If you have a bike, there is no doubt that you need the best bike torque wrench.
And not just one torque wrench. You need a few, or a complete set.
A bike has so many fasteners. The brake bolt, pads, brake levers and cables have fasteners. The faceplate, top cap, stem, saddle clamp, seat binder, chain ring, crank arm, clamp band … we could go on and on and make a huge list of fasteners in a bike.
They come in their hundreds. They do not all come in the same sizes. Some are big, and some are small. That’s why we said you will need a bike torque wrench set.
You could also buy your torque wrenches going by the type of bike you have. Mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes may have different repair needs.
How to use a bike torque wrench
Once you have bought the best cycling torque wrench set, you need to know how to use it. This is very important!
Your bike might have many carbon fiber or fiberglass parts. These are delicate and so they need to be tightened in the right way or they could break easily.
This is why applying the recommended torque level on bike fasteners is very important. If you do not torque your bike parts, they could come loose and this could increase your accident risk.
Knowing how to set the torque
The whole fuss about using a torque wrench for a bike is so that you can set the amount of torque/pressure/force that you should apply on the fasteners.
From the user manual that came with your bike, find out the torque level that the manufacturer recommends for different parts.
You can then commence setting the torque level on the cycling torque wrench you are using. If it is a digital torque wrench, you can enter the settings easily.
Most of the torque wrenches for bikes in the market come with a torque range of 2 to 20Nm. If you buy a set or a complete kit for bike maintenance, it will have everything including Allen and Torx sockets, extension bar and the torque wrench itself.
The wrench will come with a fixed square head. This is going to work with the different drives in the box. Because of the low torque range, bike wrenches are designed to take small torque increments of 0.1Nm.
If the torque wrench that you have comes preset and it matches the torque value of the bike bolts, well, there’s no need to set the torque.
Beam torque wrenches are also popular with many bike owners. They are easy to use, cheap to buy and they are super accurate. If they lose calibration, twisting the handle a bit whips them back to good shape.
How to use a bike torque wrench on various parts
A bike has so many fasteners. Here, we shall look at how to use a bike torque wrench on various parts:
Using torque wrench on saddle – One of the questions many people ask is: what is the torque on a saddle? This depends on various things.
The bottom bracket uses bolts that have a torque value of 180 to 220 in-lb. Madone clamp bolts with torque rating of 125 to 140 in-lb.
Seat post – If it is made of carbon fiber (Most are!), you have to use a torque wrench on it. It is one of the best in the business.
| Bicycle Part | Material | Min. Torque | Max. Torque |
| Seatpost | Aluminum | 85 in-lb | 125 in-lb |
| Carbon fiber | 65 in-lb | 80 in-lb | |
| Bottom bracket cups | 300 in-lb | 360 in-lb | |
| Madone seat mast clamp bolts | 44 in-lb | 61 in-lb | |
| Pedals axle | 350 in-lb | 380 in-lb | |
| Aerobars extension clamp bolts | 60 in -lb | ||
| Chainring bolts | Steel | 106 in-lb | 124 in-lb |
| Aluminum | 71 in-lb | 79 in-lb | |
| Tandem eccentric | 75 in-lb | 100 in-lb | |
| Single speed eccentric | 75 in-lb | 100 in-lb | |
| Cassette lockring | 261 in-lb | 434 in-lb |
Frame parts
| Frame Part | Material | Min. Torque | Max. Torque |
| Water bottle bolt | 20 in-lb | 25 in-lb | |
| Fender strut bolt | 20 in-lb | 25 in-lb | |
| Rear derailleur hanger | 50 in-lb | 70 in-lb |
Handlebars
| Handlebar Part | Material | Min. Torque | Max. Torque |
| Extension clamp bolt | Aluminum | 35 in-lb | 39 in-lb |
| Elbow pad mounting bolts | 39.5 in-lb | 44 in-lb | |
| Bar end clamp bolts | 40 in-lb | 60 in-lb |
Crankset torque specs
| Part | Min. Torque | Max. Torque |
