I'll introduce them in future blogs but today's news is my new favorite. I saw it first at Eurobike in 2006, from a couple in Germany. Not before or since have I seen a stand so perfectly and thoughtfully created: up there with the finest espresso makers, for example, combining metalwork mastery, love of the process, and ingenious function. A device as captivating to behold as to use.
P&K Lie = Elegant SimplicityI'm speaking of the P&K Lie stand. I've added this stand to our store, where it takes its place in our World's Best gallery next to the Morizumi spoke machine. Not inexpensive, USD$1,950 for North American customers, each is handbuilt by Peter and Kerstin Lie, brother and sister who hail from Sweden and now live and work in Hamburg. While you may gasp at the price, the visuals are even more breathtaking.
Amazing non-linear, reset-able gaugesI recommend a short video glimpse of the P&K Lie stand. If you're curious about use, then a second video guides you through its enlightened function. What are the defining features?
(1) Stunning execution; luxurious use of materials (lots of immaculate brass, rare these days); gorgeous contours for knobs, slides, fixtures. A work of art.
Bracket detail(2) Very fast and solid wheel gripping. What a relief to be free of insecure axle mounting or the need for nuts and quick releases for solidity.
Super fast and solid hub clamps(3) Amazing, custom built dial gauges. But these are not just huge gauges, they are non-linear sweep gauges. Non-linear means you can use them on a very untrue wheel. Those of you using dial indicators in your building know they can't be employed until the wheel is very true because the needle will spin wildly around which is impossible to interpret for truing.
Gauge housing detailP&K Lie gauges are designed by Peter Lie to be used from the earliest stage of wheelbuilding. With P&K Lie, you switch 100% to dial gauge reading. And, man, does it speed things up. No joke, I'm seeing huge efficiencies and this is the stand's most compelling feature: SPEED!
Our first order immediately sold out. Three more arrive before year-end. Given Peter and Kerstin's perfectionism and small scale workshop, the supply is limited. Hopefully the waiting list will not become awkward. It's certainly worth it.
Bracket backsideIn weeks to come, I will further introduce the artists behind the stand, Peter and Kerstin, and describe in greater detail why their wheel truing system is so fast and effective. You can visit their site on the web.
10 comments:
We use one of these stands here in the UK - it is highly accurate and siginificantly reduces eye strain over the work day. It also is a great conversatio piece at trade shows or in the workshop.
Jonathan
This stand is as visually stunning as it is mechanically perfect.
The moment I saw one of these in Germany, I had to have it and having worked with it for several years now I can confirm that everything Ric says is true. The only drawback will be for those that want to go slow and savor their wheel building. It speeds thing up so much that I was caught off guard initially. But hey, that's not so bad is it?
-BB
Ric, you carry the p&k lie spoke wrenches?
Today received stands and wrenches. Will soon list on eBay. Wrenches are USD$18 each. Not inexpensive but certainly unique and clever.
I received one of the P&kLIE stands from Ric's first order. I have built around 40 wheels on the stand and agree it is the perfect truing machine. I have used a Preciray stand for the last 12 years and liked it but always wished it could be refined and modernized. P&KLie did it! I found the process to be very intuitive and quick to learn. The non linear dials and adjustable holders are much easier to use that the add on dial indicators on other machines. The P&KLie spoke tools are also the best yet!
Received the stand and have already built 2 wheels. This is the best truing stand available, hands down. It is extremely accurate, easy to use, well engineered and visually stunning as well. Worth every penny if you build or even just tweak your own wheels.
Ric is doing a great job as the US dealer.
New up date on the P&KLie stand. I have a new apprentice wheel builder who has built 8 wheel sets on his own using the Preciray stand. I offered the use of the P&KLie stand for his latest set. He was some what intimated at first but after the front wheel had it figured out and was surprised how simple the process was. His experience was a reminder to me of the importance of beginners mind.
What is the maximum sized rim this can take? I regularly build 36" wheels and need to use the extensions for the park stand. Also, the hub attachment appears to only hold "normal" axles. I need to hold 42mm bearings. Bummer, as this stand looks awesome!
Hi Bronson,
The stand will only take 700C wheels unless the two brass bars (that carry indicators) are made longer. I'm sure Peter & Kerstin would make a special version of this detail for you. Unfortunately, I'm sold out at the present time (11/12) and everything scheduled is reserved until late January. Let us know, the backlog won't always be this long.
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