Scooter Compression Guide

Pro scooter compression systems are crucial for your setup. They ensure a secure connection between your bar, headset, and fork. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate scooter rider seeking a new compression kit, this guide offers essential insights into pro scooter compression.

We'll explore the pros and cons of popular compression systems and their compatibility with other scooter parts. By the end, you'll understand which type of compression suits you best and how to optimize your pro scooter.

Overview

Compression Systems Video Explainer

Overview

Compression Systems Video Explainer

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SCS Compression

1: Bar (no slit) 2: Compression Bolt 3: Top Cap 4: SCS Clamp 5: C-Ring 6: Fork 7: Deck (headtube & headset)

SCS stands for Standard Compression System. Known for its strength and simplicity, SCS compression is ideal for heavy shredding. Although slightly heavier, SCS is one of the most robust compression systems and is compatible with both standard and oversized bars.

How to Install SCS Compression

The clamp attaches to the fork with an internal compression bolt and a top cap that presses down on an edge inside the clamp. The compression bolt threads into a starnut or built-in thread inside the fork (most new SCS forks have built-in threads). The clamp holds the bar in place and is tightened with four bolts.

Watch the video below to learn how to install SCS compression:

SCS Compatible Bars

For an SCS setup, you need a bar without a slit at the bottom. Otherwise, the clamp will squeeze the slit, causing the bar to break. You can either cut your bar to remove the slit or use a compatible SCS bar adapter.

Scooter Bars Guide

SCS Compatible Clamps

For SCS, you need an SCS clamp because the compression system is integrated into the clamp. Ensure the clamp’s inner diameter matches the outer diameter of your bars – either standard 32 mm or oversized 35 mm.

Notice: If the edge inside the SCS clamp is not above the top of the fork, you won’t achieve a proper connection between the clamp and the fork. Use a headset spacer to raise the clamp’s position if needed.

Scooter Clamps Guide

SCS Compatible Forks

All HIC and SCS forks are compatible with SCS compression (no difference between HIC and SCS forks).

Scooter Forks Guide

HIC Compression

1. Bar 2. Compression Bolt 3. Top Cap 4. IHC Shim 5. C-Ring 6. Fork 7. Deck (headtube & headset)

HIC stands for Hidden Internal Compression. Though not the lightest, HIC is valued for being lighter than SCS and relatively easy to assemble. A downside of HIC is that it requires a bar with a slit at the bottom, introducing a point of weakness not found in heavier SCS compression.

How to Install HIC Compression

An HIC shim is placed on the fork, and a compression bolt with a top cap secures the shim onto the scooter deck’s headtube, effectively securing the fork. A clamp tightens the bar around the fork tube.

Watch the video below to learn how to mount HIC compression:

HIC Compatible Bars

HIC-compatible bars have a 32 mm internal diameter and a 35 mm outer diameter. They are made of robust materials like steel or titanium. Aluminum bars have an oversized outer diameter but a narrower inner diameter due to thicker tubing for durability. Thus, aluminum bars can’t be used with HIC setups. HIC bars feature a slit at the bottom.

Scooter Bars Guide

HIC Compatible Clamps

Your HIC clamp should cover the entire slit length in your bar. Ensure the clamp for your HIC setup has a 35 mm inner diameter (oversized).

Scooter Clamps Guide

HIC Compatible Forks

HIC/SCS forks are compatible with the HIC compression system.

Note: To resolve this issue, insert an HIC spacer before placing the shim on the fork. This spacer is essential for achieving adequate compression and efficient tightening of your setup.

Scooter Forks Guide

IHC Compression

1. Bar 2. Compression Bolt 3. Top Cap 4. IHC Shim 5. C-Ring 6. Fork 7. Deck (headtube & headset)

IHC, or Internal Hidden Compression, is similar to HIC but offers a lightweight setup with reliable compression.

The key difference is that IHC forks have a slimmer shaft or fork tube, allowing them to work with bars with a 28 mm inner diameter. This makes them compatible with aluminum bars with a standard 28 mm inner diameter and an oversized 35 mm outer diameter.

How to Install IHC Compression

An IHC compression ring is installed within the headset bearing to accommodate the narrower fork tube, eliminating movement or looseness between the fork and headset bearing.

Next, mount an IHC shim onto the fork tube, place a top cap on the shim, and thread the compression bolt into the fork’s threads. Tightening the bolt presses down on the top cap, establishing compression.

Watch the video below to learn how to mount IHC compression:

IHC Compatible Bars

IHC fits all bars with a 28 mm internal diameter (standard) and a slit at the bottom.

If using an oversized steel or titanium bar with an IHC compression fork, you’ll need an adapter for the larger inner diameter.

Scooter Bars Guide

IHC Compatible Clamps

Ensure the clamp’s inner diameter matches the bar’s outer diameter.

Scooter Clamps Guide

IHC Compatible Forks

IHC forks are essential for IHC compression. They feature thin shafts to reduce weight, and unlike HIC, an IHC fork can pair with bars with a 28 mm inner diameter.

Note: The IHC shim should extend beyond the fork tube protruding from the headtube. Otherwise, proper compression won’t be achieved. Use a headset spacer if needed.

Scooter Forks Guide

ICS Compression

ICS, short for Inverted/Internal Compression System, is known for its lightweight and low cost. Compared to other compression systems, ICS requires the fewest parts to assemble.

However, ICS installation and maintenance can be challenging. While its lightweight design suits park riders with excellent landing control, ICS is not as durable as SCS.

How to Install ICS Compression

In ICS compression, a bolt runs through the fork from below. The bolt’s protruding part threads into a starnut inside the bar. ICS requires the fewest parts compared to other systems.

Installation and maintenance can be cumbersome. To adjust the compression bolt, you must remove the front wheel. For instance, if you need to remove your bar, you must remove the front wheel and fully loosen the compression bolt.

Watch the video below to learn how to install ICS compression:

ICS Compression Bars

ICS compression relies on a starnut to sit firmly inside the bar. On most steel and titanium bars, the smooth, hard surface makes a starnut prone to sliding down, loosening the compression. Aluminum is softer, allowing starnuts to grip more securely.

Therefore, for ICS compression, we recommend either an aluminum bar or a bar with a permanently built-in starnut.

ICS bars typically have a 28 mm inner diameter and a slit at the bottom, similar to IHC and HIC bars. The outer diameter can vary between 32 mm and 35 mm, so ensure your clamp’s inner diameter matches your bar's outer diameter.