Truing a wheel is an essential skill for any cyclist, especially for those using high-performance wheels like the Fortus 30 Pro 4 [paid link] from Hope. A well-trued wheel ensures that your ride is smooth, efficient, and free of vibrations that can affect performance. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of truing your Fortus 30 Pro 4 [paid link] wheels, covering all the necessary steps to ensure precision and longevity.

Tools Required

• Truing stand
• Spoke wrench (appropriate size for Fortus 30 Pro 4 spokes)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Rim tape (if necessary)
• Tension meter (optional, but recommended for precise adjustments)
• Lubricant (for spoke threads, if required)
• Metric ruler or caliper (to measure spoke tension)
• Brake pads or zip ties (to act as reference points)

Preparing for Truing

Before you begin the truing process, ensure that your work area is clean, well-lit, and stable. A truing stand is essential for accurately checking the wheel’s alignment, so invest in one if you don’t already have it.

1. Remove the Wheel from the Bike:
   To ensure you can work on the wheel properly, remove it from the bike. For the Fortus 30 Pro 4, this is as simple as releasing the quick release or through axle, depending on your bike’s setup.
2. Check the Condition of the Wheel:
   Before truing, inspect the wheel for any obvious damage, such as cracked spokes, a bent rim, or issues with the hub. If any major damage is found, repair or replace the damaged components before attempting to true the wheel.
3. Install the Wheel in the Truing Stand:
   Place the wheel in the truing stand, ensuring that it is centered correctly. The wheel should spin freely without rubbing against the sides of the stand. Use the brake pads or zip ties as reference points to help identify any side-to-side or up-and-down deviations.

Identifying the Issue

When truing a wheel, there are two primary issues to address: lateral (side-to-side) and radial (up-and-down) true.

• Lateral True: The wheel may wobble from side to side, indicating that some spokes are either too tight or too loose, pulling the rim out of alignment.
• Radial True: The wheel may have hops or bumps, meaning the rim is not perfectly round, and some spokes need adjusting.

Truing the Wheel

Lateral Truing

1. Inspect the Rim’s Alignment:
   Spin the wheel slowly and observe how the rim moves in relation to the brake pads or reference points. Identify any areas where the rim is too far to the left or right.
2. Adjust the Spokes:
   Use your spoke wrench to adjust the spokes on the side where the rim is misaligned. Tighten the spokes on the side opposite to the deviation and loosen those on the side of the deviation. Make small adjustments at first, as fine-tuning is crucial to getting the wheel perfectly straight.
3. Check the Progress:
   After a few adjustments, spin the wheel again to check your progress. If the deviation persists, repeat the process by tightening or loosening the relevant spokes. Continue making small adjustments until the wheel is laterally true.

Radial Truing

1. Identify the High Spots:
   Spin the wheel and observe any bumps or hops in the rim. These are typically caused by uneven spoke tension. You’ll notice a section of the rim that deviates away from the reference point, indicating that it is out of round.
2. Adjust the Spokes:
   Tighten the spokes near the high spots to bring the rim closer to the center. If the rim has a significant bump, you may need to tighten multiple spokes around that section. Loosen the spokes near any low spots to ensure the rim maintains its round shape.
3. Fine-Tune:
   Repeat the process of spinning the wheel and adjusting the spokes until the rim is smooth and round. You may need to go over it a few times, checking both lateral and radial alignment after each adjustment.

Checking Tension

After truing the wheel, it is important to check the spoke tension to ensure even distribution. Uneven spoke tension can cause the wheel to lose true again quickly.

1. Use a Tension Meter:
   If you have a tension meter, measure the tension of each spoke. For the Fortus 30 Pro 4, the recommended spoke tension range is typically listed by Hope or in the wheel’s user manual. Aim for consistent tension across all spokes.
2. Adjust as Necessary:
   If any spoke tension is too high or too low, make small adjustments with the spoke wrench. Keep in mind that drastic changes in spoke tension can cause the wheel to lose true.

Reinstalling the Wheel

Once the wheel is trued, it is ready to be reinstalled on the bike. Follow these steps:

1. Check Brake Alignment:
   Before putting the wheel back on the bike, check the alignment of your brake calipers. If your brakes are rim-based, ensure that they’re not rubbing on the rim, especially after truing.
2. Reinstall the Wheel:
   Reinstall the wheel on your bike and tighten the quick release or through axle. Spin the wheel again to ensure it rotates freely and without wobble.
3. Final Test Ride:
   After truing, it’s a good idea to take your bike for a short test ride. Pay attention to how the wheel feels—if it’s still pulling to one side or causing vibrations, recheck the wheel in the truing stand and make minor adjustments as needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Wheel Won’t Stay True: If the wheel does not stay true after several adjustments, the rim may be severely deformed, or the spokes may be too stretched. In such cases, consider replacing the rim or spokes.
• Spokes Constantly Loosen: If the spokes on your Fortus 30 Pro 4 are continually loosening after truing, check for spoke nipple wear or broken nipples. You may need to replace them to ensure proper tension is maintained.
• Brake Rub After Truing: If the wheel rubs against the brakes after truing, double-check that the wheel is properly installed and centered. Misalignment of the brake calipers or rotor may also be causing the issue.

Customization and Optimization

To optimize your Fortus 30 Pro 4 wheels for maximum performance, consider the following adjustments:

• Spoke Tension: Adjust the spoke tension to match your riding style. For more aggressive riders, higher tension may be necessary to prevent flexing and improve durability.
• Hub Maintenance: Regularly clean and lubricate the hubs to ensure smooth performance and prevent wear.
• Rim Protection: Consider adding rim tape or protective stickers to guard against damage from rough terrain.

Conclusion

Truing your Fortus 30 Pro 4 wheels is a straightforward yet crucial task that every cyclist should know how to do. By following the steps outlined above and regularly maintaining your wheels, you can ensure that your bike performs optimally and lasts for many miles to come. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to truing, so always take your time to make precise adjustments for the best results.