A torque wrench is essential even if you only do basic maintenance on your bike like adjusting your seatpost or changing out your saddle. Using the correct torque value on your components ensures they are properly tightened without damaging parts or having it come loose mid-ride. Bike specific torque wrenches are calibrated to work at the lower torque ranges typically found on bicycle components. In this review, we’ll be looking at the Topeak Torq Stick which is Topeak’s latest ultra compact torque wrench. The Torq Stick is a click-style torque wrench with reversible ratcheting head design that makes maintenance quick and easy. Designed to operate between torque values of 2-10 Nm, the Torq Stick also includes an attached bit holder with 5-bits included (3/4/5 Allen and T20/T25 Torx bits). The torque wrench itself has an impressively small size of 15 x 2.5 x 2.15 cm / 5.8” x 1” x 0.85” which means you can even tuck it away in your pocket.
The Topeak Torq Stick is a compact and well designed torque wrench that simplifies bike maintenance and repair.
| Rating | 8.7/10 |
| Retail Price | $109.95 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 170 (total) : 128 (torque wrench) + 42 (bit attachment) |
| Likes | + Compact size + Easy to tell when torque value is reached + Premium build quality and finish |
| Dislikes | – Premium price – Torque increments are only whole numbers – Difficult to remove bits from holder |
| Where to Buy (US) | Topeak |
UNBOXING
The compact size of the Torq Stick means it is packaged in a small cardboard box. As with other Topeak products, the packaging is well designed with a clear plastic window to view the tool itself. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Torq Stick
- Plastic bit holder with 5-bits (3/4/5 Allen and T20/ T25 Torx)
- Instruction manual
- Calibration certification
FIT & FINISH
With a semi-gloss black finish, the Torq Stick has an upscale look and feel that matches the premium retail price. At a measured 128g for the torque wrench (the tool bit attachment adds another 42g), it has a nice solid feel that is still easy to carry and work with. High-contrast white graphics make it easy to see what torque value the Torq Stick is set at while the fingerprint graphics are a clever visual aid to indicate the optimal placement of your hands when operating the torque wrench. As with many Topeak products, the build quality is quite impressive with details like the knurled adjustment knob and textured ratchet head providing both visual and functional details.
The Torq Stick also comes with a 5-bit plastic holder that clips onto the torque wrench. The holder has a sliding cover design and magnetically holds the bits in place. With 3 Allen bits and 2 Torx bits, the Torq Stick should cover most common maintenance tasks on a bike. The design holds the torque wrench and bits together for easy storage. Although we liked the secure storage the holder offered, it was a bit difficult to remove the bits from the holder. The knurled details on the bits does help though, as you can rotate the larger Torx bits out of the holder. Also the bit holder is the only plastic part of the Torq Stick as the rest of the tool is built out of aluminum and hardened steel.
USABILITY
Torque wrenches with wider ranges are less accurate at the low/high values so it is important to use the right torque wrench for the job. What makes the Torq Stick ideal for bicycle use, is the calibrated 2-10Nm torque range. The Torq Stick is a standard click style torque wrench, but has a very satisfying click when you reach the desired torque value. Unlike other smaller torque wrenches like the Pro Bike Tool Torque Wrench set we’ve used, the Torq Stick provided strong feedback even at very low torque values. Adjusting the torque value requires pulling the knurled handle and rotating it clockwise/counter clockwise to increase or decrease the value. One drawback compared to other torque wrenches is that this one only takes whole number inputs.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Topeak Torq Stick to be a compact and sleek torque wrench. The Torq Stick looks and feels premium with the semi-gloss black finish and crisp graphics. The 2-10 Nm range and included 5-bits cover most bike related maintenance and repairs. Although only whole torque values are possible with the Torq Stick, it’s easy to adjust the torque value with the knurled handle plus the torque value is easy to see. The compact size of the torque wrench is also impressive as it easily fits in a saddle bag or pocket. However, the compact size does come at a premium retail price that is higher than similar low range torque wrenches on the market. If you need a well made torque wrench that is compact and easy to travel with, the Topeak Torq Stick is a great option.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Topeak. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.