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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE MAY 16th
HOW DO WE REACH THE OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Three Of A Kind:
Budget Torque Wrench Test
Home mechanics needn’t break the bank to get their hands on a useful and reliable torque wrench. All these give change from £60 and are designed to tackle the more vulnerable components and fasteners found on contemporary builds. Those looking to tackle all components-cassette and disc rotor lockrings, bottom bracket cups, pedals, track nuts etc will need a second model capable of delivering 50nm plus. I have also mentioned Park TW-5.2 which retails at £99.99 without tooling. A standalone review is to follow, since direct comparison with this group is unfair.
M Part Torque Wrench 453g complete £59.99
The M Part Torque Wrench is a nicely executed budget model that comes complete with a sturdy carry case and selection of bits. With a range between 3 and 14nm, it’ll tackle most sensitive components on modern bikes, is user-friendly and pleasant to use.
Pros: Feels refined, intuitive to use, easy to read, nice complement of tool bits included, comfortable, grippy handle.
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Cons: Torque too low for quill stems, no T30 bit.
Specification
The M Part Torque Wrench is Madison’s in-house brand and shares some obvious similarities with Park’s higher end TW-5.2 (review to follow), which is welcome, if not totally surprising, given Madison is also Park’s UK distributor. The MPart Torque Wrench now comes in a sturdy plastic case with snap lock closures (Ours is my long serving model, which features a padded softshell). Open this and we’re greeted by a recessed holder and series of bits.
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The bits are made from heat treated S2 steel, the wrench from hardened 6140 steel treated to a hardy and in my view, attractive satin silver finish. A ¼ square drive head divides some opinion but this is only likely to be a consideration if you’ve a broad collection of ¾” sockets.
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Adaptors are readily available but if you’re starting out, the 3,4,5,6 8, 10mm and T25 bits will tackle most jobs. These slot on cleanly and are released by depressing a button on the reverse. Talking of which, the head is a reversed ratcheting design, which isn’t unusual at this price point but nonetheless, very welcome.
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The torque wrench is calibrated to ISO 6789 standard, which is very stringent on the accuracy fronts and impressive at this end of the market. In real terms this means it should be accurate for twelve months, which is the guarantee period and recommended point for recalibration.
Look toward the base and you’ll note a window and a torque scale. This too is relatively rare at this end of the market and in my view, more novice friendly than those with figures on the shaft, especially those measuring both nm and imperial inch pounds.
Ease of use 4/5
Almost intuitive. Pop on your chosen bit and having checked the torque required, rotate the base until the red line aligns with the desired number. Once dialled in, introduce and tighten until you hear an audible click. There’s also a tangible feeling of disconnect at the shaft to reinforce this point. Stop and either continue tightening other fasteners or turn the base counterclockwise until the gauges’ red line aligns with zero.
Performance 3.75/5
I’ve used ours long term and will admit to being incredibly fond of it. Ask to borrow and I will glare and possibly growl. That out of the way, I’ve built (and rebuilt) several bikes without stripping or damaging anything- carbon parts a plenty.
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Sensibly proportioned, and smallest on test, it’s convenient to use in all but the most confined spaces. If you were working exclusively on very small framesets, I would be inclined to point you toward a mini design, but that would apply to the others on test-I’m not singling out the M-Part.
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Jobs such as fitting bottle cages to small compact geometry frames have been straightforward without catching the main triangle, or my knuckles. The ratcheting mechanism is slick and certainly helps in this regard. 3nm should be sufficiently low for most tasks, although there have been occasions (specifically aluminium alloy bottle cage and mudguard fasteners) where I would prefer a 2nm option.
As with any new tool, I’d recommend a few practice runs to gain familiarity. Torque wrenches aren’t idiot proof, there is still scope for operator error. However, train your ear to stop at the first click and your arm at first sensation of slack.
Nonetheless, no casualties and for bearing preload bolts, such as those common to Hollowtech II and competitors, I’ve always turned them very subtly, rather to a set torque. On that note, while 14nm is at the upper end required for crankset pinch bolts, this falls short of that needed for quill stems.
