Torque wrenches for a bike

Triathlon Forum
1

I just picked up a new P3C last weekend and am now looking at getting a torque wrench to make sure that I do not over tighten and crack any of the carbon parts. Does anyone have recommendations on a good torque wrench? Is a screwdriver type better to bring along on training rides or will a regular socket type wrench be better? Is either more accuate? Also should I be looking at bike specific brands ( Park, BBB ) or would automotive types ( Snap-On or Craftsman ) be fine?

Also a question on torque, I see on the stem on the bike that the torque rating is 15Nm, but I am concerned that that might be too much pressure on the carbon steerer and the HED Vantage 8 aerobar. I am having trouble locating any information on how much is too much torque on the stem. Is there a rule as to how much torque to apply on a carbon steerer and aerobar?

Thanks for all the help.

2

Friendly bump
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3

I’ve got two. One was an auto type torque wrench that fit metric bits. The other is a Syntace torque wrench. I prefer the Syntace. It’s smaller and easier to wield around the bike.

4

For small things like stem bolts the small Park beam type is affordable and works well, I dont see the need to bring one along on training rides… If you must then the screwdriver type would be easier to carry with you. I use the Park at work, and have a couple of Craftsmen at home and both seem to work well.
I would try Cervelo or 3T and HED to get their torque reccomendations.

Kevin

5

I recently went with this one after getting a P2C:

http://www.rei.com/product/777544
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6

on the syntace… can you swap the key heads?

7

Check the “wrenchworks” section of the ST home page. There is a review of a neat little torque wrench.

8

I personally think that the Pedros would be the best for the money. The range appears to cover most of the usual needs (bars, stem, seat post clamp). I have the BBB and like it fine but it looks a little on the cheap side. Whatever you get I would practice with it on stuff you don’t care about breaking. The “give” in the torque wrench when it reaches the limit is very subtle…just a little click - hard to detect.

9

Yes, It comes with about 5-7 different key heads, in a nice little carrying case.

10

Get the Effetto mentioned in the REI link. It’s a great tool, very well designed and very easy to use. I wish I’d had one when I was working in shops.

You have to get the torque spec from the manufacturer for their part. 15nm for a stem sounds really high.

11

I think the general rule for carbon steerer tubes, carbon bars, and carbon seatposts is about 5Nm of torque. Ritchey makes a 4mm fixed torque key that is very handy for on-the-road adjustments. It clicks when you reach 5Nm. Cost is around $20. For home use I have Park TW-1 (beam type), but I find myself using the handy Ritchey key more often.