5 Best Torque Wrench for Carbon Bikes | 2020 Updated Version
Carbon bicycles are expensive, and most of us certainly can’t afford to lose a wheel or break a bike’s carbon frame just because of a low-quality torque wrench. That’d be disastrous. And heartbreaking, to say the least.
In order to ensure the top maintenance of your bike without worrying about damaging it, you are going to need a good-quality torque wrench.
And so the question arises, “But what’s the best torque wrench for my carbon bike?”
In this article, we’ll be answering just that. Here are our top five handpicked torque wrenches you can get your hands on today.
Our 2020 Choice of Carbon Bike Torque Wrenches
Every bike owner must own a torque wrench for bike maintenance. With the many, many products to choose from, it’s a bit difficult to select the best option. Without further ado, here are our top choices of 2020. Let’s get the show on the road!
PRO BIKE TOOL 1/4 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set – Best Overall
For a torque wrench that gives you the ultimate precision, PRO Bike Tool has all the installation components that calibrate accuracy and performance.
Pro Bike’s 2.0 to 20.0 Newton Meter torque range with micro-adjustment guarantees that the fittings on your bicycle are fixed with just the right force and are dispersed equally across clamping surfaces.
Not only does it prevent damage from over-tightening, which, as we all know, can costly harm your bicycle, it also aids in prolonging the life of the torque wrench’s components.
Another great feature is PRO Bike’s Spring loaded adjustment collar which locks in place at the ideal force setting.
The wrench emanates a ‘tick’ that can be heard and additionally felt when the pre-set torque value is reached, notifying you to stop applying any further force. This means accidental slipping while working is a time in the past.
This torque set comes with eight different levels of Hex’s and three Torx measurements, including a 100mm extension bar for reaching concealed bolts.
Every single one of Pro Bike’s torque wrench sets includes a certificate of calibration, which meets all the requirements and for structure conformance testing, quality conformance testing and recalibration method.
Overall, this torque wrench is an excellent product that meets and exceeds all the required elements needed to help fix your carbon bike.
Pros
- Fully calibrated
- Great quality metal with high precision performance metal
- Includes 11 high-quality essential tool bits
- Turns steadily and smoothly
- Excellent tool for carbon fiber bikes
Cons
- Not the best for measuring high torque settings
- A little difficult to read
Venzo Bicycle Bike 1/4 Inch Driver – Torque Wrench – Runner-Up
This torque wrench comes with a set of six keys in addition to 5mm longer Allen key for simpler use; T20, T25, and T30 torques.
This covers all the required nuts and bolts you might need for quick bike maintenance. All parts are made in a major industrial facility with the most noteworthy reputation in Taiwan, so the quality is nothing but superb.
Plus, it comes with an entire year warranty. Just in case you damage one of your keys, which is frankly highly unlikely, Venzo’s customer service will be more than happy to have it replaced.
Flexible and easy-to-use torque wrench, this set comes tested fully and has a pre-calibration of ±4%, which means that it can display readings accurately even if you go overboard by 4%, or fall short by the same approximate margin.
Torque range comes at 2.0 – 24.0 NM (newton meter), and just like the PRO BIKE TOOL 1/4 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set, it ‘clicks’ when reaching maximum turn capacity.
Venzo’s Bicycle Bike Torque Wrench comes with great range. It’s certainly a solid piece for its price.
Pros
- Made of solid aluminum steel, wholly robust
- Works great for Carbon and Aluminum bikes
- Reversible ratchet head accommodates the different adapters
- Easy to set up compared to models of the same
Cons
- A little difficult to set up compared to models of the same
Ritchey Torque Key Bike Torque Wrench – 6-Bit Set – Best Budget Torque Wrench
Although not as sophisticated as Venzo’s, the Ritchey Torque Wrench has everything you need in a torque wrench at a very reasonable price.
It does the job right in tightening seat posts, headsets, handlebars, and saddle clamps, and is a rather ingenious solution for avid cyclists who are looking for a first-rate torque without breaking the bank.
Highly durable and lightweight, this wrench can torque to exactly 5Nm, which isn’t an issue as most bike-fettling jobs require a torque wrench with fairly low torque values.
