Finally learned why my derailleur hangers kept bending

I spent about 6 months breaking hangers on my gravel bike every few weeks. Turns out I was overtightening the rear axle just slightly every time after a flat fix. A buddy at the shop in Boulder showed me the torque spec is 10-12 Nm max for most thru-axles, not cranking them down until they stop. Anybody else find out they were crushing their own hanger alignment?

2 comments

2 Comments

lucas9721d agoTop Commenter

Yeah torque specs vary a bit by manufacturer but 8-10 sounds right for most alloy frames too, not just carbon. Overcranking is such an easy habit to slip into after hand-tightening for years.

grant.kevin2d ago

Actually, most Shimano and DT Swiss thru-axles are spec'd closer to 8-10 Nm on gravel bikes, depending on frame material. I've been using a torque wrench on mine since I had the same issue with a carbon frame.