Best torque wrenches for bikes 2025: What to buy and how to use them

The best torque wrenches for bikes, and why you should be using one on your bike

Torque wrenches tested by Cycling Weekly
(Image credit: Jack Elton-Walters)

Take a look at your bike. If it’s fitted with a seatpost, a stem or a pair of handlebars made from carbon then having a torque wrench as part of your tool kit is advisable. Similarly you may use a saddle with carbon rails. All these parts come with a recommended torque and fastening them above this can damage the component.

But what specifically is a torque wrench? Well simply it is a tool for two things, to tighten bolts, and to ensure these bolts get tightened to the correct level of tension. The best torque wrenches, such as the Park Tool TW5.2 Small Clicker, remove the guesswork, allowing you to make adjustments with confidence and generally maintain your bike with precision. Given the expense of carbon components it’s a sound investment.

Jack Elton-Walters hails from the Isle of Wight, and would be quick to tell anyone that it's his favourite place to ride. He has covered a varied range of topics for Cycling Weekly, producing articles focusing on tech, professional racing and cycling culture. He moved on to work for Cyclist Magazine in 2017 where he stayed for four years until going freelance. He now returns to Cycling Weekly from time-to-time to cover racing, review cycling gear and write longer features for print and online.

With contributions from