Do you use a torque wrench when adjusting seat height?
06-12-11, 09:46 PM
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Do you use a torque wrench when adjusting seat height?
Now that I have a carbon bike I have become paranoid (probably overly so) about torque specs. In the case of a carbon frame with alloy seatpost how necessary is a torque wrench?
06-12-11, 09:48 PM
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Yes, yes I do. No need to damage your carbon frame.
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06-12-11, 09:50 PM
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I dont - I just use very short hex wrenches. Might bite me later but its worked well so far...
06-13-11, 02:22 AM
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+1. Use the short end of a hex wrench between thumb and one finger and 5Nm will be quite uncomfortable. Kind of a natural torque wrench.
06-13-11, 03:41 AM
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Torque wrench + Tacx carbon assembly paste = peace of mind.
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06-13-11, 03:49 AM
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Yes. It's not something I do often so it's not a problem. The Ritchey key works well if you need 5 nm or less.
I'm always spruced as to how tight the torque specs are. My "feel" for a seat collar would be around 5 nm, the specs are higher.
I'm always spruced as to how tight the torque specs are. My "feel" for a seat collar would be around 5 nm, the specs are higher.
06-13-11, 05:17 AM
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I use a torque wrench now, now that I have a carbon bike as well. a good 50$ investment.
06-13-11, 05:48 AM
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06-13-11, 06:36 AM
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I have this one, it works pretty well. On sale now for $60!
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...8_20000_400155
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...8_20000_400155
06-13-11, 07:07 AM
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06-13-11, 09:47 AM
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This thread now makes me want a torque wrench. Any other recommendations for good value pickups like the one on Performance? Is it better to go with the click or beam type?
06-13-11, 09:57 AM
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Is my Ritchie torque wrench broken? Seems like I can jack it REALLY tight without it 'slipping' to release pressure - I'm afraid to really turn it hard.
06-13-11, 10:00 AM
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What if you have an aluminum frame with a carbon seat post? (i.e. caad9) The Cannondale manual says to use a torque wrench, but it would probably be relatively safe to adjust without?
06-13-11, 10:24 AM
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If it's a carbon wrapped post (i.e.not carbon) you should be fine. That said, I managed to break my seatpost-collar bolt on my caad8 once when I torqued down too much on it.
06-13-11, 10:32 AM
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I have this one, it works pretty well. On sale now for $60!
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...8_20000_400155
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...8_20000_400155
06-13-11, 10:38 AM
#21
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06-13-11, 10:47 AM
#22
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I'm not convinced a torque wrench is absolutely necessary if you use a bit of common sense. I just tighten it until I can't twist the saddle with one hand..I've never had a problem with the post slipping or getting crushed so I suppose I'm in the ballpark.
06-13-11, 10:54 AM
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as i have learned, over-torquing a seat post clamp (aluminum or carbon) can cause tiny cracks to occur. tiny cracks become big cracks become faceplants.
if you think about it: the saddle & post is like a lever and the seat post is the fulcrum. as you pedal on the bike, forces in all different directions are going through that point - where the post and seat tube meet....compounded by all the leverage your body weight puts on it.
just get a $20 torque key that's calibrated for 5nm and never worry about it again!
if you think about it: the saddle & post is like a lever and the seat post is the fulcrum. as you pedal on the bike, forces in all different directions are going through that point - where the post and seat tube meet....compounded by all the leverage your body weight puts on it.
just get a $20 torque key that's calibrated for 5nm and never worry about it again!
06-13-11, 11:51 AM
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In that case tighten it until it doesn't slip vertically. To get a seatpost not to slip, you really only need to barely cinch it down. If you are uncertain, use the short end of the wrench, or a very short wrench.