| Sport cranks – single M8 bolt each arm | 336 in-lb | 372 in-lb |
| Big Earl cranks/single M12 on every arm | 384 in-lb | 420 in-lb |
| Race X Lite ATB cranks/single M15 bolt each arm | 384 in-lb | 480 in-lb |
| Shimano cranks with double pinch bolts on each arm | 106 in-lb | 132 in-lb |
| Shimano with a single 6 or 8mm bolt every arm | 350 in-lb | 435 in-lb |
Seat post and seat post binder
| Saddle clamp bolts | Torque specs |
| Bontrager seatpost/bolt across the seatpost head | 120-130 in-lb |
| single bolt/with 6 mm Allen wrench | 65 to 125 in-lb |
| New Madone saddle clamp bolts | 125 to 140 in-lb |
| Seat fixing bolts with 13 or 14 mm open-end wrench | 180 to 220 in-lb |
| Aluminum seat post | 85 to 125 in-lb |
| Carbon fiber seat post | 65 to 80 in-lb |
| Equinox hidden binder | 65 to 80 in-lb |
Brake levers and shift levers
| Brake lever clamp type | Torque range |
| Road bike or mountain bike | 53 to 69 in-lb |
| Middle bar lever | 20 to 30 in-lb |
| Hayes hydraulic | 25 to 30 in-lb |
Stem torque specs
| Stem part | Stem build/design | Torque range |
| Expander | 100 to 120 in-lb | |
| Clamp for handlebars | For welded stems | 100 to 120 in-lb |
| Forged stem | 150 to 180 in-lb | |
| Carbon fiber handlebars | 100 in-lb | |
| Stem angle adjustment | 150 to 170 in-lb | |
| Tandem stoker stem | Ext. adjustment | 120 to 140 in-lb |
| seatpost clamp | 100 to 120 in-lb | |
| Steerer clamp | 100 to 120 in-lb |
Wheels torque specs
| Axle nuts | Specific part | Torque range |
| Axle nuts | Rear | 240 to 300 in-lb |
| Front | 180 to 240 in-lb | |
| Fixed-gear hub | Lockring | 250 to 300 in-lb |
| Disc brake | Mounting bolts | 45 to 55 in-lb |
| Thru-axle | Manitou forks bolts (pinch) | 45 to 55 in-lb |
| Tricycle | Pinch bolts front wheel | 150 to 280 in-lb |
| Tricycle | Rim joining bolts (split rear) | 180 to 220 in-lb |
How do I know the best torque for my MTB or road bike?
To know the best torque for any bike, you need to check the fasteners that you are tightening. A bike has so many fasteners, running into their hundreds.
Usually, the bolts used to fasten different parts of the bike require much less torque than you would need in car parts. Usually, the torque needs of a bike start from 35 in-lb to 222 in-lb.
When you are buying your bicycle wrench set or complete kit, ensure that it comes with a torque range of 17.7 in-lb to 222 in-lb.
MTB stem torque
Do not assume anything when it comes to tightening bolts on your MTB. You need to know the recommended torque for every bolt. For instance, a mountain bike stem bolt needs to be tightened to a torque of 37 in-lb to 53 in-lb.
Handlebars
MTB handlebars need to be tightened to a maximum torque of 40 in-lb if they are made of carbon fiber material. If you exceed this torque level, you can cause the handlebars to break easily.
Derailleur
The derailleur of a mountain bike is also very torque-sensitive. Take care to tighten the part where the derailleur sits on the hanger to a torque of 106 in-lb for 12 speed bikes.
If you are in doubt, you can always check the manufacturer recommendations.
Crankset
This part of your mountain bike that comes with higher torque needs. There are parts such as the crank arms and the bottom brackets, both of which need higher torque.
It is recommended that you torque these parts to 477.9 in-lb. Do not tighten the crankset blindly. Check the user manual or check with the bike manufacturer to know the right amount of torque to apply on the crankset fasteners.
Those are just some of the parts on an MTB that need to be tightened to the right torque level. There are hundreds more parts.
Is there a risk if you do not use a torque wrench on your bicycle?
There is a serious danger factor of not using torque wrench for bikes. Today’s bikes are made of high quality and lightweight carbon fiber material. This material is torque sensitive and if you over-tighten fasteners, you can break it easily.
Even the most experienced bike mechanic should use a mountain bike torque wrench. They should not depend on their experience to “know” when the bolt has been tightened to the final torque.
