Guide to Purchasing Clamps for Scooters
The principal role of a pro scooter clamp is to secure the bar onto the scooter fork. When picking the appropriate clamp, factors such as compression, compatibility, and durability must be considered. Detailed explanations can be found here.
Scooter clamps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are essential components of your scooter setup. By making a wise decision in selecting your scooter clamp, you can obtain one that is long-lasting. Stay with us as we cover all the necessary information on scooter clamps.
Overview
Various Scooter Clamp Types for Pro Scooters
Three primary factors differentiate the various kinds of scooter clamps:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: Your clamp's inner diameter must align with the scooter bar's outer diameter. Standard clamps feature a 32 mm inner diameter, while oversized clamps possess a 35 mm inner diameter. For a standard-size bar, an oversized clamp can also be used if paired with a suitable clamp shim. Clamp shims are small tubes that adjust a clamp's inner diameter from 35 mm to 32 mm, assuring a secure grip on a standard-size bar.
- Number of Bolts: The terms quad, triple, or double clamp relate to the number of bolts that secure the clamp. Typically, quad clamps are used for SCS setups, although triple SCS clamps are also available (as they save weight by using one less bolt). Single and double clamps often serve HIC, IHC, or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps or NON-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps integrate the compression system within them. Despite being relatively robust, they are preferred by many riders. IHC and HIC clamps form a different category. With SCS compression, you'll require SCS clamps. For other compression systems (like ICS, HIC, or IHC), a non-SCS clamp (i.e. a regular clamp) is necessary.
Comparing Standard and Oversized Scooter Clamps
Standard-sized clamps commonly feature an inner diameter of 32 mm, aligning with the outer diameter of standard scooter bars.
Conversely, oversized clamps present an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of large bars. They can also accommodate standard-sized bars when paired with a shim that reduces the inner diameter to fit standard bars. Many oversized clamps come with a shim included upon purchase.
When selecting between standard and oversized clamp diameters, compatibility is the crucial factor. If you foresee testing different bar diameters, opting for an oversized clamp allows for more versatility. However, if you are using a standard-sized bar and prefer the lightest option for your setup, a standard-sized clamp is ideal.
Learn more about standard and oversized scooter bars here:
Choosing Between Double, Triple, or Quad Clamps
For HIC, IHC, and ICS setups where bars have a slit at the base, selecting a strong dual clamp that doesn't extend above the slit is advisable to avoid bar damage. The two bolts provide sufficient support to keep the clamp secured in place, and fortunately, dual clamps do not add significant weight to your setup.
Scooter SCS clamps often use quad clamps, where additional bolts help distribute clamping pressure evenly between the fork's top and the bars' bottom.
Compatibility of Pro Scooter Clamps
Below is a table outlining the compatibility of scooter clamps with other components of a pro scooter setup. Before purchasing, ensure that the clamp 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 |
|
When utilising an SCS clamp with a bar that has a slit at the base, there are a few options. An SCS adapter can be used or the bar can be cut down. However, be aware that cutting the bar voids its warranty and shortens its length.
Installing Scooter Clamps Properly
Secure your compression before fitting the clamp, ensuring wheel and bar alignment before tightening the clamp.
Then follow slightly different procedures for the various clamp/compression types:
- HIC or IHC: Start by sliding the bar into the clamp and then mount the bar before fastening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: Begin by installing the clamp and firmly tightening the compression bolt before attaching the bar and tightening the clamp bolts.
To evenly distribute compression, it's advised to gradually tighten bolts in a cross pattern rather than tightening one bolt completely before proceeding to the next. For quad clamps, initially tighten bolt 1 gently, then bolt 3, followed by bolt 2, and finally bolt 4. This technique facilitates even compression distribution across the clamp area.
Check out our guide on scooter compression. It offers useful and detailed videos covering scooter clamp and compression system installation and much more: