[berry79]

Just got my new stem in, and in the intructions it states to tighten the bar clamp to 6.5NM and the stem bolts to 7.5NM. That it some very low torque. Is this what others are using? It just seems a little for items that mount to the fork stem and bars.

 

[oilerfan30]

I used to go tighter, but now that I am running a carbon bar, I have generally stuck with the numbers given. As long as nothing is slipping and moving around it is fine. If you are worried about it backing out, put a little loctite on it..

 

[berry79]

I was just worried about the bars or stem getting knocked out of adjustment easily.

 

[perttime]

Different manufacturers may have different torque specs for their different designs. I have never used a torque wrench on my bikes, but my bars and stems are pretty sturdy lumps of aluminum too...

What stem and bar do you have?

 

[tihsepa]

Actually getting knocked out of adjustment is sometimes better than broken. Torque them properly.
You always get these guys that say they dont use a torque wrench. Ok dont, what do I care. I didnt buy the parts. You had better do it on a customers bike who is paying for the work. Do the job right.

 

[berry79]

It's a race face ride stem +/-6* 90mm and a race face evolve xc bar. I guess I'll just torque to spec and see how it goes. I'm porbably to used to torquing things with a significantly high spec for work. I do metal fab. and heavy diesel mech.

 

[perttime]

... and me not using a torque wrench does not mean that I tighten things until my veins bulge and the wrench cracks ... I try to leave my brake levers a bit loose to prevent damage. And it has happened that I have to realign the stem after an unintentional dismount.

 

[treyxman5]

while on the topic of stems...i just got ritchey comp rizer handlebars and i was wondering how i will be able to know if the stem i order will fit around the bar b/c the fat part of the new handlebars is bigger than my stock one....

 

[berry79]

If your new bar is fatter in diameter than the factory, it's probably a 31.8mm bar. Your factory bar and stem are most likely 25.4mm. You will need to order a new stem to match the bar diameter of 31.8mm or replace the bar for one that has the smaller diameter.

 

[wesleytide77]

Just ordered the NX build. I can't find the torque specs for everything. Do you use threadloc? Anyone know where the specs are for rear face aeffect stem and Chester bars? Nothing found on rear face website. Nothing on axle. Transition website only shows frame torque.

 

[Battery]

Just ordered the NX build. I can't find the torque specs for everything. Do you use threadloc? Anyone know where the specs are for rear face aeffect stem and Chester bars? Nothing found on rear face website. Nothing on axle. Transition website only shows frame torque.

The torque specs are usually stamped on the stem. If you need torque specs for other parts, you will need to look up the individual components. For SRAM, they usually mention the torque specs in their YouTube installation videos. For Shimano, you will need to read the dealer manuals for each part.

 

[mack_turtle]

Anyone know where the specs are for rear face aeffect stem and Chester bars? Nothing found on rear face website. Nothing on axle. Transition website only shows frame torque.

Aeffect stem instructions

I just looked up photos of this stem. all versions of the Aeffect stem that I can find have the torque printed directly on the stem.

and since this topic came up recently, I looked up the user manuals for half a dozen popular stems on the market. the all call for grease on the treads to achieve proper torque. some people with automotive backgrounds get confused about this. bicycle components generally require some sort of lubrication on threaded interfaces unless "no grease" is specifically stated.

it sounds like you just ordered a Transition bike with NX parts. what model? Transition makes a lot of different bikes.

 

[wesleytide77]

Aeffect stem instructions

I just looked up photos of this stem. all versions of the Aeffect stem that I can find have the torque printed directly on the stem.

and since this topic came up recently, I looked up the user manuals for half a dozen popular stems on the market. the all call for grease on the treads to achieve proper torque. some people with automotive backgrounds get confused about this. bicycle components generally require some sort of lubrication on threaded interfaces unless "no grease" is specifically stated.

it sounds like you just ordered a Transition bike with NX parts. what model? Transition makes a lot of different bikes.

Thanks Mack! I do have automotive and small engine background. Probably should stop assuming there is carry over. Sentinel XXL Carbon NX as I'm 6'7". I'm cautious because it is my first nice bike. Had an old steel specialized that finally went kaput after MANY years. It just had to go out during Covid when it can't be replaced easily. Especially for a difficult fit like me.

 

[Battery]

Thanks Mack! I do have automotive and small engine background. Probably should stop assuming there is carry over. Sentinel XXL Carbon NX as I'm 6'7". I'm cautious because it is my first nice bike. Had an old steel specialized that finally went kaput after MANY years. It just had to go out during Covid when it can be replaced.

Sentinel is an awesome bike! I had one for a year. Total blast to ride. Don't let the bike give you overconfidence when descending. It's a downhill rage monster!

 

[mack_turtle]

The Syntace x-12 axle on that bike should have the torque spec etched into the end. I can see it clearly in several photos but I can't quite read it. somewhere in the neighborhood of 15Nm.

The Wolftooth version states 12Nm.

 

[wesleytide77]

The Syntace x-12 axle on that bike should have the torque spec etched into the end. I can see it clearly in several photos but I can't quite read it. somewhere in the neighborhood of 15Nm.

The Wolftooth version states 12Nm.

Gonna have to use the phone to convert. I have in/lbs and ft/lbs torque wrenches. Sounds about right. I was researching the thread grease. Came across packets of Tacx carbon for dropper and seeing park tool poly lube for axle and threads?

 

[mack_turtle]

I have a binder full of bike mechanic notes from my days working in shops. the cover is a printed out torque conversion chart. I have three torque wrenches, coincidentally. one of them was marketed for cycling and has Nm marked on it, another uses a 1/4" drive and has inch-pounds marked, and the third uses 3/8" drive for foot-pounds. I also have a list of common torque specs for common bike parts. most of of little M5 bolts all over your bike are good at 55 inch-pounds or 6 Nm. big crank bolts and bottom bracket cups are more like 30 ft-lbs. thru axles are around 135-150 inch pounds, depending on the design.

 

[wesleytide77]

I have a binder full of bike mechanic notes from my days working in shops. the cover is a printed out torque conversion chart. I have three torque wrenches, coincidentally. one of them was marketed for cycling and has Nm marked on it, another uses a 1/4" drive and has inch-pounds marked, and the third uses 3/8" drive for foot-pounds. I also have a list of common torque specs for common bike parts. most of of little M5 bolts all over your bike are good at 55 inch-pounds or 6 Nm. big crank bolts and bottom bracket cups are more like 30 ft-lbs. thru axles are around 135-150 inch pounds, depending on the design.

Great idea on posting charts. Should be good on tools, its just nuances of a different platform. Thanks again!

 

[wesleytide77]

Full disclosure so I don't look like a liar. I canceled the Transition and got a SC because they had one in-stock at Colorado Cyclist