Changed my tune on using a torque wrench for stem bolts

I used to think it was overkill on a simple commuter bike, but after seeing a friend's carbon steerer tube get crushed from overtightening (he said he 'just went by feel'), I bought a basic 5 Nm wrench. That was six months ago, and I haven't had a single creak or slip since, even on my own rough city rides. Do you guys use a torque wrench for basic stuff like this, or just save it for the fancy builds?

3 comments

3 Comments

joel_adams796d ago

Same thing happened to a buddy of mine last year. He crushed a seatpost clamp on his aluminum frame and it was a nightmare to fix. I feel for your friend man, it's such a dumb way to learn a lesson. @samf95 I think he just meant he tightened it until it felt "tight enough" which is basically guessing with no consistency. I totally get why you changed your tune. I use my torque wrench for everything now, even just swapping handlebars on my old beater bike. It saves so much hassle down the road.

samf959d ago

What did he think "by feel" meant anyway?

riley_garcia10d agoTop Commenter

A crushed carbon steerer from just going by feel?