Stop torquing your carbon handlebars to the stem spec

I've seen 3 bikes come through my stand this month where the owner tightened their stem bolts to 5Nm and cracked the bar right at the clamp. That number is for the stem, not the bar, check the bar itself, most carbon ones want 4Nm max. How do you guys mark your torque limit on the bar so customers don't mess it up later?

2 comments

2 Comments

hannaho521d ago

Stick a small strip of colored electrical tape right on the bar next to the stem with the torque written on it, that way it's super obvious and they can't miss it. Also helps if you set your own torque wrench to 4Nm and give it a quick once-over before the bike leaves the stand anyway. Pair that with a quick verbal warning about carbon creaking and you're usually good to go.

cole_robinson1d ago

That "quick once-over" habit is a solid move. It's like how I always double check that my front door is locked before bed even though I know I locked it, just saves you that one time you forget.