How to Purchase Scooter Clamps
Pro scooter clamps have an essential role in fastening the bar to the scooter fork. When selecting a suitable clamp, consider aspects like compression, compatibility, and durability. Explore detailed explanations here.
Scooter clamps come in various shapes and sizes, and are crucial in establishing your scooter configuration. Wise choices in selecting your scooter clamp can result in a product that endures for many years to come. Keep reading as we cover all details about scooter clamps.
Overview
Varieties of Clamps for Pro Scooters
There are three main characteristics that differentiate the kinds of scooter clamps from one another:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: Your clamp should have an inner diameter complementary to the outer diameter of your scooter bar. Standard clamps are measured at 32 mm inside diameter, whereas oversized clamps measure 35 mm. Those with standard-size bars can also employ an oversized clamp using a compatible clamp shim. Clamp shims decrease the clamp’s inner diameter from 35 mm to 32 mm, securing it to a standard-size bar.
- Number of Bolts: Designations such as quad clamp, triple clamp, or double clamp indicate the number of bolts tightening the clamp. Generally, quad clamps are tailored for SCS setups, though some triple SCS clamps exist (utilizing one fewer bolt reduces weight). Single and double clamps are typically intended for HIC, IHC, or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps or NON-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps incorporate the compression system. Despite being a bit heavier, they are often preferred by many riders. In contrast, IHC and HIC clamps fall under a separate category. Employing SCS compression necessitates the use of SCS clamps. For any other compression type ( ICS, HIC, or IHC for example), you will require a non-SCS clamp (or a regular clamp).
Standard vs. Oversized Scooter Clamps
Standard clamps usually possess an inner diameter of 32 mm, aligning with the outer diameter of standard scooter bars.
Conversely, oversized clamps have an inner diameter that matches oversized bars’ outer diameters. They can also accommodate standard-sized bars through a shim that reduces the inner diameter to fit standard sizes. Many oversized clamps include a shim upon purchase.
The key when selecting between standard and oversized clamp diameters is compatibility. Planning to experiment with different bar diameters? An oversized clamp offers more flexibility. However, if you’re using a standard-sized bar and wish to minimize weight in your current setup, a standard clamp serves you best.
Delve into more insights about standard and oversized scooter bars here:
Should You Opt for Double, Triple, or Quad Clamps?
In HIC, IHC, and ICS configurations where bars have a slit at the bottom, a robust dual clamp is recommended, ensuring it doesn’t extend past the slit. Otherwise, you might damage the bar. With two bolts, the clamp remains secure, and fortunately, dual clamps don't add much weight to your setup.
SCS scooter clamps are typically quad clamps, designed to evenly distribute clamping pressure over the fork top and bar bottom.
Compatibility of Pro Scooter Clamps
The table below summarizes scooter clamps and their compatibility with other pro scooter setup components. Always confirm clamp compatibility before purchasing for 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 using an SCS clamp with a bar that has a bottom slit, consider using an SCS adapter or shortening the bar. However, trimming the bar will void the warranty and result in a shorter bar.
How to Install Scooter Clamps
Before you install your clamp, ensure the compression is tight, and verify the wheel and bars are aligned in advance of tightening the clamp.
Follow different steps for the distinct types of clamps/compressions:
- HIC or IHC: Begin by sliding the bar into the clamp, then mount it before fastening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: Start by installing the clamp and securely tightening the compression bolt, then mount the bar and secure the clamp bolts.
For consistent compression distribution, it is advisable to gradually tighten bolts in a cross sequence instead of completely tightening one before moving to the next. For quad clamps, gently start with bolt 1, then bolt 3, followed by bolt 2, finishing with bolt 4. This technique optimizes compression distribution throughout the clamp region.
Look into our thorough scooter compression guide. It provides practical, informative videos covering the installation of scooter clamps, compression systems, and plenty more: