Cycling technology company Berd has unveiled the latest version of its TRUDI wheel truing machine, introducing expanded hardware and software capabilities. Since its launch one year ago, the tabletop system has been used to produce more than 150,000 wheels internationally.
Based in Hopkins, MN, Berd is known for its development of polymer bicycle spokes. Its TRUDI system is designed to provide speed and repeatability to the wheelbuilding process by combining automated measurement with guided adjustments.
The new release expands compatibility to include wheel sizes from 20-inch to 32-inch through a universal hub mounting system. The machine now supports a wider range of standards, including thru-axle, quick-release, and bolt-on hubs, as well as e-bike applications.
A notable hardware update is the introduction of an external driver. This allows adjustments to be made on the exposed portion of standard nipples, similar to a traditional spoke key. According to the company, this enables wheels to be trued without the need to remove the tyre or rim tape, offering a time-saving advantage for high-volume service environments.
Charlie Spanjers, CEO and Co-Founder of Berd, said “Wheelbuilding is a complex, highly skilled process – every adjustment affects lateral, radial, centering and tension at the same time. What TRUDI does is fundamentally change that. It replaces an iterative, experience-driven process with a controlled, data-driven one – reducing build time, improving precision, and lowering overall build costs.”
The updated system also includes:
- A Mini Tensiometer designed for accurate tension measurement in tight spoke patterns, such as those found on smaller wheels or e-bike hubs
- A quick-change bit system compatible with various nipple types, including square, hex, and proprietary formats
- Software enhancements that support custom spoke profiles, 2:1 lacing patterns, and tailored ‘build recipes’ for specific workflows
- Adjustable driver speeds and Chinese language support to cater to international manufacturing facilities
The TRUDI machine captures a complete dataset of radial runout, lateral runout, and centering before calculating the exact adjustments required. Berd notes that the system can reduce the time required for a high-quality wheel build to between 5–10 minutes.
