CalculatorsBicycle Torque Guide
Bicycle Torque Guide
Carbon and small bolts fail when they are guessed. Pick the component and use the printed newton-metre as a workshop default, then prefer the number etched on the part if it disagrees.
Inputs
Results
- Torque
- 5 Nm
How the number is made
Stem faceplate and steerer 5 Nm, carbon seatpost 5 Nm, alloy seatpost 8 Nm, rotor bolts 6 Nm, crank bolt and pedals 40 Nm, thru-axle 10 Nm, bottle cage 3 Nm.
A decal on the stem overrides this table. Grease, threadlocker and dry carbon paste change friction, not the printed target.
When the table is not enough
Direct-mount derailleurs, power-meter cranks and suspension pivots publish their own sequences. Look those up before you reuse the crank-bolt number on a spindle preload cap.
Related calculators
- Brake Rotor Size Calculator
Pick the diameter first, then torque the bolts that hold it.
- Stem Length and Angle Calculator
A new stem still clamps at about 5 Nm unless its own mark says otherwise.
Questions
The stem says 4 Nm and this says 5. Which wins?
The stem. This table is a default for unmarked bolts and a memory aid, not a substitute for the decal.
Do I grease the threads?
Metal threads, yes, unless the maker says dry or threadlocker. Follow the part, then use the torque it prints.
Which torque wins, the table or the part?
The mark printed on the part wins. The table is a starting lookup for common bolts. An unknown component is rejected instead of guessed.
Related gear
- Torque wrench
A 2–20 Nm beam or click wrench covers the cockpit. Pedals and cranks need a bigger range.
$40–$150
- Carbon assembly paste
Paste lets a carbon post hold at the printed torque instead of being crushed tighter.
$10–$20