I just bought one of these after watching this and reading other reviews. It's a really nice little tool that feels like it will last. Just a note though. The Allen bolts on your handlebar stem will click like they did even if the bolts had been done up to 20nm. The thing to do would have been to loosen one bolt completely, then tighten it to 5nm and then do the same with the other. All the tool was telling you in the video is that the bolts have been tightened to 5nm or above...
To be fair, the loose head of the torque wrench from Pro Bike Tool's at 7:18 is NOT a result of a construction that is "not quite as nice" and has generally "a lot more play here". A couple of seconds later it gets apparent that the head is loose because the spring inside the tool is without any tension at all. If the quality of both tools should be compared like that at all it should happen when both tools are set to the same torque.
That is nice if you need one on the bike. Park Tool TW5.2 is cheaper with more range which means more accuracy in the middle torque ranges as it's spring ages but it is a little bigger so likely not traveling with it on the bike!
Good point. You're definitely paying a premium for the compact size of the Topeak. We've also reviewed some Pro Bike Tool torque wrenches which are a much better value but larger.
I guess to each their own, i use torque measuring instruments for a living, and if you cant immobilize the work piece a torque wrench is just a more expensive wrench because you arent getting accurate reading. If you have it clamped in a stand, i guess thats sufficient, but on the road side or in the driveway on a free standing bike just held up by hand, its just tightening them with a more expensive wrench. I guess it gets you close, but i think its better to learn how to use tools reasonably and correctly. Good review though as always. Its also a nice tool.
@@TheSweetCyclists yep. At least where i work you check your hand guages every day and for the high tech stuff engineering checks that on a schedule. If you get caught pencil whipping the logs they will walk you out the door. Of course i work on transmissions so if say the torque on a parking pawl isnt right and that happens 100 times, you have maybe 100 cars out there that might not go into park or come out park on a hill and roll over a stroller or something so its a big deal. With this its still a big deal, but its probably good enough. Its probably better than good enough. But if someone is gonna invest in torque devices, they should get a stand and learn to immobilize their bike when working on it. Especially on the stem.
@@kimkishi5211 It only took about 2 years for someone to point it out! You may want to also checkout the Topeak Torq Stick Pro, it has a very similar torque wrench but more bits and a very useful mini-ratchet.
It doesnt come with the extender. Oftentimes, there is little room or there is risk of scratching the bicycle so an extender is always handy. Ive always used my effeto mariposa with the extender. Nevertheless it is a great product and build quality is very decent. +1 for topeak.
I just bought one of these after watching this and reading other reviews. It's a really nice little tool that feels like it will last. Just a note though. The Allen bolts on your handlebar stem will click like they did even if the bolts had been done up to 20nm. The thing to do would have been to loosen one bolt completely, then tighten it to 5nm and then do the same with the other. All the tool was telling you in the video is that the bolts have been tightened to 5nm or above...
To be fair, the loose head of the torque wrench from Pro Bike Tool's at 7:18 is NOT a result of a construction that is "not quite as nice" and has generally "a lot more play here". A couple of seconds later it gets apparent that the head is loose because the spring inside the tool is without any tension at all. If the quality of both tools should be compared like that at all it should happen when both tools are set to the same torque.
That is nice if you need one on the bike. Park Tool TW5.2 is cheaper with more range which means more accuracy in the middle torque ranges as it's spring ages but it is a little bigger so likely not traveling with it on the bike!
Good point. You're definitely paying a premium for the compact size of the Topeak. We've also reviewed some Pro Bike Tool torque wrenches which are a much better value but larger.
my Topeak stick adjusts by half Nm and the bits are magnetic hold in place but easy to remove like with any magnetic bit holder so i see no problems
Great review! Just what I was needing, thanks!
Glad it was helpful for you!
I guess to each their own, i use torque measuring instruments for a living, and if you cant immobilize the work piece a torque wrench is just a more expensive wrench because you arent getting accurate reading. If you have it clamped in a stand, i guess thats sufficient, but on the road side or in the driveway on a free standing bike just held up by hand, its just tightening them with a more expensive wrench. I guess it gets you close, but i think its better to learn how to use tools reasonably and correctly.
Good review though as always.
Its also a nice tool.
Great points. I've always been curious how accurate these torque wrenches are over time since you typically re-certify industrial torque wrenches.
@@TheSweetCyclists yep. At least where i work you check your hand guages every day and for the high tech stuff engineering checks that on a schedule. If you get caught pencil whipping the logs they will walk you out the door.
Of course i work on transmissions so if say the torque on a parking pawl isnt right and that happens 100 times, you have maybe 100 cars out there that might not go into park or come out park on a hill and roll over a stroller or something so its a big deal. With this its still a big deal, but its probably good enough. Its probably better than good enough. But if someone is gonna invest in torque devices, they should get a stand and learn to immobilize their bike when working on it. Especially on the stem.
So, which torque wrench do you recommend?
It does adjust in 1/2 nm increments. It has a .5 lockable position at a 90 degree turn.
Thanks for the clarification, the manual and specs all seem to only indicate 1 Nm increments.
@@TheSweetCyclists I was ready to return mine before I discovered the 1/2 nm increment setting. Now I think it's perfect!
@@kimkishi5211 It only took about 2 years for someone to point it out! You may want to also checkout the Topeak Torq Stick Pro, it has a very similar torque wrench but more bits and a very useful mini-ratchet.
I like but for the price there is something missing no protective pocket.
It doesnt come with the extender. Oftentimes, there is little room or there is risk of scratching the bicycle so an extender is always handy. Ive always used my effeto mariposa with the extender. Nevertheless it is a great product and build quality is very decent. +1 for topeak.
Good point. There is a cost to the compact size, I don't think Topeak could have fit an extender in the bit holder without making it larger.
Merci Canada M.T.L Québec wow