AUG 25, 2015 / MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS AND

CONCEPTS
This article will discuss the basics of torque and torque wrench use. See also related article on Basic Thread
Concepts. This article includes a table of various torque recommendations. The Bicycle Specific Torque Value Chart
is also available as a PDF file.

1 INTRO TO TORQUE

Threaded fasteners (nuts and bolts) are used to hold many components to the bike. As a fastener is tightened, the
fastener actually flexes and stretches, much like a rubber band. This stretching is not permanent, but it gives the joint
force to hold together, called “preload,” or tension. Each fastener is designed for a certain range of tension. Too
much tightening will deform the threads or the parts. Too little preload will mean the fastener will loosen with use.
This can damage components, such as a crank ridden with a loose mounting bolt. Loose bolts and nuts are also
generally the source of various creaking on the bike.

Tension in the fastener depends largely upon the amount of torque (tightening) and the size of the thread. Generally,
engineers will specify a thread size large enough to handle the anticipated stresses. For example, the M5 bolt of a
water bottle cage bolt would not be a good choice for holding a crank. Even if the bolt were as tight as possible, it
would not provide enough force to hold the arm secure to the spindle. The crank-to-spindle interface receives quite a
lot of stress, making larger threads (M8, M12, M14) a better choice. The amount of pressure applied by a thread can
be substantial in order to hold the joint secure. For example, a fully tightened crank bolt can provide over 14,000
Newton force (3,000 pounds) as it holds the arm in place.

It is commonly believed that bolts and nuts often come loose for no apparent reason. However, the common cause
for threaded fasteners loosening is simply lack of tension during initial assembly. Vibration, stress, use, or abuse
cannot typically overcome the amount of clamping force in a properly sized and secured threaded fastener. As a
simple rule of thumb, any fastener should be tightened as tight as possible without failure of the thread or the
component parts. This means the weakest part of the joint determines the limits of tension, and hence, torque.

2 TORQUE MEASUREMENTS

Torque for mechanics is simply a twisting or turning motion around the axis of the thread. This resistance can be
correlated to, but is not a direct measurement of, fastener tension. Generally, the higher the rotational resistance, the
greater tension in the threaded fastener. In other words, the more effort it takes to tighten a bolt, the tighter it is.
Torque is measured as a unit of force acting on a rotating lever of some set length. In the USA, the common unit
used to measure torque is the inch-pound (abbreviated in-lb.). This is a force of one pound acting at the end of a
lever (wrench) only one inch long. Another torque unit used in the USA is the foot-pound (abbreviated ft-lb.), which
is the force in pounds along a one-foot long lever. It is possible to convert between the two units by multiplying or
dividing by twelve. Because it can become confusing, it is best to stick to one designation. The units given on the
torque table here will be the in-lb.

A more universally accepted torque measurement is the Newton-meter (abbreviated Nm). One Newton-meter is a
force of one Newton on a meter long lever. Another option sometimes used is the Kilogram-centimeter (abbreviated
kgf-cm), which is a kilogram of force acting on a lever one centimeter long. It is possible to convert between the
various systems.

in-lb = ft-lb. × 12 (EXAMPLE: 5.5 ft-lb × 12 = 66 in-lb)

in-lb = Nm × 8.851 (EXAMPLE: 9 Nm × 8.851 = 79.7 in-lb)
in-lb = kgf-cm × 0.87 (EXAMPLE: 300 kgf-cm × 0.87 = 261 in-lb)

3 TORQUE WRENCH TYPES

Torque wrenches are simply tools for measuring resistance to rotation. There is a correlation between the tension in
the bolt and the effort it takes to turn it. Any tool, even a torque wrench, should be used with common sense. A
cross-threaded bolt will not properly tighten even with a torque wrench. The mechanic must be aware of the purpose
of torque, and what torque and fastener preload doing to the component joint. It is also important to consider thread
preparation, which is discussed in detail at the end of this article.

Torque wrenches available to general industrial work, including bicycle work, are typically accurate to plus or minus
four percent. In other words, a torque wrench set for 100 in-lbs might tighten to 96 in-lbs, or 104 in-lbs. There are
basically three types of torque wrenches, the beam type, the click type and the dial type. The click type and dial type
wrenches have more moving parts than the beam, and are susceptible to wear and will require re-calibration. The
bicycle has relatively light torque specifications (20-inch pound) to relatively heavy torque specifications (600 inch-
pound). There is no single torque wrench accurate for this wide range. Consequently, Park Tool offers two different
wrenches.