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Admittedly, this is less of a consideration on contemporary bikes but could be if you’ve a more eclectic fleet. The stock bits are a nice inclusion and cater for most duties. I’ve needed at T30 for chain ring bolts, but this hasn’t been problematic, since I’ve had a suitable ¼ model bouncing around in my small tools’ drawer. Despite being a budget model, the M Part Torque Wrench feels surprisingly sold and refined with minimal play within the head, or shaft.
Durability/ Care 3.75/5
Allowing for the fact ours has been used consistently and moved house a couple of times during its lifetime, it remains in very rude health. Some slight taint appeared on the bits but is easily kept at bay with periodic oily rag once overs. No slop, or play within the unit itself, and though I’ve not had it recalibrated, it seems sufficiently precise when cross-referenced against packet fresh models, including the Park. Talking recalibration, Madison says this is not a service they offer at present.
Value 3.5/5
£59.99 is competitive taking everything into account, especially for riders seeking a get-me-started model complete with compatible bits. The Cyclo Torque Wrench 2-24nm also comes complete with a range of bits and employs a ¼ head and retails at £59.99. However, you can also pay a bit less. Lifeline Torque Wrench set is £40.00 and covers a slightly wider range-2-24nm. It employs the same window and twist bottom for setting the torque. We’ve not lain our hands on one, so can’t comment further.
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BBB BTL-73 is £79.99, features a 2-14nm range and comes complete with a softshell case and Hex keys 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and T25, T30 Torx bits. In common with the MPart, it employs a ¼” ratchet head and easy to read window and torque scale.
Summary
While the fact we get what we pay for remains, the M Part Torque wrench represents excellent value for money and is both intuitive and very pleasant to use. There are enough bits to get a new mechanic started and scope to expand these. The length and head size are convenient, while still having sufficient leverage at the higher end of its range. However, it’s lower than the others on test, which may be a deal breaker if you’re looking to tackle quill stems and similar, higher torque tasks.
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Madison.co.uk – The UK’s largest cycle parts & accessories distributor
The Cyclo Torque Wrench ¼” drive 2-24nm with tools 945g complete £59.99
The Cyclo Torque Wrench ¼” Drive 2-24nmm with tools does exactly what it says on the hard case. It’s a very effective tool and will cater for most low to moderate torque components. The compact, ratcheting head is convenient and the additional leverage is helpful at the upper end of its range. However, while the shaft detailing covers nm and imperial inch pounds, it’s slightly trickier to read and setup compared with the others on test.
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Pros: Comprehensive package, broad torque range, sensible range of bits, ¼ ratchet head convenient in confined spaces, good finish, certificate of calibration, long reach 5mm Allen key.
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Cons: Engraved shaft trickier to read and adjustment a little clunky compared with others on test.
Specification
Measuring 27cn long, it’s made from steel with a satin nickel-plated finish and a textured handle for improved grip, especially with sweaty hands. Cyclo offers a lifetime warrantee which covers manufacturing defects and inspires confidence. There is a more comprehensive range of bits, compared with the M Part and Oxford Torque and comprise of 3,4,5,6, 8 and 10mm hex keys, a long reach 5mm and four Torx-T15, T20, T25. These are made from heat treated S2 steel, which is what I was expecting from this price point. These slip securely onto the head but while the M Part and Oxford release by pressing a button on the reverse while gently pulling the tool bit, the Cyclo is just a quick tug.
Ease of use 3.5/5
To select the correct torque, slacken the handle’s knurled bolt and turn the handle clockwise until it aligns with the desired torque setting on the shaft. Snug the knurled bolt down and you’re ready to go.
Straightforward enough and with surprising tunability. However, the uniform, nickel-plated finish means the engraved settings are trickier to read, especially on bright sunny days. To be clear, I’ve never damaged or over tightened anything in several months, but I found it a little busier than either the Oxford or M Part.
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Having reached the desired torque, the head will sound an audible click, and some slop is felt at the shaft. This slop is more palpable and feels less refined than the M-part but is perfectly serviceable. For these reasons I’d certainly recommend a few trial runs on less delegate fasteners first. While the size has proved less awkward than I’d expecting, I found the M Part and curiously, the Oxford Torque more convenient.
