Max spoke tension

[Neverwasbeen]

Just wondering what other velocipedes do with regard to rim manufacturer max spoke tensions. In the past I have built with rims which have stated a range on them, but if the manufacturer states the max as 130kgf (a la archetype), is it ok to have the average spoke tension at 130kgf? If the tension variance on the build is say +/- 5%, the highest tension spoke would be 137kgf - would you consider this acceptable? Or would you rather drop the tensions so the average is say 125kgf and the highest tension spoke 130kgf?

In essence does max = max? Or the target spoke tension?

Keen to hear people's views.

Thanks.

[ergott]

I tend to average 125-130 on rims like that. A target of 125 isn't a bad idea. Keep the tension even like you say. Don't have any single spoke more than 5kgf different unless there is an imperfection in the rim.

[Flying Pigeon]

Yeah 125-130kgf on the DS rear is the most I'll go with those rims.

But I guess I don't have as much faith in the accuracy of tensionometers as some. I read people posting on forums with readings that have 2 decimal places.. and they're using the Park TM-1. And I've seen 2 calibrated DT tools don't always agree with each other, and squeezing 10 times gets ya different results. My grain of salt factor is 3-5%.

[nspace]

Yeah 125-130kgf on the DS rear is the most I'll go with those rims.

But I guess I don't have as much faith in the accuracy of tensionometers as some. I read people posting on forums with readings that have 2 decimal places.. and they're using the Park TM-1. And I've seen 2 calibrated DT tools don't always agree with each other, and squeezing 10 times gets ya different results. My grain of salt factor is 3-5%.

I agree. Posting with 2 decimal plays with a Park tension meter is pretty funny. That thing IMO is a guideline at best. I have one buy I tend to rely on my own abilities in doing an even job than that. You can get different readings just moving it around on the spoke. I mainly use it at the end just to go around and make sure there aren't any odd spokes out and make sure I haven't exceeded the desired max tension.

125 kg is plenty for most rims in my experience.

[Dorman]

I just use the meter to let me know I'm where I want to be. Then I use my ear.

[Neverwasbeen]

Thanks for all the responses. Very helpful.

Cheers