BEAM TYPE

Park Tool TW-1 and TW-2 torque wrenches are beam-type. The beam design is relatively simple, and is accurate for
both left-hand and right-hand threading. The socket head holds two steel beams, a primary beam and an indicator or
pointer beam. The primary beam deflects as the handle is pulled. The separate pointer beam remains un-deflected,
and the primary beam below flexes and moves with the handle. The reading is taken at the end of the pointer, at the
reading plate on the primary beam. The handle is moved until the desired reading is attained. These wrenches rarely
require re-calibration. If the pointer needle is not pointing to zero when the tool is at rest, it is simply bent back until it
does align. Fatigue in the steel is not an issue.

Beam Type Torque Wrench Calibration

It is possible for any torque wrench to come out of
calibration. The beam type wrenches use a simple
principle of deflection that allows the user to re-calibrate
the wrench. Inspect the pointer when the wrench is at rest.
If it is pointing to zero on the scale, the wrench is
calibrated. If the pointer is off to either side, the pointer
beam can be bent back so it again points at zero. It is
easiest to use a lever between the two beams and pry
small amounts, checking the scale and the pointer often.

RE-CALIBRATION OF THE BEAM TYPE WRENCH

4 BICYCLE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Below is a table of torque equivalents and formulas for conversions follow the torque table. The table is also
available as a PDF file.

All figures in the table below are inch-pound. Note that some companies do not specify torque for certain
components or parts. Contact the manufacturer for the most up to date specifications.

WHEEL, HUB, REAR COG AREA

COMPONENT SHIMANO® IN-LB. OTHER IN-LB.

Torque is typically not used in wheels. Spoke tension is measured by

Spoke tension deflection. Contact rim manufacturer for specific tension recommendations.
See TM-1.

Measured torque not typically used. Common industry practice is resistance

Quick release: closed cam type at lever half way through swing from open to fully closed. For more see Tire
and Tube Removal and Installation.

Control Tech® 65 (steel)

Axle nuts to frame
260–390 Control Tech® 85 (titanium)
(non-quick release type wheels)
SRAM® 266–350

Campagnolo® 442
Cassette sprocket lockring 260–434
SRAM® 310–350

Bontrager® 150
Hub cone locking nut 87–217
Chris King® 100

Freehub body 305–434 Bontrager® 400

HEADSET, HANDLEBAR, SEAT AND SEAT POST AREA

COMPONENT SHIMANO® IN-LB. OTHER IN-LB.

Chris King® Gripnut type 130–150

Threaded headset locknut —
Tange-Seiki® 217

Stem binder bolt: Quill type for

174–260 Control Tech® 144–168
threaded headsets

Control Tech® 120–144

Deda 71
Stem steering column binder bolts: FSA® carbon 78
—
Threadless headset types Syncros® cotter bolt type 90
Thomson® 48
Time® Monolink 45

Stem handlebar binder: 1 or 2 binder

174–260 Control Tech® 120–144
bolts

Control Tech® 120–144

Deda magnesium 71
Stem handlebar binder: 4 binder
— Thomson® 48
bolts
FSA® OS-115 carbon 78
Time® Monolink 53

Cane Creek® 70
MTB handle bar end extensions —
Control Tech® 144
WHEEL, HUB, REAR COG AREA

Control Tech®, 2 bolt type 144

Control Tech®, single bolt 300
Syncros® each 45
Seat rail binder 174–347
Time® Monolink 44
Truvativ® M6 bolt 53–63
Truvativ® M8 bolt 195–212

Seat post binder

Note: Seat posts require only
— Campagnolo® 36–60
minimal tightening to not slip
downward. Avoid over tightening.

CRANKSET, BOTTOM BRACKET AND PEDAL AREA

COMPONENT SHIMANO® IN-LB. OTHER IN-LB.

Campagnolo® 354
Pedal into crank 307 minimum Ritchey® 307
Truvativ® 276–300

Shimano® Octalink XTR crankarm

bolts (M15 thread) (not Hollowtech 357–435 —
II)

Shimano® Hollowtech II bottom

bracket bearing cup (2004 XTR, XT, 305–435 —
Dura-Ace)

Shimano® Hollowtech II crank bolt

88–132 —
screws (2004 XTR, Dura-Ace, XT)

Shimano® Hollowtech II Left-hand

4–6 —
fixing cap

Bontrager® 310–380
Campagnolo® 312–324
FRA® (M8 bolt) 304–347
FRA® (M14 steel) 434–521
Crank bolt (including spline-type
305–391 Race Face® 480
cranks and square-spindle cranks)
Syncros® 240
Truvativ® ISIS Drive 384–420
Truvativ® square type 336-372
White Ind® 240–300

Crank bolt one-key release cap 44–60 Truvativ® 107–124

Chainring cassette to crankarm

443–620 —
(lockring)

Campagnolo® 84–120
Chainring bolt: Steel 70–95 Race Face® 100
Truvativ® 107–124

Chainring bolt: Aluminum 44–88 Truvativ® 72–80

Bottom bracket: Adjustable type 609–695 —

White Ind.® 240

Real 432–612
Campagnolo® 612
Bottom bracket: Cartridge type 435–608
FSA® 347–434
Race Face® 420
Truvativ® 300–360
WHEEL, HUB, REAR COG AREA

DERAILLEUR AND SHIFT LEVER AREA

COMPONENT SHIMANO® IN-LB. OTHER IN-LB.

