Prestacycle’s Torqratchet GO is a classic beam-type torque wrench and, in the grand scheme of things, it’s hard to fault. Unlike click-type wrenches, it can be used to tighten and loosen bolts, which means it can replace a regular set of Allen keys. But, importantly, it’s a high-quality build, super reliable and easy to use.
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Prestacycle Torqratchet GO - Technical details
The Prestacycle Torqratchet GO is a simple but mighty tool. If you’ve seen a torque wrench like this from other brands, it’s likely a rebranded Prestacycle product. It measures from three up to 12Nm, which covers all but the most intensive bolts around the bike, and that’s activated by pushing through the black handle at the end. The brand states it’s calibrated to withstand over 5000 cycles.
The tool can be used almost separately from the torque wrench function and employed as a simple ratchet-equipped multi-tool. This is a handy feature as it means you don’t need to swap from a regular Allen key and a torque wrench.
As a result, this wrench can be used to unscrew bolts, which you can’t do with many other types of torque wrenches.
Along with the wrench itself, Prestacycle includes a standalone set of bits including two to 8mm Allen bits, T20 and T25 Torx, and a PH1 screwdriver. The tool measures 124mm in length and is 17mm wide. The bits sit in a small plastic holder but there’s nothing included to keep the kit together.
As for the weight, the wrench, bits, and holder tip the scale at 105g.
Prestacycle Torqratchet GO - Performance
The Torqratchet GO is an impressively capable tool. I’ve been using it for a good few months now, and while it’s not ideal for all of the bolts around the bike, for the average home bike-tinkerer, it packs a serious punch.
A real trick it has up its sleeve is that the ratcheting, coloured part of the tool can be used independently of the torque measuring bit. That allows the wrench to tighten and loosen bolts with ease, and it can cope with some serious pressure, although I would opt for something with a bit more leverage for stubborn bolts.
When it comes time to torque a bolt to spec, the Torqratchet GO needs to be held by the little black handle. As it’s turned, a white marker appears on the small screen. Once the tip of the marker aligns with the gauge, you’ve achieved the correct torque. It’s mega simple, but it’s not foolproof. Once the desired torque is reached, there’s nothing built-in to stop the user from over-tightening the bolt. Despite Prestacycle saying it’s larger, the read-out isn’t all that big either, so those who are hard of sight will likely be reaching for their glasses. Even with 20-20 vision, it is hard to be precise.
I’ve found it ideal for the smaller bolts around the bike, specifically cockpit bolts. It can tighten pivot bolts, but they usually require more torque than this tool can accommodate. Care is needed when torquing shallower bolts such as those found at the brake rotors. I’m always cautious of rounding a rotor bolt but even with the utmost care, the tool slipped when installing a disc rotor.
Though, when focussed on cockpit-type bolts, the Torqratchet GO is an excellent companion built to a high quality and simply gets the job done. The only real hangup is that there’s nothing to keep the bit set and the wrench in one place.
Prestacycle Torqratchet GO - Verdict
This torque wrench comes in at £56, which isn’t bad for a multi-value wrench. Many around this price point are precalibrated, but this means they can be limiting. That said, some competitors use the same build and offer a little more, like Granite’s Rocknroll TQ Torque Ratchet kit.
At £55, you get a strikingly similar torque wrench and the same range of Allen, torx and screwdriver bits but it comes with an extension bit wrapped in a neat pouch. The only downside is that it doesn’t have the range of measurement as the Torqratchet GO.
Topeak’s Combotorq wrench is valid competition and useful if you’re not a regular cockpit tweaker. It’s a little more cumbersome in the hand, and its build is plasticky. It comes with fewer bits and doesn’t read the range of torque that the Prestacycle wrench does. Our Pete also says it’s not the easiest to reach an accurate torque rating, but it is affordable at £18.
Every cyclist should have a torque wrench in their tool kits and Prestacycle’s Torqratchet GO is a worthy example. It’s small, well-built and easy to use, making it an ideal companion for minor cockpit tweaks. Those who regularly undertake more serious jobs around the bike might want something a little more capable in the ergonomics department, but there’s little reason why you shouldn’t pick up a Torqratchet GO.