Performance 3.5/5
Accustomed to its quirks, I’ve been pleased by the design’s accuracy and range. I’ve been thankful for the 2nm when tackling mudguard and bottle boss fasteners and a the other extreme, the length is welcome when winding a quill stem bolt to 22mm.
The ratchet system is easily engaged and for the most part, compensates for this when tackling bottle cage fasteners in small frames. The 5mm extension is convenient, not only where more leverage is beneficial, say when snugging down Hollowtech II pinch bolts, or seat post cradles but also where some additional knuckle clearance is preferred.
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For example, when fitting a rear mech to the hanger, or snugging some seat post binder bolts. ¼” is a common size, so it’s easy to compliment the stock fare with custom sizes. I’ve gone for a T30 Torx to tighten some chain rig bolts down to their 10nm (8 for aluminium alloys).
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Compared with the M Part, I have noticed some small, but tangible slop in the head and shaft. In common with other wrenches, it’s very precise, although still possible to overtighten things by ignoring the audible and physical cues. Though not problematic for shorter spells, I’ve found the handle’s texture became a little slippery in bare hands during longer fettling sessions, especially when oil and grease are thrown into the mix.
Durability/Care 3.5/5
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the finish. No hint of tarnish either on the wrench itself, or the tool bits. Several months down the line, no need for the cursory oily rag once-over and no hint of rounding or similar wear on the bits.
Value 3.25/5
The Cyclo Torque wrench is less intuitive than some designs, some might say more obviously budget, but still a solid choice. Lifeline Torque Wrench set is £40.00, offers a more refined setting system, 2-24nm and a compliment of bits to get you started. The Oxford Torque Wrench 2-24nm is £49.99 and comes complete with a solid carry case and bits. It’s also a little easier to adjust than the Cyclo.
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Syncros Torque Wrench 2.0 comes in £10 dearer than the Cyclo. It features an anodised aluminium handle, 2-24nm range, ¼” drive head, 75mm extension bar. It’s a little shorter at 22cm, so may perform better in tighter spaces. 9 bits (3,4,5, 6, 8 and 10mm hex, T20, T25 and T30 Torx).
Summary
Though not the most intuitive to use and a little more workmanlike than the others tested here, the Cyclo Torque Wrench 2-24nm is worth considering if you’re on a budget and want a wrench that will tackle light to moderately torqued fasteners. It’s accurate, well finished and a sensible range of bits come as standard.
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Oxford Torque Wrench 2-24nm 745g complete £49.99
The Oxford Torque Wrench 2-24nm is another comprehensive model, complete with ¼” head and a compliment of Allen and Torx bits. Though not quite as intuitive as the M Part, it’s still convenient, accurate and pleasant to use.
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Pros: Good range of torque settings, nice selection of bits as standard, smooth ratchet mechanism, very audible click.
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Cons: Engraved shaft might be less intuitive than window gauges for novice mechanics.
Specification
The Oxford Torque wrench 2-24nm measures a sensible 27cm long, the head and shaft are made from hardened electroplated steel. The handle is anodised aluminium alloy and contrasting black, which not only looks classy, but makes selecting the correct torque much easier than the otherwise serviceable Cyclo. In common with Cyclo, torque in nm is engraved along the shaft, with a handy directional arrow.
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However, these seem easier to read, even in direct sunlight. In terms of standards, the Oxford Torque also complies with ISO6789-2003, which is very reassuring, especially at this end of the market. Tooling is made from electroplated Chrome Vanadium steel. The hardcase feels very similar to Cyclo’s and clicks together with a similarly reassuring snap.
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The wrench and tooling also have their own “beds” so there’s no excuse for losing anything. There are several similarities elsewhere. Both use a ¼” head with smooth ratcheted action and smooth release button at the rear. ¼” is well served in terms of bits. Adaptors are readily available and inexpensive, so if you’ve a comprehensive range of 3/8 bits, they’re not going to waste.
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Talking of which, the stock kit comprises of 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm Allen keys, an extension for 5mm-useful for recessed bolts, such as those found on brake levers, while also providing some additional knuckle clearance when fitting rear mechs to the frame, tackling stem bolts etc. There are three Torx keys- T20, T25 and T30, catering for Sram crank spiders, cleats, 6 bolt disc rotors and better still, those pesky chain ring bolts -Yay!