STI type shift lever binder 53–69 —

Shift lever: MTB “thumb type” 22–26 —

Shift lever: “Twist grip” type “Revo” shifter 53–70 SRAM® 17

Campagnolo® 61
Front Derailleur clamp mount 44–60 Mavic® 26–35
SRAM® 44–60

Campagnolo® 44
Front derailleur cable pinch 44–60 Mavic® 44–62
SRAM® 40

SRAM® 70–85
Rear derailleur mounting bolt 70–86
Campagnolo® 133

Campagnolo® 53
Rear derailleur cable inch bolt 35
SRAM® 35–45

Rear derailleur pulley wheel bolt 27–34 Sachs® 44–53

BRAKE CALIPER AND LEVER AREA

COMPONENT SHIMANO® IN-LB. OTHER IN-LB.

Brake caliper mount to frame: Campagnolo® 90

70–85
side/dual/center pull Cane Creek® 68–72

Avid® 43–61
Brake caliper mount to braze-on:
44–60 Control Tech® 100–120
linear pull/cantilever
SRAM® 45–60

Avid® 52–69
Cane Creek® 56–60
Brake pad: threaded stud, dual
44–60 Campagnolo® 72
pivot/cantilever/sidepull
Mavic® 62–80
SRAM® 50–70

Brake pad: smooth stud, cantilever 70–78 —

Brake cable pinch bolt: linear Control Tech® 40–60

53–69
pull/cantilever SRAM® 50–70

Campagnolo® 45
Brake cable pinch bolt: sidepull/dual
53–69 Cane Creek® 68–72
pivot/centerpull
Mavic® 62–80

Brake caliper arm pivot: dual pivot 70–86 Cane Creek® 72–84

Sidepull/dual pivot brake pad bolt 44–60 Cane Creek® 56–60

Straddle wire pinch: cantilever, 5 x

35–43 Control Tech® 40–60
0.8 thread

Brake caliper wire pinch: linear

50–75 Avid® 52–69
pull/cantilever, M6 x 1 thread
 WHEEL, HUB, REAR COG AREA

Avid® 40–60 (clamping built into

body)
Brake lever: MTB type 53–69 Avid® strap type 28–36
Cane Creek® 53–80
SRAM® 30

Brake lever: drop bar type (including Campagnolo® 88

53–69
STI and Ergo types) Mavic® 62–80

DISC BRAKE SYSTEMS

COMPONENT SHIMANO® IN-LB. OTHER IN-LB.

Hayes® 50
18–35 (M5 bolts)
Disc rotor to hub Avid® 55
350 (M965 rotor locking)
Magura® 34

Avid® 80–90
Caliper mount 53–69
Magura® 51

Hydraulic hose fittings 44–60 Hayes® 55

Formulas for converting other torque designations into Newton meter (Nm) and inch pounds (in-lb.):

Nm = in-lb x 0.113 in-lb = ft-lb x 12

Nm = ft-lb x 1.356 in-lb = Nm x 8.851

Nm = kg-cm x 0.0981 in-lb = kgf-cm x 0.87

TORQUE EQUIVALENCIES

APPROXIMATE FOOT POUND APPROXIMATE NEWTON METER

INCH POUND (IN-LB.)
(FT-LBS) (NM)

10 0.8 1.1

20 1.7 2.3

30 2.5 3.4

40 3.3 4.5

50 4.2 5.6

60 5.0 6.8

70 5.8 7.9

80 6.7 9.0

90 7.5 10.2

100 8.3 11.3

110 9.2 12.4

120 10.0 13.6

130 10.8 14.7

140 11.7 15.8

 APPROXIMATE FOOT POUND APPROXIMATE NEWTON METER
INCH POUND (IN-LB.)
(FT-LBS) (NM)

150 12.5 16.9

160 13.3 18.1

170 14.2 19.2

180 15.0 20.3

190 15.8 21.5

200 16.7 22.6

210 17.5 23.7

220 18.3 24.9

230 19.2 26.0

240 20.0 27.1

250 20.8 28.2

260 21.7 29.4

270 22.5 30.5

280 23.3 31.6

290 24.2 32.8

300 25.0 33.9

310 25.8 35.0

320 26.7 36.2

330 27.5 37.3

340 28.3 38.4

350 29.2 39.5

360 30.0 40.7

370 30.8 41.8

380 31.7 42.9

390 32.5 44.1

400 33.3 45.2

410 34.2 46.3

420 35.0 47.5

430 35.8 48.6

440 36.7 49.7

450 37.5 50.8

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