Test the headset adjustment by lifting the bike and pushing the bars back and forth the bars should turn freely with very little resistance.
Mountain bike top cap torque.
As others have said the top cap is pre load only.
Once the stem is tightened in place is is purely cosmetic and covers the top of the steerer.
Torque wrenches available to general industrial work including bicycle work are typically accurate to plus or minus four percent.
Mountain bike levers avid built in clamp 4 5 6 8 nm 40 60 in lbs avid strap type 3 2 4 1 nm 28 36 in lbs cane creek 6 9 nm 53 80 in lbs shimano 6 7 8 nm 53 69 in lbs sram 3 4 nm 30 in lbs upright bar levers campagnolo 10 nm 89 in lbs shimano 6 8 nm 53 69 in lbs.
There are basically three types of torque wrenches the beam type the click type and the dial type.
If the motion of the bars feels sticky or hesitant loosen the top cap 1 8th of a turn and test again.
Next straighten the handlebars.
In other words a torque wrench set for 100 in lbs might tighten to 96 in lbs or 104 in lbs.
You want the minimum torque to reduce play in the headset.
Do it right use this torque guide.
Gazelle trading 1 1 8 inch bicycle al alloy headset top cap bolt mountain bike stem top cap cover headset screws for mtb road xc fr bike stems 3 8 out of 5 stars 10 10 98 10.
Tighten the top cap.
Adjust the bearing preload with the top cap then retighten the stem to hold it firmly.
Mountain bike rider sept 2019.
Same is true for the end cap on a shimano hollowtech ii crankset.
Bike torque wrench 1 4 inch drive torque wrench set 2 to 24 nm bicycle tool kit for mtb mountain road bikes with 3 8 adapter allen key torx sockets extension bar 4 5 out of 5 stars 15 54 86 54.
When it s all back together you could actually take the top cap off and it ll have no effect other than letting the rain in.
It is non load bearing.
Now measure the distance from the top edge of the spirit level down to the ground.
Suggestions appear below back to top.
A torque table for bicycles.
Snug the top cap down until there is slight resistance.
The torque is your do it all gravity bike and excels at everything from freeride to enduro to downhill.
This is your inseam measurement.