Ease of Use 3.5/5
Though not as intuitive, dare I say user friendly, as the M Part and similar designs employing a window and adjusting via the handle’s base, it’s really very simple. Pull the collar downwards and turn the textured handle clockwise until the numbers align with your desired torque.
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This will come as a slight culture shock if you’re used to the window gauges, and it may take a few seconds longer to confirm you’ve everything just so, but the engraving is relatively easy to read and releasing the tension is simply a matter of pulling the collar down while turning the handle counterclockwise. 0.4 increments also ensure strip-free precision, should parts stray from the usual script, or you’re seeking ultra precise loading, say when a component falls within a range. Pinch bolts for stems and Hollowtech II being prime examples.
Performance 4/5
Though the Oxford Torque Torque Wrench lacks some subtle, ergonomic refinements of the M Part Torque wrench, it’s very accurate, pleasant to hold and the click mechanism very audible. There’s no excuse for over, or indeed, under tightening components.
This has been consistent whether I was tackling bottle and mudguard fasteners at the lower end, stem bolts, locking skewers, mech hangers and crankset pinch bolts at the mid-point, quill stems and track nuts at its upper end.
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Given the length, I wasn’t surprised by its efficiency in the latter context, especially when I’d switched to a converter and 15mm socket, snugging track nuts to 24nm. The textured handle’s finish is quite grippy, so no issues with slippage when used bare-handed for prolonged periods in warmer weather.
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More comfortable than the Cyclo like-for-like, although lacking the M Part’s tactile feel. The ratchet is easily switched to suit and continuing this theme, surprisingly nimble in small main triangles and other tight spaces.
The 5mm extension has been similarly welcome when tackling deeply recessed brake lever bolts. Having slotted it into a Tektro RL520, I could rely on the ratcheting function, making small movements until the click sounded.
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Durability/Care 3.75/5
In common with the others discussed here, the finish has proven surprisingly good. No hint of freckling, or tarnish on the electroplated shaft or tooling. Bits seem accurately machined and no signs of wear, or deterioration over several months. There’s no tangible slop in the head, or shaft. Don’t drop, always release the tension and store it in its box after use, you should be fine.
Value 4/5
Given the specification, at £49.99, The Oxford Torque Torque wrench represents excellent value. If you can exchange some minor refinement for more newton metres, it’s arguably a more cost-effective option than the MPart Torque wrench.
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The Oxford Torque Torque wrench is also a good £20 cheaper than the Syncros 2.0. It also features an anodised aluminium handle, 2-24nm range, ¼” drive head, 75mm extension bar. It’s a little shorter at 22cm, so may perform better in tighter spaces and comes with 9 bits (3,4,5, 6, 8 and 10mm hex, T20, T25 and T30 Torx).
Summary
The Oxford Torque Torque wrench has proven something of an unexpected bargain. Its well-made, comprehensive and pleasant to use. From the box, it’s less intuitive to set than those with a window gauge but is still very useable and moreover tuneable. With a few trial runs this becomes second nature. In common with the Cyclo, the torque range is sufficient for most low-mid range applications, including track nuts. However, the Oxford Torque is ten quid cheaper and build quality feels superior.
Scores on the doors
All three wrenches will recoup their investment very quickly, by not wrecking a carbon seat post, stripping threads, or similarly delicate components. Nonetheless, we get what we pay for, and each model has some compromises.
In reverse order, the Cyclo will cover a good range of torque and has plenty of bits to get you started. That said, it lacks some refinement and though not difficult to use, feels a little lower rent compared with the other two on test.
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If you prize ergonomics and user-friendliness above range, then in my book, the M Part wins by a nose, although its better suited to more invested home mechanics willing to buy two torque wrenches. One for low stress and another for high stress applications.
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Ultimately, the Oxford Torque Torque wrench 2-24nm is for me, the best all-rounder. More user friendly than the Cyclo and having wider scope than the M-Part, boasts a generous range of bits as standard and is also £10 cheaper.
Michael Stenning
PUBLISHED MAY 2025
