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Scooter Compression System

Scooter Compression System/Introduction


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In order for the bar and fork to move in unison when turning the scooter, you need a compression system. It fastens the fork to the headtube of the deck and insures that your fork turns smoothly. Fundamentally, there exist 4 different types of compression systems which are used on stunt scooters.

  • Threaded
  • Inverted Compression System (ICS)
  • Standard Compression System (SCS)
  • And Hidden Intern Compression System (HIC)

More types of compression systems exist. Another version of ICS referred to as System Compression ISC is often used. A more frequently referred to compression system is another version of HIC, referred to as Integrated Headset Compression (IHC), which is commonly used on freestyle scooters and are used on most scooters at all price points.
Each system is described below.
 

Scooter Compression System/ICS (Inverted Compression System)




ICS compression systems use a reverted compression bolt. A reverted compression bolt runs through the steerer tube of the fork and is screwed into the star nut which is pressed into the downtube of the bar as described in the above.

ICS is the easiest compression system and the cheapest as well. Unfortunately, it is not especially durable either. It requires frequent adjustments and the risk of damage on the star nut is high. In addition, the compression system requires removal of the front wheel in order to tighten or adjust the bolt. ICS compression is only compatible with standard sized bars or aluminum bars and require a slit I the bar as well as a special tool to install the star nut in the downtube.
 

Scooter Compression System/ICS recommended length of fork




Scooter components determine the length of the fork.

Different brands have a small variation in the length of the headtube. Further, the headset determines the total length that the fork must go through. That is why the forks come with different lengths in steerer tubes. That means that the forks work better with some decks with ICS compression than others. We recommend that the fork’s steerer tube has a length of a minimum of 3.8 cm and a maximum of 5.1 cm over the headset for the ICS compression. The recommended maximum length is determined from the fact that the star nut should be placed 6.5 cm up in the downtube.
 

Scooter Compression System/HIC (Hidden Internal Compression System)




HIC compression is made for oversized bars that have a slit.
The compression system functions using a shim (marked in yellow in the picture) with an outside diameter of 32 mm is put down over the fork’s steerer tube and is compromised on the headset with a compression bolt.

HIC compression is relatively inexpensive. However, due to the need for an oversized bar and clamp is will be more expensive and heavier than e.g. ICS. Still, this compression system is stable and works well for doing tricks.
 

Scooter Compression System/HIC shim types


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There are different types of HIC compression shims. The thing all shims have in common is that they are pushed down on the pinch ring and has a solid grip on the fork.
 

Scooter Compression System/HIC recommended length of the fork




Scooter components determine the length of the fork.

Decks from different brands have headtubes with different lengths. At the same time, the headset determines the length the fork must pass. Therefore, the forks come with different lengths of steerer tube. That means that some forks will fit some decks with HIC compression better than others.

We recommend that the fork’s steerer tube has a length of a minimum of 4.5cm over the headset. Some HIC shims are more than 7.5 cm in height which means you get a high clamp with a lot of strength to secure the bar on the fork and therefore, you get a solid scooter. Basically, this compression system is very strong and works well with larger riders who have encountered previous issues with scooter strength.
 

Scooter Compression System/IHC (Integrated Headset Compression)




IHC works like HIC except for the fact that IHC is made for standard bars with slits. IHC works when a shim with an outside diameter of 28mm is mounted on the fork’s steerer tube and I pushed down towards the headset using a compression bolt. IHC is inexpensive and does not weigh much. Therefore, it is used on most complete scooters of a certain quality. Your scooter will benefit from this compression system as it is robust and light.
 

Scooter Compression System/SCS (Standard Compression System)




SCS (Standard Compression System) was invented by Proto (patented). Most people within the scooter community perceive this system to be superior to other systems while others point out weaknesses.

SCS is a system which combines the clamp and the compression system. The lower half of the SCS clamp is placed over the steerer tube on the fork. The lower part of the bar slides into the upper half of the clamp (as seen in the picture).

The reason that this system is superior is that there is no need for slits in the downtube. That way a weakness in the bar has been removed.
Some SCS clamps can only be used with the standard 32 mm. Others come with a shim which can be removed so it fits oversized and aluminum bars of 35 mm.
 

Scooter Compression System/SCS Clamp Height


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SCS clamps come in two heights. Your choice depends on your scooter’s fork (the length of the steerer tube), the headset, and the deck you have. Read the following for our recommendation on steerer tube length.

The two SCS clamp sizes are: 3” and 4” (3” clamps are referred to as ‘Baby SCS’)
 

Scooter Compression System/SCS recommended steerer tube length



Decks from different brands have different steerer tube lengths. At the same time, the headset determines the length the fork must pass. Therefore, forks from various brands have different steerer tube lengths. That is why some forks will fit the SCS compression better than others.

We recommend the following guidelines to determine steerer tube length:
3” SCS clamps: minimum 3.2 cm and maximum 3.5 cm over the headset
4” SCS clamps: minimum 3.8 cm and maximum 4.8 cm over the headset