Maintenance6 min read
The right torque for every bolt on your bike
Why torque decides safety and longevity — and how to get it right.
By Lukas Berger
On a modern bicycle, there's hardly a bolt whose torque doesn't matter. Too tight, and you risk cracked carbon or stripped threads. Too loose, and safety-critical parts work loose while riding.
Why "by feel" isn't enough
Human feel for torque is remarkably unreliable — especially in the low range where most bicycle components live. A calibrated torque wrench turns a guess into a repeatable, verifiable value.
- Stem clamp: typically a low Nm value — always check the manufacturer's spec.
- Seatpost: over-tightening damages carbon frames and posts.
- Rotors and calipers: tighten evenly and to spec.
Precise torque isn't a luxury. It's the difference between a safe bike and a warranty claim.
Lukas Berger, workshop lead
With a reliable torque wrench and the right routine, correct tightening becomes second nature — on every service, on every bike.
