Welcome to the shoppe tool of the month. Every Journeyman has their special tools. When a task needs to get done, Jalon Hawk may use a special tool.

This month's focus is on angle accuracy. Every time I hear someone say that they own a (enter production bike name here) and the brochure says that it has such and such angles for the head tube and seat tube, I indicate that it may be possible. More than likely the tolerances for production frames are close to what they indicate. But how close?

You can use a $12 weighted dial protractor from Sears to get close. When you call in and let me know what your present frame geometry is, I take in consideration of the manufacture's specifications. If you are use to what you think is a 72° angle, and it turns out to be 73.5°, how different of a ride you are in for!

How about this scenario: If your mountain bike sports “Suspension” geometry of 71° X 72°, do they take in consideration for the geometry to be set when the fork is loaded (such as ¾ inch sag) or not? This could equate to a 1° difference in head and seat tube angles. Check it! The cost for one of theses units is around $250. The angle de-liar.