub requires special adaptor (not available from Minoura yet) separately.
• Make sure the wheel axle reaches the bottom of the pillar-top bracket when closing the quick release skewer lever. If the wheel has been angled, you cannot expect any proper result.
• Rotate the wheel slowly and do not vibrate it.
• Check the gauge body position by using T-Gauge at every time you use FT-1.

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ノブを回して横振れ測定ゲージを閉じていったとき、その先端がリム側面に同時に接触しない。同時に接触するようにしようとしてゲージの取り付け位置を左右にスライドさせようとしても調整限度に当たってしまいできない、というクレームをときどき受けますが、それは使いかたが誤っています。

横振れゲージは右利きあるいは左利きの方に合わせて、右側もしくは左側のどちらか一方しか使いません。両方使うことはしません。
アームは手動で大きく開くと、いっぱいに開いたところで爪が引っかかって止まるようになっています。そうすればノブを回してもひとつしか動きません。

縦振れ測定ゲージの中心軸はボルトであり、それに樹脂パーツが組み付けられた構造となっています。
縦振れの測定自体はゲージが捻られていても十分に可能ですが、気になる方はゲージ先端の板状の部分をつまんで捻ってやれば元に戻せます。

この現象はアームを閉じようとするときに見られるものです。
アームは、開くときはノブにより回されたボルトで強制的に押されていくのに対し、閉じるときは内蔵されたバネの力で引き戻されるだけです。
そのためアームを止めているボルトが少し強く締め込まれてしまっていると、アームの動きが渋くなり途中で引っかかってしまうわけです。
3mm六角レンチと8mmソケットレンチでボルトを少し緩めてください。