Same is true for the end cap on a shimano hollowtech ii crankset.
Mountain bike top cap torque.
If the motion of the bars feels sticky or hesitant loosen the top cap 1 8th of a turn and test again.
Once the stem is tightened in place is is purely cosmetic and covers the top of the steerer.
As others have said the top cap is pre load only.
Torque wrenches available to general industrial work including bicycle work are typically accurate to plus or minus four percent.
This is your inseam measurement.
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.
Adjust the bearing preload with the top cap then retighten the stem to hold it firmly.
Yup the top cap is just used to preload the headset bearings before tightening it all up properly.
Suggestions appear below back to top.
Do it right use this torque guide.
Snug the top cap down until there is slight resistance.
Mountain bike rider sept 2019.
In other words a torque wrench set for 100 in lbs might tighten to 96 in lbs or 104 in lbs.
A torque table for bicycles.
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The torque is your do it all gravity bike and excels at everything from freeride to enduro to downhill.
Test the headset adjustment by lifting the bike and pushing the bars back and forth the bars should turn freely with very little resistance.
Now measure the distance from the top edge of the spirit level down to the ground.
It is non load bearing.
Next straighten the handlebars.
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Don t over tighten nuts bolts.
You want the minimum torque to reduce play in the headset.
There are basically three types of torque wrenches the beam type the click type and the dial type.