How-to: Set the torque correctly on MTB tours & test 4 tools for travelling

Some screw connections are more sensitive than others. The clamp between the carbon handlebars and carbon stem, for example. But the thru axles on the fork and rear triangle should also be tightened to the correct torque. And if the seat clamp is tightened too much, this can negatively affect the function of the dropper post.

At home in the workshop, the exact torque can be easily set using the torque spanner - By the way, you can find our current test of torque spanners here. But what if you get a flat tyre on the road and have to remove the wheel? Or if the saddle is too low and the height needs to be adjusted? Do you always have the right Tool at the start? If not, then this trick can help you.

1. set torque

Not even the professional screwdrivers in our lab have a feel for the right torque. So how is a layman on tour supposed to tighten a bolt correctly with a tiny mini-tool? It's quite simple: First, the relevant bolts on the thru axle, seat clamp or stem, for example, are tightened in the workshop (at home) with the torque spanner according to the specifications.

2. mark position

Then make a small mark on the screw and the neighbouring material. The best way to do this is with a thin, waterproof pen. The colour is of course irrelevant and purely a matter of taste. We only decided in favour of a white pen for better visibility in the picture.

3. tighten the screw correctly

If you have to remove the wheel on the tour because of a flat tyre or if you simply want to adjust the stem a little, you can then set the torque approximately correctly again yourself with a mini tool. Despite the markings, you should use a bit of common sense to avoid overtightening the bolt. And after the tour, it is advisable to readjust the torque with the appropriate tool.

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Test: 4 torque spanners for travelling

You don't want to mess up your stylish bike with markings just to be able to set the right torque on tour? Then we can recommend a couple of handy torque spanners for travelling that will easily fit in your rucksack or hip bag.

Birzman Pocket Torque Wrench 2-10 Nm

Birzman supplies a handy tool with a drag indicator for travelling. The display on the side is somewhat small and difficult to read correctly. In the test, the values were sometimes well below the tolerance. Using the finger lever is also not easy. If you lean on the housing of the torque spanner, you can quickly distort the values.

The scope of delivery includes six bits and an extension. The plastic box is not really a nice storage device, a soft box for a rucksack or jersey pocket would be desirable. However, the ratchet mechanism works perfectly.

Technical data & notes Birzman Pocket Torque Wrench 2-10 Nm

• Price: 50 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / handle length¹: 91; 142 g / 20 mm
• Range / drive: 2 to 10 Nm / 1/4 bit
• Accessories: Instructions; Inhex 3 to 6; Torx 25; PH2; hard box
• Handling (50 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Precision (20 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Processing (10 %): 7 out of 10 points
• Accessories / certificate (20 %): 7 out of 10 points

BIKE-URTEIL²: 41 points - good

Lezyne Torque Wrench Pocket Torque Drive

The stylish soft case of the Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive conceals six bits for the most important screw connections on the bike. The torque is set using a separate spanner. The scale is easy to read, but the correct value is still difficult to set.

If the setting is correct, the Lezyne torque spanner delivers solid values. With its attachable T-handle, the tool sits comfortably in the hand. Without an extension, however, it is difficult to reach hidden bolts with the torpedo-like tool. The built-in slip clutch makes over-tightening virtually impossible. Not suitable for opening screw connections.

Technical data & notes Lezyne Pocket Torque Drive

• Price: 65 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / handle length¹: 75; 156 g / 75 mm
• Range / drive: 2 to 6 Nm / 1/4 bit
• Accessories: Instructions; Inhex 2.5 to 5; Torx 20, 25; Softbox
• Handling (50 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Precision (20 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Processing (10 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Accessories / certificate (20 %): 9 out of 10 points

BIKE-URTEIL²: 50 points - very good

Silca T-Ratchet + TI-Torque Kit

The small Silca torque spanner for travelling impresses with its outstanding workmanship. The ratchet handle, torque attachment, extension and bits are stored in a waxed case. All connections are held in place magnetically. Even if the values on the drag indicator are somewhat difficult to read, the Silca tool achieves very precise torques.

And the handling of the Silca T-Ratchet + TI-Torque Kit is a real pleasure. Without the torque attachment, the tool can also easily be used as a ratchet, which can be used for most work on the bike. In the latest version, the display has also been slightly enlarged.

Technical data & notes Silca T-Ratchet + TI-Torque Kit

• Price: 150 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / handle length¹: 97; 227 g / 100 mm
• Range / drive: 2 to 8 Nm / 1/4 bit
• Accessories: ratchet; extension; Inhex 2 to 6; Torx 10 to 25; PH2; waxed bag
• Handling (50 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Precision (20 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Processing (10 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Accessories / certificate (20 %): 10 out of 10 points

BIKE-URTEIL²: 57 points - super

Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ (BIKE tip: price/performance)

Even if the Topeak torque spanner is not quite as attractive as the Silca, it is still the more complete tool thanks to the chain riveter and is even more compact with its flat case. The scale on the torque attachment is also easier to read and delivers absolutely convincing values.

Thanks to the extension, even hidden screws are easy to reach. Handling would be even slightly better with a T-handle like the Silca. On the other hand, the mechanics give no cause for criticism. Anyone who values correctly tightened screws when travelling and is looking for an inexpensive tool for this will find what they are looking for here.

Technical data & notes Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+

• Price: 80 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / handle length¹: 93; 247 g / 93 mm
• Range / drive: 2 to 6 Nm / 1/4 bit
• Accessories: Instructions; ratchet; extension; torque attachment; chain rivet; Inhex 2 to 8; Torx 10 to 25; PH2; bag
• Handling (50 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Precision (20 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Processing (10 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Accessories / certificate (20 %): 10 out of 10 points

BIKE-URTEIL²: 57 points - super

Breakdown service 2023 test - Part 1: SWAT tools & air pumps

Breakdown kit test 2023 - Part 2: Mini tools & ratchet sets

¹BIKE measured values

²The BIKE judgement is independent of price: super (55 points or more), very good (54 to 45 points), good (44 to 40 points), satisfactory (39 and less points)