"Just set aside the torque wrench, dude..."

I just got off the horn with Troy at Veltec Sports, the US distributor of Easton cycling products.  I called to get a final and definitive max torque spec for Easton's AeroForce Carbon Aero bars because the torque that is specified in the instructions and on the bars still allow the extensions to move.  I need to know the max that I can tighten the bolts without causing and damage... I guess that I'm funny like that.  Anyway, this is what I was told...

"Just torque it 'til it's tight... You'll know when you've gone too far...".  "I've been a mechanic since the mid 80's and I've never used a torque wrench".  "Dude, you just need to set the torque wrench aside and just grab a plain old 5mm and start crankin'...just make sure that you tighten the bolts evenly..." 

I $hit you not.  This was exactly what he said!  I didn't even know what to say!  I was able to get out a few questions while I was picking myself up off of the floor.  I asked him if the bars would be replaced if they get crushed or if the threaded inserts pull out.  He said that they'd take care of it (I HIGHLY doubt that they would).  I also stated that this has to be a common problem because both of the sets that I installed had the same issue.  He denied that there's a problem.  I don't believe it.  I bet that the folks at Easton would be thrilled to hear about this. 

So if anyone out there has problems installing these aero bars onto the Easton DeltaForce bars and possibly damages the bars, just call Troy and Veltec Sports.  He'll take care of it...  Unbelievable.

Comments

[adidas tracksuit]

Great content and it's so helpful for me. But it's so weird that your blog is in a mess through my explorer. Is that my explorer problem? But it's pretty normal when exploring other blogs.

[John Satory]

Thanks for your comment Scott. I appriciate your proactive approach and attention to this issue. A high quality product like Easton requires high quality support. I think that the industry needs more product managers like you who takes the time to care. Thanks again for writing. -John

[Scott Vogelmann]

As the Easton product manager for Veltec Sports, I was dismayed to find this posting.

Rouge Mechanic is totally correct and unfortunately for us and our supporters, Troy was very wrong. Carbon components are very strong, light and sexy but they can easily be damaged by over tightening. Torque wrenches are very important for proper tightening. The Delta Force/Aero Force is a great system and the recommended torque for the Aero Force extensions is 60inlb. The slipping issues have been addressed and it was a problem with tolerances.

Tightening sequence is also important, especially on 4 bolt stems. On a 2 bolt stem the bolts need to be tightened evenly. On a 4 bolt stem, opposite bolts need to be tightened evenly, that is they must be tightened in an X pattern. The proper torque specs for the

I would like to add that corrective action has been taken and I apologize on the companys’ behalf for anybody that had a negative experience with him. If there are questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 831-394-7114 ext. 103 or scott@veltecsports.com.

Scott Vogelmann
Associate Product Manager
Veltec Sports, Inc.
Scott@veltecsports.com
Phone: 831.394.7114 x 103
Fax: 831.393.8495
Visit us on the web at: www.veltecsports.com

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[Chris Mayhew]

I suppose he still has a job because we're whining on the internet and not to his boss :)

We shipped a 26.8 CT MTB post back for warranty. We received a 27.2 EA road post back. I talked to the guy and "it was his guess they didn't make that any more and that's why we got what we got." "Best guess" was repeated several times. He offered to let us keep it, as if that would help anyone!

Turns out they do make one, as he had to admit when he called me back. He was a lot quieter during that phone call.

[John Satory]

Chris,
Thanks for your comment. The level of ignorance and apathy is scarry. When you're dealing with products of this quality level, it's uncalled for. It makes you wonder why he still has a job...

[Chris Mayhew]

I am almost positive I dealt with the same guy a while back WRT an Easton seatpost. He was totally clueless and didn't even really care that he was. And, 30 minutes later was was forced to call me back and tell me he was completely wrong. I hope you don't have the same experience.