Bah! Torx bolts used in bike parts

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07-09-19, 12:56 PM

#26

AndreyT

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimmo

You'll find torx on high end stuff because it allows a smaller bolt head. Sure, you can replace with Allen heads of the same size, but they won't take as much torque.

Nope. The limiting factor torque-wise is (and has always been) the diameter of the actual threaded part of the bolt. There's no need to change the design of the head.

The only case when the head becomes the limiting factor is when one uses incorrectly sized tools.

07-09-19, 01:16 PM

#27

rosefarts

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So I've never stripped an Allen bolt head. I've come across ones that had been wrenched on with the wrong standard and gotten close. Still managed to get them replaced before stripping.

I'm not sure that stripping heads is a reason to change the standard. It's never been a problem and likely never would have become one.

I certainly think torx heads make a bike look both higher end and more burly. Is that it? Appearance? Same thing automakers do with superfluous rivets and diamond tread?

07-09-19, 01:45 PM

#28

sweeks

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TimothyH

Toronto Cycles is the bicycle bolt candy store.

Yes, indeed! I've replaced a lot of the fasteners on my "winter" bike with titanium... no corrosion!

07-09-19, 01:53 PM

#29

imakecircles

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It could be worse, imagine a bike on which every fastener used a different standard: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives

07-09-19, 02:11 PM

#30

Moe Zhoost

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus907efi

I already HAVE plenty of tools. I have multiple sets of allen head tools AND multiple sets of torx bits and drivers.
That was NOT my point. I just did NOT want a mix of bolt head types on my bikes.

Makes perfect sense to me. I prefer torx over allen, but I'd replace them if it were a burden to carry additional tools.

But then again, one or two torx keys would not be a big deal. I bought a track hub that had a 15mm axle nut on one side and a 14mm on the other ... that was a bigger deal.