Scooter Clamp Buyer's Guide: Double Clamp vs SCS

The clamp holds your bar to your fork. There are two families: double clamps, used with IHC, HIC and ICS, and SCS clamps, which are a compression system on their own. Here’s how to choose, and how to set it up right. Compression systems explained

Double clamps (IHC, HIC, ICS)

A double clamp, usually with 2 bolts, squeezes a slit bar onto the fork, or onto the shim. It doesn’t tighten the headset; your compression system (IHC, HIC or ICS) does that.

  • Any clamp that isn’t SCS works, whether it has 1, 2 or more bolts.
  • Match the bar’s outside diameter: an oversized clamp (34.9 mm) for oversized bars, a standard clamp (31.8 mm) for standard bars. Most oversized clamps include a shim so they also fit standard bars.
  • Light: a double clamp weighs a fraction of an SCS clamp.

Example: the Triad Conspiracy 2 Bolt, forged and CNC 6061 aluminum, only 75 g, with a standard shim included. Its integrated top cap replaces the headset’s top cap for a flush look.

Triad Conspiracy 2 Bolt freestyle scooter double clamp, black
Double clamp: the Triad Conspiracy 2 Bolt.

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SCS clamps

An SCS clamp is the compression system. A long bolt goes down through the top of the clamp into the fork and tightens the headset. The bottom of the clamp holds the fork, and the top holds the bar. Most SCS clamps have 4 bolts, some have 3.

  • No slit: the bar must not have a slit. If yours does, use an SCS plug (like the Ethic DTC SCS Adaptor) or cut the bar above the slit. Without that, the bar keeps pulling out.
  • Fits every bar: an oversized SCS takes oversized bars, and standard bars with the included shim. A standard SCS (often called “LT”) takes standard bars only.
  • Strong and tall: it’s one of the strongest systems, and it adds about 1.5" of height. It’s popular for street and with tall bars. It’s also heavier than a double clamp.

Example: the Tilt Classic SCS, 231 g, with a standard shim included and bolts that come with anti-seize already applied.

Tilt Classic SCS freestyle scooter clamp, black
SCS clamp: the Tilt Classic SCS.

Set it up right

  • The fork and the bar should be as close as possible inside the clamp. Too much gap creates stress and weakens the setup. That’s why fork tube length matters. Forks guide
  • Tighten the bolts little by little, one after the other, going around several times until they’re all tight. That keeps the tension even and prevents stripping.
  • Bar stuck or won’t go in? Use the stretching trick from our SCS post. How to use an SCS clamp

SCS compression: a slit bar needs an SCS plug

How to tighten an SCS clamp: bolt by bolt, little by little

Shop SCS clamps

Which one should I choose?

  • Lightest setup: IHC with a double clamp and aluminum bars.
  • Titanium bars: HIC with a double clamp.
  • Strongest and most versatile, or tall bars for street: SCS.
  • Already have parts? Your fork and bar usually decide for you. Check the compatibility in each product’s specs. Bars guide

Bolts: take care of them

  • Use a good-quality metric Allen key in the right size. Worn or wrong-size keys are the #1 cause of stripped bolts.
  • Don’t over-tighten, and add a little anti-seize to the threads.
  • Tighten the compression first, then the clamp bolts. Headsets guide

Stripped a bolt? Stripped bolt removal tips

Shop: Double clamps · SCS clamps · All clamps · SCS plug

Related: Compression systems explained · How to use an SCS clamp · Stripped bolt removal tips · Bars guide · Forks guide · Headsets guide