Do you really need a torque wrench for a bike?
Even at best, if you do not use a torque wrench to tighten the fasteners of a bike, you will get these loud creaks and noises that come loose parts.
This can affect the lifespan of most of the parts and send you to the repair shop sooner than you had expected.
That is not the only problem. In some parts of an MTB, it can be a matter of life and death. Imagine you are hurtling down some mountain trail and then your brakes get loose. Your derailleur could also come loose if it is not torqued to the recommended limit.
Every fastener in the modern bike has a given torque specification from the manufacturer. Because of the sensitivity of some parts, never use a ratchet wrench. If it is not adjusted to “fail” when it attains the final torque, you should not use it.
Always use a torque wrench. This tool is calibrated and the torque might be preset. However, in most wrenches, you have to set the torque yourself.
If you do not have an adjustable torque wrench, take the bike to a bike shop for repair. However, buying a road bike torque wrench and learning how to use it correctly will save you a lot of money.
Do manufacturers/vendors sell bikes with necessary torque wrenches?
We know that an MTB is going to cost you a good amount of money. You would think that the manufacturer or vendor would toss in a calibrated torque wrench.
Now, when you order a bike online, say, on a marketplace such as Amazon.com, it will not come fully assembled. It would be too big.
At the factory, technicians assemble and test all bikes. The necessary parts are torqued with the right tools.
After that, it is lightly disassembled and then packed for delivery. In such cases, they will throw in a torque wrench.
The derailleur is always removed so that it does not sustain damage when in transit. Handlebars, pedals and other small parts are also removed.
You will definitely need a couple of tools to assemble a new bike. These are the torque wrench, a screwdriver and so on. Don’t worry about the assembly. It is light and bikes come with comprehensive user manuals.
If you have a bike or a car at home, you definitely need to invest in small and medium tools such as torque wrenches. Do not ride your bike before you torque all the bolts.
When your bike is delivered in a box, check whether it comes with a screwdriver, Allen Keys and a torque wrench. If there is no calibrated wrench in the box, just buy your own. You will be glad you did.
Remember, many parts such as the handlebars might be made of carbon fiber. They require you to torque the bolts before you can ride precisely
How to calibrate bike torque wrench
Because of the small size of the bike MTB torque wrench, you might think it does not need calibration.
Every bolt that has a torque indication on it requires you to use a calibrated wrench. However, torque wrenches are calibrated for accuracy.
Due to various factors such as rust, poor storage and dropping them on the floor, they lose their calibration and their accuracy.
Therefore, no matter how small or how big they are, bike torque wrenches require to be calibrated for accuracy.
The method of calibration that you choose depends on many things. One of them is the type of wrench. If you are using a beam torque wrench, it is easy to calibrate.
Just check that the pointer rests at zero when you place the tool on a flat surface. If it does not, just twist the handle gently and check the position of the pointer again. When it finally rests at zero, the wrench is properly calibrated and you can use it.
If you are using a click torque wrench, follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Since most wrenches are supposed to be calibrated once every 5000 cycles, you can probably use yours for a long time without needing to calibrate it.
Just make sure you store it in the right way. Once a year, you can send it to a wrench calibration laboratory.
How to set bike torque wrench
Once you find out the recommended torque of your MTB bolts, you need to set up your bicycle torque wrench correctly.
Check the type of wrench you have at hand. If it has preset torque, you cannot adjust it. Just use it on the bolts that match its torque.
Setting it up depends on the type of wrench you are using. If you buy a Pro Bike Tool for instance, it is a click torque wrench.
If you are using a manual torque wrench, which is affordable, accurate and very common, you need to twist or slide the handle to align at the torque that you want, and then lock it in place.
It is best to set the wrench to use Newton Meters as your measuring units.
Every torque wrench comes with its user manual, and some even come with a torque chart. Read it to set the torque correctly.
You will also need to use the correct socket drive with the wrench. Most bike bolts require ¼-inch socket. This is why you should buy a set so that it comes with different socket drives.
Is one torque wrench enough for my road or mountain bike?
It is possible to use just one torque wrench for all of your bike bolts, since you can keep adjusting the torque.
If you can get a mountain bike torque wrench set, the better. Not all fasteners need the same torque. You need an adjustable torque wrench and a limited torque tool that is preset at a certain torque figure.
