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Guide to Buying Clamps for Scooters
The primary function of a pro scooter clamp is to secure the bar to the scooter fork. To choose the right clamp, you need to consider things like compression, compatibility and durability. In-depth answers are available here.
Scooter clamps come in many shapes and sizes, and they play an integral role in your scooter setup. If you are smart when choosing your scooter clamp, you can get one that will last for years and years. So stay tuned as we explain everything you need to know about scooter clamps.
Overview
Different Types of Clamps for Pro Scooters
Three main variables distinguish the different kinds of scooter clamps from each other:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: The inner diameter of your clamp must match the outer diameter of your scooter bar. Standard clamps have an inner diameter of 32 mm, and oversized clamps have an inner diameter of 35 mm. If you have a standard-size bar, you can also use an oversized clamp with a compatible clamp shim. Clamp shims are small tubes that reduce the inner diameter of a clamp from 35 mm to 32 mm, allowing it to securely grip a standard-size bar.
- Number of Bolts: The terms quad clamp, triple clamp, or double clamp all refer to the number of bolts used to tighten the clamp. Usually, quad clamps are for SCS setups, but there are also triple SCS clamps available (using a bolt less saves weight). Single and double clamps are usually for HIC, IHC or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps or NON-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps integrate the compression system within them. Despite being relatively heavy, they are favored by many riders. IHC and HIC clamps belong to a different category. If you use SCS compression, you'll need SCS clamps. For any other compression system (such as ICS, HIC, or IHC), you'll need a non-SCS clamp (i.e. a regular clamp).
Standard vs Oversized Scooter Clamps
Standard-sized clamps typically have an inner diameter of 32 mm, matching the outer diameter of standard-sized scooter bars.
Oversized clamps, on the other hand, have an inner diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of oversized bars. They can also accommodate standard-sized bars with the addition of a shim that reduces the inner diameter to fit standard sized bars. Many oversized clamps include a shim when you buy them.
The main consideration when choosing between standard and oversized clamp diameters is compatibility. If you anticipate experimenting with different bar diameters, opting for an oversized clamp provides more flexibility. However, if you're riding a standard-sized bar and prioritize having the lightest option for your current setup, a standard-sized clamp is the way to go.
Learn more about standard sized and oversized scooter bars here:
Double, Triple, or Quad Clamps?
For HIC, IHC, and ICS setups where the bars have a slit at the bottom, it's recommended to opt for a sturdy dual clamp that doesn't extend above the slit. Otherwise, you risk damaging the bar. The two bolts provide ample support to secure the clamp in place, and thankfully dual clamps don't add a lot of weight to your setup.
SCS clamps for scooters are usually quad clamps, where the extra bolts help to distribute the clamping pressure evenly across the top of the fork and the bottom of the bars.
Pro Scooter Clamps Compatibility
In the table below, we provide an outline of scooter clamps and their compatibility with other parts of a pro scooter setup. Before purchasing a clamp, always be sure it is compatible with 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're using an SCS clamp with a bar that has a slit at the bottom, you have a couple of options. You can either use an SCS adapter or cut down the bar. However, it's important to note that cutting down the bar will void its warranty and result in a shorter bar.
Mounting Scooter Clamps
Tighten your compression before installing the clamp, and make sure that the wheel and bars are aligned before tightening the clamp.
Then follow slightly different procedures for the different types of clamps/compression:
- HIC or IHC: First slide the bar into the clamp and then mount the bar before tightening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: First install the clamp and tighten the compression bolt firmly before you mount the bar and tighten the clamp bolts.
To ensure even compression distribution, it's recommended to gradually tighten the bolts in a cross pattern rather than tightening one bolt firmly before moving on to the next one. For quad clamps, start by gently tightening bolt 1, then bolt 3, followed by bolt 2, and finally bolt 4. This method helps distribute the compression evenly across the clamp area.
Check out our guide to scooter compression. It contains helpful and detailed videos of the installation of scooter clamps and compression systems and much more:
