Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing Scooter Clamps
The fundamental role of a stunt scooter clamp is to attach the bar securely to the scooter fork. When selecting the appropriate clamp, one must consider aspects like compression, compatibility, and durability. You can find detailed explanations here.
Scooter clamps are available in numerous styles and dimensions, playing a crucial part in your scooter configuration. With a thoughtful choice, your scooter clamp can remain durable for many years. Join us as we detail crucial information regarding scooter clamps.
Overview
Variety of Scooter Clamps for Stunt Scooters
There are three key factors that set different scooter clamps apart from each other:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: The internal diameter of your clamp must align with the external diameter of your scooter bar. Standard clamps possess an inner diameter of 32 mm, while oversized clamps have a 35 mm diameter. For a standard-sized bar, an oversized clamp can be used in conjunction with a fitting clamp shim. Clamp shims act as small tubes that adjust the clamp's inner diameter from 35 mm to 32 mm, enabling it to grip a standard-sized bar effectively.
- Number of Bolts: Terms like quad clamp, triple clamp, or double clamp denote the bolt count for clamp tightening. Quad clamps are typically utilised for SCS setups, but triple SCS clamps (which save weight by having one less bolt) are also available. Single and double clamps are generally used for HIC, IHC, or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps vs NON-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps incorporate the compression system within them. Although relatively heavy, many riders prefer them. IHC and HIC clamps belong to a separate category. Using SCS compression necessitates SCS clamps, while other compression systems (like ICS, HIC, or IHC) require a non-SCS, or regular, clamp.
Comparison Between Standard and Oversized Scooter Clamps
Normally, standard-sized clamps feature a 32 mm inner diameter, matching that of standard-sized scooter bars.
Conversely, oversized clamps have an inner diameter that aligns with the larger outer diameter of oversized bars but can also accommodate standard-sized bars using a shim. This shim reduces the inner diameter for a snug fit with standard bars. Many oversized clamps come equipped with a shim at the time of purchase.
Choosing between standard and oversized clamp diameters hinges on compatibility. Those planning to try varied bar diameters may find oversized clamps more flexible. In contrast, riders with a standard-sized bar prioritising lightness should opt for a standard-sized clamp.
Discover more about standard and oversized scooter bars here:
Should You Choose Double, Triple, or Quad Clamps?
For HIC, IHC, and ICS setups with bars featuring a slit at the bottom, it's advisable to choose a robust dual clamp that doesn't extend above the slit to avoid bar damage. Two bolts suffice to securely fasten the clamp, and thankfully dual clamps won't significantly weigh down your setup.
Scooter SCS clamps are typically quad clamps, where the additional bolts assist in dispersing the clamping pressure across both the fork top and bar bottom.
Compatibility of Stunt Scooter Clamps
The table below outlines the compatibility of scooter clamps with parts of a stunt scooter setup. Always ensure your clamp is compatible with your setup before purchase.
Clamp Size |
Standard Size Clamp (32 mm diameter) |
Oversized Clamp (35 mm diameter) |
Standard Sized SCS Clamps |
Oversized SCS Clamps |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compression System |
IHC |
HIC, IHC |
SCS |
SCS |
Scooter Bar |
Standard, 32 mm outer diameter w/ slit. |
|
Standard 32 mm outer diameter, no slit |
|
Should you use an SCS clamp with a bar that has a bottom slit, you have two choices. Either employ an SCS adapter or trim the bar, bearing in mind that cutting the bar voids its warranty and results in a shorter bar.
Fitting Scooter Clamps
Ensure your compression is tightened before you fit the clamp, aligning the wheel and bars prior to clamp tightening.
Then, depending on clamp/compression type, follow varying steps:
- HIC or IHC: Begin by sliding the bar into the clamp before mounting and tightening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: Start by fitting the clamp and firmly tightening the compression bolt before mounting the bar and securing the clamp bolts.
For an even spread of compression, gradually tighten bolts in a cross pattern instead of securing one bolt before moving to the next. In the case of quad clamps, gently start with bolt 1, then move to bolt 3, then bolt 2, and finally bolt 4. This technique aids in evenly distributing compression across the clamp space.
Explore our scooter compression guide. It contains useful and comprehensive videos on installing scooter clamps, compression systems, and more: