Tightening bike bolts to the correct torque
Many parts carry their maximum torque in Nm; never guess a value.
- Answers
- How tight should you tighten the bolts on a bike?
- Topics
- bike · creating · design · howto · minimal · mobility · sport
- Full article on willem.com
- https://willem.com/en/2019-08-18_creating-a-minimal-road-bike/
Summary
Use a torque wrench and tighten each bolt to the maximum torque printed on the part in Newton meters (Nm). If no value is printed, look it up online. Never guess a value: your safety depends on it.
Full text
It is easy to apply too much pressure on bolts, junctions, bearings and tubes, so a good torque wrench is a worthwhile investment. Many bike parts have their maximum torque value written on them in Newton meters. If a part carries no value, look it up online rather than guessing: your life depends on the bike staying together while you ride it. Two related habits help. Apply fresh grease when reassembling, because cleaning removes the old grease; grease keeps water away from bearings and prevents squeaky, ticking noises. And install the seat post first, so you can clamp the frame in a work stand by the seat post tube, which is usually the strongest tube on the bike, much stronger than the top tube.