Trick Scooter Parts
There are eight main components that make up a typical trick scooter. These 8 parts together are mainly responsible for the overall appearance and performance.
1. Bars
The bars of a trick scooter determine the feel that your scooter will offer you. Each of the handlebars consists of a bar end and a grip.
The bars come in different styles, materials, and dimensions. Which style and dimensions you need, depending on your personal preference.
Though most of the pro scooter bars are of steel tubing, aluminum tubing is also common. Most of the trick scooter consists of an OS (oversized) bar that has a diameter of 1 3/8 inch.
However, the standard dimension of the bar is 1 ¼ inch in diameter.
Regardless of the types, the bars need a well-fitted clamp and a compression system as well. The compression system consists of a star nut and a compression bolt.
Now coming to the point of style, different styles will give you slightly different feel. But the overall performance and the function won’t differ much. The color of the bar and the grip again depends on your choice.
2. Fork
A fork is a critical part in the sense that it provides a direct connection through the headset. It links the bars, front wheels, and deck to each other. The compression system keeps the forks firmly attached to the bars.
Forks can be threaded or threadless. But most of the high-end scooters have threadless fork instead of threaded one.
It’s because threadless provides maximum performance and strength.
The wheels of the scooter will vary depending on fork size. So while buying the fork, check whether it fits the wheels or not.
The strength of fork varies with the weight. The style you choose will determine your overall riding experience.
3. Headset
The headset of your scooter is another core component. Each headset contains bearings and bearing cups, top cap, and fork race.
This is the component that allows the fork tube to rotate smoothly as well as silently within the head tube. Thus it allows you to steer and perform all other maneuvers.
A headset can be either integrated or non-integrated. The high-end scooters have a sealed headset with a threadless fork and a compression. So there’s no need to insert an alternative headset.
The already installed bearing cup ensures a better fit of the headset. At the same time, it offers the right alignment for the smoother rotation of the fork. These altogether offers a smoother and better operation.
But if you like to change the headset, then pick one that has a non-integrated headset. But let me tell you, installation of a headset is not an easy task.
4. Clamp
The clamp is the trick scooter works as the glue that holds the fork and the bars together securely. Thus it allows them to rotate in harmony and at the same time prevents them from sliding.
The clamps available in the market are named as Double, Triple and Quadruple. The name indicates the number of bolts those tighten the bars with the fork tube.
Depending on the design and manufacturers’ specification, the clamps will vary in performance. Therefore, choosing the right clamp for your scooter is the key to good performance.
5. Deck
The deck is the most important component of the scooter. It builds the main body. The rest of the parts are joined together around it.
It should be able to balance well and perform high. At the same time, it must withstand the daily abuse while riding freestyle.
The characteristic of a well-built scooter deck is lightweight and durable. That’s why the majority of the high-end scooters have decks made of aluminum that’s used in aircraft.
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Different decks have different sizes (lengths, widths), shapes and styles. However, the ideal shape is concave. The current standardization of a deck is a one-piece body with a head tube.
6. Wheels
What type of wheels you choose will influence the performance as well as the look of the scooter. The wheels can be divided into two parts- the core and the urethane.
Nowadays, almost all the scooters have different core design and urethane compound.
However, most of the entry-level scooters’ wheels contain plastic cores. But they aren’t durable for the advanced level of riding. Therefore, metal-core is very popular among the freestyle riders.
This type of wheels provides better durability and support. Besides, they are more break-resistant.
Now talking about the size of the wheels, 100MM and 110MM are common in the market. Which one you’ll choose is your personal choice. But larger wheels have some advantages.
Larger wheels run smoother and faster. But it must fit the fork well. They also come in various colors.
7. Compression
The compression system is responsible for holding the fork and bars to the deck. It also allows fine-tuning the headset. This system is essential as it ensures a stable connection between parts.
Thus it prevents breakage of parts and injury. Most of the entry-level scooters have threaded compression system.
Though it’s simple to build, but not reliable for advanced level riding. Further advanced riders use advances type of compression. Such as-
- Hidden Internal Compression (HIC)
- Inverted Compression System (ICS)
- Standard Compression System (SCS)
All of these are threadless compression system. They are more stable, durable and perform better in their own style.
8. Brake
Though small in size, the brake is an integral component of a trick scooter. It’s joined with the rear part of the scooter with either a bolt or a screw. Flex brake or spring-loaded brakes are quite common among riders.
But flex brakes provide higher performance. That’s why the majority of the mid and high-level riders prefer this type of brake.
This piece of steel comfortably fits the rear portion of the deck while hugging the rear wheels. It’ll silently provide all of the brakings you’ll ever require.
Final Words
I hope this break down of trick scooter parts was quite helpful. Now whether you’re buying your first trick scooter or assembling the parts, you know what to do.
