A4 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80) is specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. Specified on bicycle cleat fixing bolts it determines the corrosion behaviour (superior, including marine and chloride environments) and the service temperature range (approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint); the dimensions are ours rather than a standard's, and are listed in full below.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Bicycle Cleat Fixing Bolts
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For bicycle cleat fixing bolts, this matters when superior, including marine and chloride environments is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Superior, including marine and chloride environments |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A4 (316) adds 2–3% molybdenum to the A2 (304) composition, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-pitting corrosion. For Bicycle Cleat Fixing Bolts in marine, coastal, swimming-pool or food-processing environments, A4 is the default selection.
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless bicycle cleat fixing bolts: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Expect the aluminum to corrode, not the fastener — stainless sits higher in the galvanic series, so the aluminum is the one that gives up material. A small fastener in a thick section spreads the loss over a large area and is usually fine; a large fastener in thin sheet concentrates it and is not. Keep water out of the joint, or isolate the two metals with a nylon or coated washer and a sealant.
Sizes of Bicycle Cleat Fixing Bolts Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Length options (mm) | Drive | Typical cleat system | Provisional torque (N·m) | Selection rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 | 8 / 10 / 13.5 | 4 mm hex | road cleat hardware | match shoe and cleat stack | |
| M5 | about 12.5 example | 4 mm hex | two-bolt cleat hardware | about 2.5 provisional | follow the cleat and shoe service instruction |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A4 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this bolt in a grade that is not listed?
A4 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Where the standard stops, the drawing takes over: fine pitches, left-hand threads, partial threading, and property classes above the catalogued grade where material and heat treatment allow. Made by cold heading or hot forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
