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
Please tick the box above to display the Result.
How the number is made
Stem faceplate and steerer 5 Nm, seatpost clamp 5 Nm for a carbon post and 8 Nm for an alloy post, 6-bolt rotor bolts 6 Nm for SRAM (SRAM lists 6.2) and 3 Nm for Shimano (middle of 2–4), square-taper or Octalink crank bolt 40 Nm, SRAM DUB crank bolt 54 Nm, Shimano Hollowtech II pinch bolts 13 Nm (middle of 12–14), pedals 40 Nm, thru-axle 10 Nm, bottle cage 3 Nm.
A number printed on the part overrides this table. The seatpost values are for the frame clamp, not the saddle-rail bolts at the top of the post, and a carbon frame keeps its own clamp limit (often 5 Nm) even with an alloy post. Center Lock rotors use a lockring at about 40 Nm instead of bolts. 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.
Why are rotor bolts and cranks listed more than once?
Because the makers disagree. Shimano lists 2–4 Nm for 6-bolt rotor bolts and SRAM 6.2 Nm; a Hollowtech II pinch bolt takes 12–14 Nm and a SRAM DUB crank bolt 54 Nm. Pick the entry that matches the part in your hand. An unknown component is rejected instead of guessed.
Example products
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- 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