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?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_oliver16d 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.

robin48916d 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.

-1

the_alex16d 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.