Most of the MTB bolts have a torque range of 2 to 6Nm. Therefore, it is pretty easy to do all the tightening jobs with a few tools.
If you buy the preset torque wrench, find out its torque range and then identify the fasteners that you can use it on.
Also, some fasteners on MTB might be located in squeezed spaces. You need a T-shape handle design to access such spaces.
Most people also ask: What torque wrench do I need for a bicycle? If you intend to get one adjustable wrench for your bike, get one that has a minimum torque of 4Nm and a maximum of 20Nm. Most bike bolts never exceed this torque range.
Another question that people ask is: Do I need a torque wrench for handlebars? Most bikes come with carbon fiber handlebars. These are delicate so if you over-torque your bolts, the bars can crack.
To conclude, if you can get two or more torque wrenches for your mountain or road bike, get them. If you cannot, just get one with a torque range of 4 to 20Nm.
Which is the ideal store to buy my bicycle’s torque wrench?
Most of the time when looking for a torque wrench for a bike, people wonder what brand name they should buy.
Rather than concentrate on the brand name alone, sometimes, it is best to find a good marketplace where you can find many options.
But there is a problem … when you buy from a general marketplace, they do not specialize in bike tools or parts.
If you do not mind, the ideal store to buy a bicycle torque wrench is Amazon.com. You will find a wide variety of these wrenches. You will also get something for your budget.
If you mind and you would rather buy your bike maintenance tools from a specialist store, Park Tool, which we will discuss below, is most ideal for you:
Park Tool
Park Tool is one of the most renowned brand names in the bicycle parts industry. Therefore, you can buy their bike torque wrenches with confidence.
You can order the tools you need directly from their website. They say they have hundreds of tools for professional as well as DIY bike mechanics.
When you get on their website, you can search for Torque Tools and you will be brought an array of products: beam torque wrenches, preset torque wrenches as well as other adjustable torque wrenches for bike maintenance.
You will also get a huge array of sockets and bit sizes. Ratcheting click type torque wrench and even crow foot wrenches.
You might not be able to buy the bike torque wrench set that you need on this site. However, under every product description, when you click the “Buy Online” button, you will be taken to different online stores that stock this product.
Park Tools has fixed as well as adjustable torque wrenches.
PRO Bike Tool
This is another of the best brand names to buy your bike tools. Since 2015, it has been supplying cyclists around the world with torque wrenches. One of their best selling products is the PRO Bike Tool Torque Wrench Set.
They also sell so many accessories and tools, including inflators, storage parts, puncture repair and others.
Considerations when buying your bike’s torque wrench
With hundreds of the best bike torque wrench sets in the market, it is hard to choose a good one. Here are the most important factors to consider getting a good tool for your bike maintenance:
Buying a bike torque wrench by type
Torque bike wrenches come in different types. Some are beam style; others are simple click torque wrenches. Some also come in the digital style, so programming them is so simple.
You will also notice that these wrenches come smaller as compared to the wrenches that you would buy for cars and trucks.
Bike fasteners are small and you can tighten them with ¼-inch drive. Whatever type of torque wrench you opt for, ensure the torque range is between 4 to 20Nm.
Consider buying preset torque wrenches. They are simple to use, require calibration less often than the ones with adjustable torque.
Most of the bike torque wrenches that come with preset torque have the T-shape. Park Tool has some good preset torque wrenches.
You can use it when you want to torque T25 bolts of sizes 3 to 5mm. It also can apply a maximum torque of 6Nm. You can buy other preset torque tools if you have bigger T-bolts on your bike.
The brand name
There are so many brand names for bike tools out there. However, you need a brand name that specializes in bike things and tools. Park Tool is a good place to start searching for the type of wrench that you need.
Pro Bike Tool and other renowned bike accessories and tools manufacturers come in their hundreds. Check whether they have bike wrenches and buy from them.
The size
Bicycles, motorbikes and lawnmowers have small fasteners that do not require torque wrenches bigger than ¼ inch.
Apart from the fixed square head size, consider the size of the handle too because smaller is better for bikes.
Calibration and accuracy
As a rule of thumb, the accuracy of torque wrenches for bikes should be within the range of 3 to 5%. Check the calibration certificate to know when the tool was calibrated for accuracy.
