Park Tool TM-1 Spoke Tension Meter — mechanical gauge, Solid pattern, Made in USA

The Park Tool TM-1 Spoke Tension Meter is a mechanical gauge for measuring relative spoke tension so you can build, true, and maintain bicycle wheels with consistent, repeatable results.

Wheel performance and durability start with accurate spoke tension. The TM-1 gives you a simple mechanical readout of spoke deflection that converts into kilogram‑force using the included chart or Park Tool's Wheel Tension App. Compact, serviceable, and made in the USA, the TM-1 supports a wide range of spoke materials so workshops and home mechanics can diagnose problems and set target tensions precisely.

How does the TM-1 tell me if my spokes are balanced?

The TM-1 measures how much a spoke bends under a standardized load and displays that deflection on an easy-to-read mechanical scale. You match the reading to the conversion chart or enter it into the Wheel Tension App to obtain kilogram‑force values for comparison across the wheel. Regular sampling around the rim reveals high or low tension areas so you can adjust for evenness.

• Mechanical scale indicates spoke deflection under load for consistent sampling.
• Printed conversion chart converts readings to kilogram‑force for many spoke sizes.
• Wheel Tension App accepts TM-1 inputs for visualization and analysis.
• Measure multiple points per wheel to find tension variance and outliers.

Which spoke types and sizes can I measure with this meter?

The TM-1 is designed to produce usable readings for most bicycle spokes — round, bladed, and several specialty materials. It includes conversion data for common steel spokes and for many aluminum and titanium diameters; specialized materials like Spinergy PBO and Mavic R2R carbon fiber are also supported for relative tension checks. For certain aluminum and titanium sizes, conversion tables are limited, so verify compatibility with the included documentation or app before critical builds.

• Works on steel, aluminum, titanium, Spinergy PBO, and Mavic R2R carbon fiber.
• Supports round and bladed spoke profiles for broad coverage.
• Conversion chart covers many, but not all, aluminum and titanium sizes.
• Use app or printed table to confirm specific spoke-size conversions.

How do I use the TM-1 in a typical wheel build or true?

Place the meter over a spoke, apply the tool so the gauge engages, and read the mechanical indicator. Transfer that reading to the printed conversion chart or type it into the Wheel Tension App to get the spoke tension in kilogram‑force. Move around the wheel taking consistent measurements at planned intervals, then adjust spokes to bring tension into your target range and even out the pattern across the rim.

• Apply the meter at consistent spoke locations for repeatable results.
• Log readings into the app to visualize tension distribution and averages.
• Adjust and re-measure until spokes meet chosen tension targets.
• Useful for diagnosing broken, loose, or overstressed spokes quickly.

What maintenance and longevity can I expect from the TM-1?

The TM-1 is built to be rebuilt and recalibrated, so a single unit can last for many years with periodic service. Its mechanical design avoids batteries and provides a tactile, repairable gauge that a shop technician can maintain. For peak accuracy, follow Park Tool's calibration recommendations and have the meter serviced if you suspect drift or after heavy use.

• Mechanical gauge — no batteries required for operation.
• Field‑serviceable and rebuildable for long-term use.
• Recalibrate per Park Tool guidance to retain measurement accuracy.
• Includes printed conversion chart; app adds interactive analysis tools.

Who this is for: The Park Tool TM-1 suits professional mechanics, dedicated hobby wheelbuilders, and serious bike shops that need reliable, repeatable tension measurements. If you build or true wheels regularly, diagnose wheel failures, or aim for consistent spoke tension across builds, this compact, repairable meter is a practical long‑term investment for higher-quality wheelwork.