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The main role of a stunt scooter clamp is to attach the bar securely to the scooter fork. When selecting the appropriate clamp, factors such as compression, compatibility, and durability must be taken into account. Comprehensive insights are available here.
Scooter clamps vary in form and size, and they are crucial to your scooter configuration. By making an informed choice when selecting your scooter clamp, you can acquire one that remains durable over a long period. Stay with us as we outline everything you ought to know about scooter clamps.
Overview
Various Kinds of Clamps for Stunt Scooters
Three main factors set apart the different types of scooter clamps:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: Your clamp's inner diameter should coincide with your scooter bar's outer diameter. Standard clamps usually have an inner diameter of 32 mm, while oversized ones are typically 35 mm. Possessing a standard-size bar means you can also employ an oversized clamp using a compatible clamp shim. Clamp shims are small cylinders that trim down the inner diameter of a clamp from 35 mm to 32 mm, thus holding a standard-size bar securely.
- Number of Bolts: Quad clamp, triple clamp, or double clamp describe the number of bolts for tightening the clamp. Quad clamps are generally used for SCS configurations, though triple SCS clamps can be found as well (fewer bolts mean less weight). Single and double clamps are generally meant for HIC, IHC, or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps or NON-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps have the compression system built into them. Although they are a bit heavier, they are preferred by numerous riders. IHC and HIC clamps fall into another category. If you're utilizing SCS compression, SCS clamps are necessary. For alternative compression systems (like ICS, HIC, or IHC), you will need a non-SCS clamp (essentially, a regular clamp).
Comparing Standard and Oversized Scooter Clamps
Typically, the inner diameter of standard-sized clamps is 32 mm, aligning with the standard-sized scooter bars' outer diameter.
Conversely, oversized clamps have an inner diameter that matches the oversized bars' outer diameter. They can also be adapted to standard-sized bars with the help of a shim that reduces the inner diameter accordingly. Many oversized clamps are provided with a shim upon purchase.
The key factor in deciding between standard and oversized clamp diameters is compatibility. If you expect to try out various bar diameters, an oversized clamp offers greater adaptability. However, if your current setup involves a standard-sized bar and your priority is lightness, a standard-sized clamp is preferable.
Find out more about standard-sized and oversized scooter bars here:
Double, Triple, or Quad Clamps?
For HIC, IHC, and ICS setups where bars have a slit at the bottom, opting for a robust double clamp that remains below the slit is advisable. Failing to do so could lead to bar damage. The two bolts offer sufficient support to keep the clamp stable, and fortunately, double clamps add minimal weight to your setup.
SCS clamps for scooters are generally quad clamps as the extra bolts help evenly distribute the clamping pressure across the lower end of the bars and the fork top.
Compatibility of Stunt Scooter Clamps
The table below outlines scooter clamps and their compatibility with other elements of a stunt scooter setup. Always ensure compatibility before buying a clamp.
|
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're employing an SCS clamp with a bar that has a slit underneath, you have a couple of choices. Utilising an SCS adapter is one option, or you may cut down the bar. It is important to recognise that cutting down the bar voids its warranty and results in a shorter bar.
Installing Scooter Clamps
Ensure the compression is tightened before attaching the clamp, and align both the wheel and bars properly before securing the clamp.
Then follow slightly different instructions for each type of clamp/compression:
- HIC or IHC: First, slip the bar into the clamp, then mount the bar before fastening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: Install the clamp first and make sure to firmly tighten the compression bolt before mounting the bar and fastening the clamp bolts.
To ensure uniform compression distribution, gradually tighten the bolts in a crosswise sequence instead of tightening one bolt fully before the next one. For quad clamps, initiate with a gentle tightening of bolt 1, then move to bolt 3, next bolt 2, and conclude with bolt 4. This practice helps spread the compression across the clamp surface evenly.
Refer to our guide on scooter compression, which includes helpful and comprehensive videos on scooter clamps' installation and compression systems, among other topics:
