Do up the headset top cap until it is just tight at this point you should be unable to turn your stem spacers.
Bike top cap torque.
Test the headset adjustment by lifting the bike and pushing the bars back and forth the bars should turn freely with very little resistance.
Snug the top cap down until there is slight resistance.
A torque wrench is a good idea at this point.
As of march 2017 we offer torque upgrades on our nobl industry 9 torch and hope pro 4 evo wheelsets.
Once the stem is tightened in place is is purely cosmetic and covers the top of the steerer.
Yup the top cap is just used to preload the headset bearings before tightening it all up properly.
Torque wrenches available to general industrial work including bicycle work are typically accurate to plus or minus four percent.
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A torque table for bicycles.
If the motion of the bars feels sticky or hesitant loosen the top cap 1 8th of a turn and test again.
In other words a torque wrench set for 100 in lbs might tighten to 96 in lbs or 104 in lbs.
Do it right use this torque guide.
It is non load bearing.
Don t over tighten nuts bolts.
There are basically three types of torque wrenches the beam type the click type and the dial type.
You want the minimum torque to reduce play in the headset.
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As others have said the top cap is pre load only.
Do not overtighten it.
It all comes down to end cap width.
Adjust the bearing preload with the top cap then retighten the stem to hold it firmly.
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.
Next straighten the handlebars.