Usually, even without regular use, once a year should be enough. If used too frequently, we recommend calibration once every 5000 cycles.
Materials and price
Today, some torque wrenches come in metal, others come in ABS plastic material. While plastic tools have their benefits, they won’t last. Get metallic ones.
Regarding the price, first, look at all the other features. If they justify the price, get the tool. Paying too low could get you a poor tool and vice versa.
Best bicycle torque wrench
You are now ready to buy a mountain or road bike torque wrench. We recommend that you buy in sets. Try some of the following:
i) Best electric bike torque wrench
Topeak D-Torq Torque Wrench
It has a programmable digital readout
Has a fixed square and hex style heads
The torque range is 4 to 80Nm
Reversible ratchet head to tighten fasteners in both directions
Comes with 3/8 and ½-inch square drives for heavier torque application
ii) Best digital bike torque wrench
Summit Tools ¼-inch Digital Torque Wrench Set
This is not a set – it’s a single piece with ¼-inch hex head style that can work on most of the bike bolts.
It has a high precision rate at +/-1% accuracy rating. The torque range is 10 to 200 Nm, so you can use it on big fasteners
It has a big LCD display for torque readout. It measures torque in Nm, in-lb and ft-lb
Gives an LED flash and a buzzer to alert you when you reach final torque
iii) Best click type bike torque wrench
Pro Bike Tool Torque wrench
The torque range is 2 to 20Nm
Has a square fixed head and is made of chrome vanadium steel for durability
Has an accuracy rating of +/-4% when used in the clockwise direction and +/-6% when used in the anticlockwise direction
The set contains 8 Hex tools, T10, T25 and T30 wrenches and an extension bar that is 100mm long
Comes with a 72-tooth ratchet head that can measure the torque in clockwise and counterclockwise directions
iv) Best adjustable torque wrench
Venzo Bicycle Bike 1/4 Inch Driver
Torque wrench set with T20, T25 and T30 Torques and 7 Allen Keys
Has a torque range of 2-24Nm adjustable in small portions of 0.1Nm
You get a click alert when you have reached the final torque
Made in Taiwan to high standards and sold with a 10-year warranty
Has an accuracy rating of +/-4%
v) Best preset torque wrench
Park Tool Preset Torque Driver
It has a hex head style and magnetic socket for holding bits
It is made in the T-Shape design and can access squeezed spaces
It comes with 3, 4 & 5mm and T25 bits that are inside the handle
Can apply a maximum torque of 4Nm
Built with metal and handle coated in plastic for durability
Vi) Best mini torque wrench (too set)
LEXIVON 1/4-Inch Click-Style Torque Wrench
It has a torque range of 2.26 to 22.6Nm
Click style torque wrench with a fixed square head
It is 10 inches long
Scale on the handle and body is easy to read done in yellow against black
Has an accuracy rating of +/-4%
Best Bike Torque Wrench FAQ
Torque wrenches for bikes are simple tools, but when you are a beginner, you can still find it hard to use. These frequently asked questions might help you know more:
What size torque wrench do I need for my bike?
Most of the fasteners used on a bike require ¼-inch torque wrench. However, several parts might require a ⅜-inch torque wrench.
If you intend to do your bike maintenance, buy ½, 3/8 and ¼ MTB torque wrench because you will need them. Also toss in a preset torque wrench or torque screwdriver.
What can I use if I don’t have a torque wrench?
If you have many years of experience working with bikes, you can work with a regular wrench and probably estimate closely when a bolt is tight.
However, even then, make sure you get a torque wrench and torque the bolts to the required level because you can never be too sure.
Conclusion and Recommendation
If you take good care of your bike, it is going to take good care of you. Buying a good bike is great for your health and for the environment. You also need a good cycling torque wrench to keep your bicycle in good shape.
Choose a torque wrench that has an accuracy rating of +/-3 to +/-5%. All of the bolts on a bike need to be torqued to the right force. This prevents cracking of carbon fiber parts, which happens when you over-tighten bolts.
Derailleurs, pedals and brakes are the most torque sensitive parts in a bike. Even for simple repair jobs, use a calibrated torque wrench.