The handle is ergonomically designed for a more comfortable grip, and once 5Nm is reached it releases with an obvious ‘click’. Overtightening won’t ever be a concern with this one.
This tool comes with a 6-bit set that includes 3mm, 4mm, 5mm hex keys. Torx keys come at T20 and T25, and #1 Phillips bit.
Pros
- Great tool for carbon-fiber bikes
- Small and compact
- Comes with an ergonomic handle
- Can be used for many other applications
Cons
- Has a single setting
- Due to its almost circular shape, it may be a bit difficult to fit in tight spaces
BIKEHAND Bicycle Bike 1/4 Inch Driver – Torque Wrench – Highly Lightweight
Many regard the BIKEHAND Bicycle Bike as “the best bicycle torque wrench ever”, and to be fair, that isn’t quite far off the truth. With its durability, sturdiness, and spectacular accuracy, you can certainly trust this product with all your bike maintenance needs.
We all know how costly bicycle parts and frames have become, it’s better to invest in something high-quality so our bikes remain in top shape.
We certainly don’t want to crack a bike’s carbon frame by improperly torquing a bottom bracket. BIKEHAND ensures all concerns are met. Confidently tighten away!
This set comes with a Gauge that’s perfect for bicycle carbon parts, 6 standard sizes of bits, and an extender Allen Key. All items are securely stored in a premium hard case.
Torque range is 2.0 – 24.0 with an accuracy of +/- 4%. It’s extremely lightweight as well, only about 1.2 lbs.
So, to summarize: premium-quality, a considerable expandable range, and supports adapters of multiple sizes? Yes, please. Definitely one of the top torque wrenches on this list.
Pros
- Comes fully calibrated
- Made of the finest quality materials
- Great value for the money
- Includes T25 and T30 torque options for larger nuts and bolts
Cons
- Not the best if you require a low-level torque
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench – Excellent Quality Build
The LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is another solid pick. Its all-steel construction will stand the course of time; it doesn’t come with any plastic or rubber parts break or wear out.
Due to its extended practical usage and economical price point, this torque wrench outstand and surpasses in whatever application you intend to use it. It comes with a highlighted yellow print dual-range scale that can be read even in low light.
Furthermore, it has a unique Reversible ratchet head that drives in both directions, clockwise and anticlockwise. Pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy, it’s ready to use when taken out of its cylindrical casing.
A calibration certificate is included as well. Its accuracy matches the torches of over $100, and works just as well!. Just fantastic.
Pros
- Performs flawlessly
- Extremely durable and well built
- Smooth action multi-directional drives
- Easy to read
Cons
- Torque adjustment is slightly stiff
3 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Torque Wrench
Let’s look at the things you need to consider before purchasing a new torque wrench.
Size
Torque wrenches come in four different sizes.
- 1/4 drive is more suitable for small nuts and bolts, and would produce between 4- 21 ft-lb of torque
- 3/8 is suitable for automobiles
- 1/2 drive is best for larger nuts and bolts, like engine mounts and suspensions
- 3/4 for large-cargo aircraft and tractors.
For carbon bikes, 1/4 and 1/2 drives are the best options.
Accuracy and Calibration
The best wrenches come with an accuracy of plus/minus 5%. Make sure to avoid anything over this percentage.
Torque wrench calibration is important as well. You can check the accuracy of the product as per the settings written by the manufacturer. Clear scale visibility will show when it’s well-calibrated.
Material and Quality
Durability is important. Wrenches are one of those tools that should last you at least 5 + years before replacing. Purchase a torque wrench made with high aluminum alloy. Avoid plastic and rubber as much as you can.
Conclusion
It’s imperative to keep your bike in perfect condition, so you should definitely select a torque wrench that’s both durable and accurate.
Our personal recommendation is the PRO BIKE TOOL 1/4 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench Set. It’s one of the most commonly bought torque wrenches in the market, and has a ton of great reviews to support it.
PRO BIKE TOOL guarantees a level of accuracy that matches torque wrenches of higher value. It’s solid and of premium grade; it doesn’t beat around the bush. You get what you pay for, and more!