Carbon fiber torque specs
 

I am considering a carbon frame (Calfee) to replace my steel frame (853 Reynolds Jamis).

I understand that torque specs on bolts must be adhered to, but where can I find those?

I have checked individual sites and have not been able to find them.

So what bolts are we talking about exactly? Your headset seats, bottom bracket inserts, seatpost collar mount and rear dropouts should all be metal and the items installed there will all have their own torque load specifications.

All please. I have one torque wrench that starts at 10Nm. I am sure I will need a smaller wrench for the smaller bolts.

Yes you will.

In fact, for most 1 1/8 carbon steerers and 31.8 stems it'll be 5nm for stem faceplate bolts and 5nm for steerer bolts. Seatpost collar is generally 5nm+ as well. You will also need carbon compound to install post and optional for stem.

OK so now that its clear we`re talking about components other than the frame - torque values will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer but in most cases they`ll be neatly etched or stensiled on the component so it`ll be easy to reference.

The tech documents for anything you`re interested in should also be available from the component manufacturer.

I broke the cf steer tube on an $850 fork because I used the torque spec shown on the stem, too much for the steer tube. I'd say that 5 nm is the upper limit for cf.

Mr Calfee will be the expert in this regard..

Seems Carbon Fiber stuff in amateur hands
is a problem waiting to happen..

but thats from reading this list..

NB , Torque wrenches are needing recalibration, occasionally .

I think Snap On, as a source for professional mechanics does an exchange
for freshly checked ones, for the Motor trade..

Why? if the spec tolerances are ±25% (as nearly all are on bikes)? This is not worth worrying about, IMO.

Personally, I've never seen one wander as much as 1%.

Now that I think about it - the Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair (the one advertised on this site that many members here seem to avoid buying) has several appendix in the back of the book. Appendix C covers most common torque values and seperates components by area, as well as detailing torque values by specific manufacturer and item model. Its not absolutely complete - but would be a good start. The same info is probably available on the PT website.

As well as a torque wrench - good reading skills help. Torque values can be specified as MAX / MIN / or BETWEEN. It always helps to follow instructions.

I've found this to be a handy tool:

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prod...52-100&k=97993

What is carbon compound, and what does it do? Do you need to re-apply it when you adjust your seat height?

Carbon compound is a grease that allows the carbon parts to "stick" to each other lest they slide.