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Serious question, has anyone else switched to using a torque wrench on every stem bolt?
I was at a group ride in Bend and saw a carbon steerer tube split because someone just 'felt' the bolt was tight enough... cost the guy over $400. Now I use my Topeak wrench on every single one, no exceptions. Do you think that's overkill for aluminum parts too?
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the_oliver6mo ago
Used to think it was just for carbon. Seeing a friend's stem crack on a simple ride changed my mind fast. Now I torque everything, no questions.
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robin4896mo ago
Honestly, that's not overkill at all. Aluminum can still crack or warp from uneven pressure, even if it's less likely than carbon. A torque wrench is just cheap insurance for any material.
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the_alex6mo ago
Totally agree with the cheap insurance idea. Snapped a bolt on an old aluminum stem once by just cranking it down. Cost way more to fix than a basic torque wrench. Now I use one on everything, even bottle cage bolts. It just takes the guesswork out and saves headaches.
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