Originally Posted by
pseudoware
If a bolt calls for a specific Nm, and I go with the "really tight by hand, but not to the point where I might strip some threads" measurement, is this generally good enough. Am I at risk of my saddle coming off and the post lodging some place it wasn't intended, or my handle bars becoming undone on a particularly bumpy surface?
You're in danger of your insufficiently torqued crank arm coming loose, opening up it's taper (splined cranks still have tapers for a good interference fit), and needing replacement.
You're also in danger of cracking hollow carbon parts like fork steerers and seat posts.