Scooter Bars

Bar / Introduction

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The scooter bar is often referred to as the handlebar like on a bike. The bar consists of a vertical bar which is called the downtube and a vertical bar called the crossbar. ‘Slit’ refers to the small incision at the bottom of the downtube. The incision does not exist on bars which use the SCS system. The incision makes it possible for the clamp to stabilize the downtube around the fork. That way the bar and fork will move unison. The height and width of the bar is a personal preference. Most often, the height of the bar depends on the rider’s height, as it can be inconvenient to ride in a bent-over position. Further, the bar width depends on the rider’s experience level as well as the kind of tricks the rider performs.

Most complete scooters have bars mounted with a width of either 50-60 cm or 45-55 cm. These measurements will fit most new riders.

Height: Is measured from the bottom of the downtube to the top of the crossbar. The downtube can be reduced in length or to remove the incision. Simply saw off a part of the downtube to adjust the length.

Width: Is measured from one end of the crossbar to the other. A good rule of thumb to assess the right width of the crossbar is to use your shoulder width + a couple of centimeters.

Scooter Bars/ Backsweep (Rake)

The bar can be bent backwards towards the rider. This kind of bending is referred to as Backsweep or Rake. Some riders (often previous BMX riders) are more comfortable with the Backsweep. Depending on the manufacturer, the Backsweep can be between 2 and 5 degrees.

Scooter Bars/ Wedges (Gussets)

A wedge (Gusset) is a stabilizer which is welded to the corner between the crossbar and the downtube. Its purpose is to strengthen the crossbar. Wedges are especially useful when the crossbar is wide.

Scooter Bars/ Incision (Slit)

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The Slit is a small incision at the bottom of the downtube which makes it possible for the clamp to stabilize the downtube on the fork. If you are using the following compression systems, it is necessary to have a slit in the downtube: threaded forks, IHC compression, ICS compression, and HIC compression. However, if you are using SCS compression, the downtube should not have a slit.

Often, the importance of the size of the slit is forgotten. The slit makes it possible for the clamp to stabilize the downtube around the fork. Therefore, the height of the incision needs to be at least the same height as the clamp to get the most out of it.

Scooter bars/ Standard

The downtube has a standard inside diameter of 28mm and an outside diameter of 32mm. Most standard bars fit threaded forks, ICS, ISC, and IHC compression systems. However, some brands use thicker materials for the downtube which means that they will not work with ICS or IHC compression. These bars are often referred to as special SCS bars. Standard bars are always made from chromed steel.

Scooter Bars/ Oversized/HIC

Oversized scooter bars or HIC bars have an inside diameter of 32mm and an outside diameter of 35mm. They are made for HIC compression, but they can be used with SCS compression clamps that support oversized bars as well. Oversized scooter bars are always made from chromed steel.

Scooter Bar/ Aluminum

Scooter bars made from aluminum have a downtube with an inside diameter of 28mm (1 1/8 inch), like a standard bar and an inside diameter of 35mm (1 3/8 inch), like an oversized bar. They are designed for ICS, IHC, and SCS compression. If you are unsure whether your bar is made from aluminum or steel, you can put a magnet on it. If the magnet sticks to the bar, it is steel.

Scooter Bar/ Fluted

A fluted bar refers to the inside structure of the downtube. Basically, it means that the weight can be reduced while it keeps its original inside and outside diameters. That way the bar is still compatible with existing clamps and forks. The further purpose of the fluted bar is to increase the stabilization from the clamp. In theory, it works like many of the smaller slits you find in other bars.
 

Scooter Bar/ ICS Star Nut

In order for a standard scooter bar to be compatible with ICS compression a star nut must be installed. The star nut has a diameter of 32mm and best be installed using a special tool. Most star nuts have a 6mm thread which makes it possible to install a compression bolt. Most commonly, star nuts are installed about 6.5mm up inside the downtube. A star nut can easily be damaged due to the compression bolt being tightened too much. Always make sure that the clamp is loosened when the ISC compression is tightened. Some brands have star nuts welded into the bar. Usually, they require a special compression bolt and is recommended to be used with an ICS fork of the same brand. Star nuts will not work with oversized (HIC) bars.

Scooter Bar/ Grips

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Grips make your grip on the bar more secure and comfortable. They come in many colors and textures with and without flanges. It is a matter of personal preference whether you prefer flanges on your grips. Sometimes, flanges can cause blisters on the thumb. Most riders prefer grips without flanges.

Scooter Bar/ End Plugs

The end plugs of the bar are sold with the grips. Usually, these are made from plastic and do not last long. If you crash you scooter without them, the ends of the bar will be damaged. In the end, your grips will become damaged and/or it will be difficult to remove them. End plugs for aluminum bars will extend the lifespan of the bar, considerably.