TIL that using a torque wrench on carbon seatposts isn't just hype.

I always thought it was overkill until I saw a customer's 6-month-old frame with a crushed seat tube from an aluminum post. What's something you thought was unnecessary that you now swear by?

3 comments

3 Comments

sageross1mo ago

What's the over/under on how many "feelings" have killed carbon parts? @sean_johnson16's story is a brutal reminder that my calibrated elbow isn't actually calibrated. I went from thinking torque wrenches were for nerds to checking my stem bolts like three times now, it's a whole thing.

carr.brooke17d ago

Feeling" the torque is such a lie we tell ourselves. I was the same way until I overtightened a stem bolt and heard that awful crack sound. Now I'm that weirdo who carries a torque wrench in my saddle bag just in case.

sean_johnson161mo ago

Blew out a carbon steerer tube last year because I thought I could "feel" the torque... turns out my feelings were wrong and the frame was right. Now I torque literally everything down to spec like I'm defusing a bomb. Carbon paste too, because nothing says "trust me" like a greased up seatpost that still creaks. Honestly wish I'd learned this lesson on something cheaper than a frame replacement.