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Guide to Buying Clamps for Scooters
The main role of a stunt scooter clamp is to affix the bar to the scooter fork. To select the appropriate clamp, factors such as compression, compatibility, and durability must be considered. You can find detailed insights here.
Scooter clamps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are a crucial component of your scooter setup. By carefully selecting a scooter clamp, it's possible to choose one that will be long-lasting. Continue reading as we cover all the essential information about scooter clamps.
Overview
Varieties of Clamps for Stunt Scooters
Three primary factors differentiate the various kinds of scooter clamps:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: The clamp's inner diameter should correspond to the outer diameter of your scooter bar. Standard clamps have a 32 mm inner diameter, while oversized clamps have a 35 mm diameter. If you possess a standard-size bar, you can employ an oversized clamp with a compatible clamp shim. Clamp shims are small tubes that adjust the inner diameter of a clamp from 35 mm to 32 mm, enabling it to grip a standard-size bar securely.
- Number of Bolts: Terms like quad clamp, triple clamp, or double clamp indicate the number of bolts used to fasten the clamp. Quad clamps are generally used for SCS setups, whereas triple SCS clamps are also available (fewer bolts equate to reduced weight). Single and double clamps typically fit HIC, IHC, or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps or NON-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps incorporate the compression system within them. Despite being a bit heavier, many riders prefer them. IHC and HIC clamps are of a different kind. For SCS compression, SCS clamps are necessary. For alternative compression systems (such as ICS, HIC, or IHC), a non-SCS clamp (i.e., a regular clamp) is required.
Standard vs Oversized Scooter Clamps
Standard-sized clamps usually feature an inner diameter of 32 mm, matching the outer diameter of standard-sized scooter bars.
In contrast, oversized clamps have a 35 mm inner diameter that fits oversized bars' outer diameter. They can also fit standard-sized bars by including a shim that reduces the inner diameter for standard-sized bars. Many oversized clamps come with this shim when purchased.
The main factor when deciding between standard and oversized clamp diameters is compatibility. If you anticipate experimenting with varying bar diameters, choosing an oversized clamp offers greater adaptability. However, if you are using a standard-sized bar and desire the lightest option for your current setup, a standard-sized clamp is preferable.
Discover more about standard-sized and oversized scooter bars here:
Dual, Triple, or Quad Clamps?
For HIC, IHC, and ICS setups where the bars have a slit at the bottom, a robust dual clamp that does not extend above the slit is advisable to prevent damage. The two bolts offer ample support to secure the clamp, and fortunately, dual clamps do not add much weight to your setup.
SCS clamps for scooters tend to be quad clamps, where extra bolts aid in distributing the clamping pressure evenly across the top of the fork and the bottom of the bars.
Compatibility of Stunt Scooter Clamps
The table below offers an outline of scooter clamps and their compatibility with other elements of a stunt scooter setup. Always verify clamp compatibility with your setup before making a 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 |
|
If using an SCS clamp with a bar featuring a slit at the bottom, you have a couple of options. You can utilise an SCS adapter or reduce the bar length. Nevertheless, it's vital to note that cutting the bar down will void its warranty and result in a shorter bar.
How to Mount Scooter Clamps
Ensure your compression is tight before fitting the clamp, and align the wheel and bars before fastening the clamp.
Subsequent steps differ slightly based on the types of clamps/compression:
- HIC or IHC: Begin by sliding the bar into the clamp and then position the bar before fastening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: First, fit the clamp and tighten the compression bolt firmly before mounting the bar and tightening the clamp bolts.
For even compression distribution, gradually tighten the bolts in a cross pattern rather than securing one bolt tightly before proceeding to the next. For quad clamps, gently tighten bolt 1 first, then bolt 3, followed by bolt 2, and finally bolt 4. This approach aids in evenly distributing compression across the clamp area.
Refer to our guide on scooter compression for helpful and detailed videos on installing scooter clamps and compression systems, and more:
