CYCLINGNEWS, UK 06.2023
Best bike torque wrenches 2023: Protect your components and improve your maintenance work
The best bike torque wrenches will ensure you can adhere to manufactures recommended torque specifications and keep you and your bike safe
Using one of the best bike torque wrenches will allow you to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications for all the bolts on your bike, helping you work accurately and safely.
Nearly every bolt or fastener on a bike, car or plane will have a torque rating specified by the manufacturer. Torque is the measurement of rotational force that is applied to an object. When we tighten down a bolt we stretch the threads creating friction, which prevents the bolt from coming undone. Too loose and the bolt or screw may work free, but too tight and we may damage the bolt or whatever it's attached to.
A torque wrench will allow you to quickly and safely tighten your bike's fasteners or bolts to the correct torque rating every time. Helping you protect the delicate and lightweight components that are now so commonplace on the best road bikes, as well as preventing a failure or mechanical whilst out on a ride.
Most components on a bike will have a torque rating printed or stamped on them, and it's easy to look up ratings for ones that don't. Getting it right protects your manufacturer warranties and provides you with peace of mind.
I've awarded the best in test to the Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza 2-16 Pro. As someone who has used torque wrenches day in for day out for years, it gets my vote. It's a joy to use and is calibrated to a very high level of accuracy.
Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza 2-16 Pro
The best bike torque wrench if you need the ultimate luxury option
+ Loud 'click' off is really helpful
+ Highly accurate
- Some 'slop' or play present in the stock 1/4 bit holder
The Swiss-made Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza 2-16 Pro is a premium 1/4" drive torque wrench with an adjustable L/R head and works over a 2-16Nm range. The Pro model comes in a roll-up soft case with a range of hex bits. The long bit in particular makes torquing gear shifter clamp bolts a breeze.
The torque adjustment dial is super smooth, the weight and balance of the tool are also perfect and it feels great in your hand. The Giustaforza 2-16 Pro has been manufactured and tested to the most up-to-date UNI ISO 6789:2017 standard to +/- 4%.
By Tom Wieckowski, contributions from Josh Ross
