Warning: a stripped crank bolt left me stranded 15 miles from the shop

I was on a test ride for a customer's road bike in Golden Gate Park when the left arm just fell off. Had to call a friend with a car, but now I'm wondering what you all use to prevent that from happening again.

3 comments

3 Comments

adams.cameron9d agoMost Upvoted

That park has claimed more crank bolts than I can count, so I use a torque wrench every single time now.

the_logan9d ago

Disagree completely, a torque wrench is overkill for a crank bolt. You get a feel for it after doing it a few times. That park's problem is probably cross-threading or bad parts, not the lack of a specific tool. I've put on dozens with just a long hex key and a solid pull, never had one come loose. Relying on feel is a real skill that gets lost if you depend on gadgets for every single task.

phoenix_carter9d ago

Yeah but @the_logan, feel can't beat a torque wrench for something that critical.