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The foremost role of a pro scooter clamp is to attach the bar to the scooter fork firmly. Selecting the correct clamp involves evaluating factors such as compression, compatibility, and resilience. Detailed responses can be found here.
Scooter clamps are available in a variety of forms and dimensions, and they are crucial to your scooter setup. Making an astute choice when selecting your scooter clamp ensures a longevity of service. Therefore, keep reading as we cover all you need to know about scooter clamps.
Overview
Various Clamps Types for Pro Scooters
There are three main factors that distinguish different types of scooter clamps:
- Clamp Inner Diameter: Your clamp’s inner diameter must align with the outer diameter of your scooter bar. Standard clamps are 32 mm in diameter, while oversized clamps measure 35 mm in diameter. For a standard-size bar, an oversized clamp can also be used with a compatible clamp shim. Clamp shims are smaller tubes that adjust the inner diameter of a clamp from 35 mm to 32 mm, allowing a secure fit for a standard-size bar.
- Number of Bolts: The terms quad, triple, or double clamp refer to the number of bolts that fasten the clamp. Typically, quad clamps are utilised in SCS setups, but triple SCS clamps are also available (reducing a bolt can save weight). Single and double clamps commonly fit HIC, IHC, or ICS setups.
- SCS Clamps vs NON-SCS Clamps: SCS clamps incorporate the compression system within the clamp itself. Despite being somewhat heavy, they are preferred by many riders. On the other hand, IHC and HIC clamps are of a separate category. If employing SCS compression, SCS clamps are necessary. For other compression arrangements (like ICS, HIC, or IHC), a non-SCS clamp (otherwise known as a regular clamp) is required.
Comparing Standard and Oversized Scooter Clamps
Standard-sized clamps commonly have a 32 mm inner diameter, which fits the outer diameter of standard-sized scooter bars.
Contrastingly, oversized clamps have an inner diameter that matches oversized bars. They are also able to fit standard-sized bars when a shim is used to adjust the diameter. Many oversized clamps include a shim upon purchase.
The main factor when deciding between standard and oversized clamp diameters is compatibility. Choosing an oversized clamp offers greater versatility if you plan on experimenting with various bar diameters. Conversely, if you are committed to a standard-sized bar and value a lighter setup, a standard-sized clamp is preferable.
Discover more about standard-sized and oversized scooter bars here:
Dual, Triple, or Quad Clamps?
For HIC, IHC, and ICS setups with a slit at the bar’s bottom, it is advisable to select a dependable dual clamp that does not rise above the slit; failure to do so might cause bar damage. The two bolts offer sufficient support to secure the clamp, and fortunately, dual clamps do not significantly increase the weight of your setup.
SCS clamps for scooters generally involve quad clamps, where additional bolts assist in evenly distributing clamping force across the fork and bar juncture.
Compatibility of Pro Scooter Clamps
In the subsequent table, we present an outline of scooter clamps and their compatibility with other elements of a pro scooter setup. Before purchasing a clamp, always ensure it matches your configuration.
|
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 |
|
Should you use an SCS clamp with a bar featuring a slit at the bottom, you have two choices: either use an SCS adapter or shorten the bar. Be aware that cutting the bar invalidates its warranty and shortens its length.
Installing Scooter Clamps
First, secure your compression and then install the clamp, ensuring the wheel and bars are aligned before fastening the clamp.
Follow slightly distinct methods for various clamp/compression types:
- HIC or IHC: Begin by sliding the bar into the clamp and mount the bar before fastening the clamp bolts.
- SCS Clamp: Install the clamp initially and tighten the compression bolt firmly before mounting the bar and fastening the clamp bolts.
For even compression distribution, it is advisable to tighten the bolts gradually in a cross pattern rather than proceeding to the next bolt after tightening one firmly. In the case of quad clamps, start by gently securing bolt 1, followed by bolt 3, then bolt 2, and finally bolt 4. This approach ensures a uniform compression across the clamp.
Explore our guide to scooter compression, which includes comprehensive videos on installing scooter clamps and compression mechanisms, among various other insights:
