You want the minimum torque to reduce play in the headset.
Bike top cap torque.
Fsa megaexo crank adjusting cap 0 4 0 7 nm 32 53 in lbs fsa megaexo crank bolt pinch screws 9 8 11 2 nm 87 100 in lbs campagnolo 3 piece 32 38 nm 282 336 in lbs campagnolo ultra torque 42 nm 371 in lbs race face 54 nm 480 in lbs shimano 34 44 nm 305 391 in lbs shimano octalink xtr crank arm bolt 40 3 49 nm 357 435 in lbs.
As others have said the top cap is pre load only.
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.
There are basically three types of torque wrenches the beam type the click type and the dial type.
Gazelle trading 1 1 8 inch bicycle al alloy headset top cap bolt mountain bike stem top cap cover headset screws for mtb road xc fr bike stems 3 8 out of 5 stars 10 10 98 10.
In other words a torque wrench set for 100 in lbs might tighten to 96 in lbs or 104 in lbs.
Don t over tighten nuts bolts.
A torque wrench is a good idea at this point.
It is non load bearing.
Do it right use this torque guide.
Test the headset adjustment by lifting the bike and pushing the bars back and forth the bars should turn freely with very little resistance.
Next straighten the handlebars.
Do not overtighten it.
A torque table for bicycles.
Do up the headset top cap until it is just tight at this point you should be unable to turn your stem spacers.
Once the stem is tightened in place is is purely cosmetic and covers the top of the steerer.
Adjust the bearing preload with the top cap then retighten the stem to hold it firmly.
So what are torque caps and do you need them.
Snug the top cap down until there is slight resistance.
If the motion of the bars feels sticky or hesitant loosen the top cap 1 8th of a turn and test again.
As of march 2017 we offer torque upgrades on our nobl industry 9 torch and hope pro 4 evo wheelsets.
Same is true for the end cap on a shimano hollowtech ii crankset.
Torque wrenches available to general industrial work including bicycle work are typically accurate to plus or minus four percent.