Spoke Key Review

I've built a number of wheels before and well as renovating used wheels and I've gained an appreciation of what makes a good spoke key.  I've been using the SW-7 standard park tool spoke key for a number of years and then I discovered the SW-20.  The SW-7 is great  for general purpose but there is a point within wheel building where the nipple gets tight on the spoke as the tension increases and that extra leverage and control is required.  This is where the SW-20 is brilliant, although it is only one size (0 on the SW-7) its very comfortable in the fingers when making adjustments.  Recommended.

The SW-10 tool is more about turning stuck nipples without destroying them.  I've only use it on one spoke which seemed to work.  There is a wheel at spindles which is waiting for the treatment,  I'll let you know how it goes.

Spindles on the radio, Bike rides, Bike maintenance

Spindles on the BBC
Last Friday Edgar was interviewed on the BBC Radio Wiltshire by Graham Seaman who was doing a 2 hour long program on vintage bikes.  Edgar's interview starts about 12:30pm (half an hour into the show) and last for 8 minutes or so.  Fame at last for Edgar and Spindles.  Or maybe not as there was no tangible increase in the Internet traffic hitting spindles web site. see for yourself as I've put it onto the web - click on the link below.
BBC Wiltshire Radio Interview
At the Pound Arts
Josh represented Spindles at the Repair Cafe which was held at the Pound Arts centre.  This is going to be a regular Cafe on the last Saturday of the month.  How did it go Josh?

Ride on Saturday
Our monthly ride has changed to the first Saturday of every month so this weekend 5th Oct, there will be a Spindles Ride starting at 2.30pm and going to a local cafe.  The other dates this year will be November the 2^nd and December 7^th.

Bike Maintenance Saturdays
The second Saturday of the Month will be maintenance days where you can learn how to fix your bike.  The sessions will start at 2pm and finish around 4pm.  It's £10 for an hour of individual training.  Please email us for a slot if you wish to attend.

If you just want to use one of our specialist tools then you will be welcome to come along.  We currently have the following

• thread cutters for bottom bracket, 
• 1" and 1 1/8" steerer
• Headset removal and setting tools 
• reemers
• Park Wheel jig and spoke tension guage
• rear hanger alignment tool.

Kids Bikes

We still have too many kids bikes and they need to go soon.  If not next weekend then they will go on ebay.