Clamps Buying Guide for Scooters
The primary purpose of a stunt scooter clamp is to fasten the bar to the scooter fork. To select the appropriate clamp, you should keep in mind compression, compatibility, and durability. Detailed explanations are provided here.
Scooter clamps come in a variety of designs and sizes, significantly impacting your scooter setup. By wisely selecting your scooter clamp, you can find one that will last for many years. Stay with us as we outline all you need to know about scooter clamps.
Overview
Varieties of Clamps for Stunt Scooters
There are three key variables that differentiate various scooter clamps:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: The inner diameter of the clamp must align with the outer diameter of the scooter bar. Standard clamps typically have a 32 mm inner diameter, whereas oversized clamps feature a 35 mm diameter. For standard sized bars, you can also utilise an oversized clamp with a compatible shim. These shims are small tubes that adjust the inner diameter from 35 mm to 32 mm, enabling the clamp to securely fit a standard bar.
- Number of Bolts: A quad, triple, or double clamp refers to the number of bolts used to secure it. Usually, quad clamps are utilised for SCS setups, although triple SCS clamps are available (fewer bolts mean reduced weight). Single and double clamps are more commonly applied for HIC, IHC, or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps or Non-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps come with a built-in compression system. Although they are somewhat heavy, many riders prefer them. IHC and HIC clamps fall into a different category. If you are using SCS compression, SCS clamps are needed. For alternative compression systems (such as ICS, HIC, or IHC), a non-SCS clamp (i.e. a regular clamp) is required.
Comparing Standard and Oversized Scooter Clamps
Standard clamps are designed with an inner diameter of 32 mm, corresponding to the outer diameter of standard scooter bars.
Oversized clamps, conversely, have an inner diameter that matches the larger diameter of oversized bars but can also cater to standard bars by including a shim to reduce the diameter. Many oversized clamps come with a shim included when purchased.
The principal factor in deciding between standard and oversized clamp diameters is their compatibility. If you plan on experimenting with various bar diameters, choosing an oversized clamp offers increased versatility. However, if you are using a standard bar and place importance on having the lightest option for your current configuration, a standard clamp is preferable.
Discover more about standard and oversized scooter bars here:
Choosing Between Double, Triple, or Quad Clamps
For setups using HIC, IHC, and ICS with bars that feature a slit at the bottom, opting for a robust double clamp that does not extend past the slit is advised to avoid damaging the bar. Two bolts offer sufficient support to keep the clamp steady, and double clamps do not weigh down your setup excessively.
For scooters using SCS, quad clamps are prevalent, as the additional bolts help disperse clamping pressure evenly over the fork’s top and the bar’s bottom.
Stunt Scooter Clamps Compatibility
Below is a table that details the compatibility of various scooter clamps with other aspects of a stunt scooter setup. Before you purchase a clamp, ensure that it suits your setup.
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 you've decided to use an SCS clamp with a bar that features a bottom slit, you have two options: utilise an SCS adapter or trim the bar. However, remember that cutting the bar will nullify its warranty and result in a shorter bar.
Fitting Scooter Clamps
Make sure to tighten the compression before attaching the clamp, ensuring that the wheel and bars are aligned prior to securing the clamp.
Then proceed through slightly different steps for different types of clamps/compression:
- HIC or IHC: Begin by sliding the bar into the clamp, then mount the bar before fastening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: Start by fixing the clamp and firmly tightening the compression bolt before you fit the bar and tighten the clamp bolts.
To ensure even pressure distribution, it's suggested to tighten the bolts in a cross-wise pattern rather than concentrating on one bolt at a time. For quad clamps, start by gently tightening bolt 1, then bolt 3, followed by bolt 2, and finally bolt 4. This technique assists in evenly distributing pressure across the clamp.
Refer to our scooter compression guide, which offers helpful videos on fitting scooter clamps and compression systems among other insights: