On motorbikes and cycles today’s high-tech parts demand careful torque setting

Torque wrenches were once considered for use only on engines, gearboxes and heavier components even in better motorbike shops. But advances in frame and component technology mean even the most finely calibrated ‘mechanic’s feel’ can no longer substitute for the real thing. Today’s high-tech parts are lighter, stiffer, often stronger and yet simultaneously more delicate as they are increasingly engineered to fulfil very specific functional requirements.

This is true also in the cycling industry. For example the growing number of carbon fibre components has lead to an increasing focus of torque specifications. While carbon fibre allows for more optimal design and provides a far higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to steel and aluminium, it’s also more susceptible to crushing and cracking when improperly set up.

The new torque driver from Laser Tools (part number 5490) is a precision instrument designed for careful setting up of low torque applications. With 1/4" drive, its range is 1-5Nm and is supplied with a sliding T-bar to assist setting the fasteners correctly. Complete with calibration certificate, it is supplied in a protective blow-mould case and is essential for the serious technician working on modern motorbikes and cycles.