We choose a stunt scooter
Stunt Scooters - what to look for when buying one?
Stunt Scooters - Freestyle scooters are a little more than a short-term fashion. Almost everywhere you can find an enthusiast performing more or less complicated tricks. Even children a few years old are starting to try riding this type of scooter. What is the difference between a freestyle scooter and a regular scooter?
The stunt scooter is not designed to get from A to B, but to perform jumps and stunts. For this reason, its design is completely different from that of a city scooter. If you want to start your freestyle adventure and don't know which stunt scooter to choose, here are some helpful tips.
Handlebar on the Stunt Scooter
The stunt scooter features a one-piece handlebar without height adjustment. An adjustable handlebar would weaken the scooter's structure. For the same reasons, stunt scooters do not have a folding function. The handlebar is wider than that of regular scooters and can rotate 360 degrees, which increases comfort and allows for acrobatics. The shape of a stunt scooter's handlebar is usually either T-shaped or Y-shaped. The Y-shaped handlebar is more durable, and it is also worth paying attention to the material from which it is made. Steel and aluminum are mainly used for manufacturing. An aluminum handlebar is lighter, while a steel handlebar is more durable and stiffer. You can find more information on choosing the right handlebar in our next post.
Wheels on the Scooter
At first glance, it is noticeable that the stunt scooter has smaller wheels than the city scooter. Stunt scooters use wheels with a diameter of 100 mm to 120 mm. For beginners, we recommend wheels sized at 100 mm. Larger wheels allow for higher speeds and are chosen by advanced users. Another difference is the material of the wheel's core. For beginners, wheels with a cheaper plastic core are sufficient. Experienced freeriders opt for wheels with an aluminum core, which is more durable.
Bearings in the Stunt Scooter
The quality of the bearings is determined by the ABEC scale. The ABEC scale has five classes: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The higher the number, the better the bearing. Class 11 does not exist, although this information can be found on some products. Remember that this is just a marketing trick. The highest bearing class is 9. The quality of the bearings has a significant impact on speed and flow while riding.
The Scooter's Brake
The two most common types of brakes on stunt scooters are the spring brake and the FLEX brake. Spring brakes consist of several elements. They are louder and more prone to issues. The FLEX brake is also known as an elastic brake. This type of brake returns to its original shape with each press. The FLEX BRAKE system has another advantage: it reduces vibrations.
Clamp in the Stunt Scooter
The clamp is the element that connects the handlebar to the fork. Clamps differ in the number of screws and in shape. Stunt scooters use double, triple, and quadruple clamps. When it comes to the clamp of a stunt scooter, the most important thing is to tighten it properly. More screws won’t help if they aren’t tightened correctly. Always tighten the screws in a cross pattern: start with the outer ones and then tighten the inner ones. Tighten each screw by a quarter turn and repeat the process. This way, we won’t strip the threads. The screws must be tightened at least four times. First, tighten the top screw, then the bottom screw, then the middle screws, followed by the top screw, the bottom screw, and the middle screws again. Repeat the process until the clamp is properly tightened. The clamp must be tightened before each ride!
Proper Maintenance of the Scooter
Remember that choosing a stunt scooter is only half the battle. Even a top-of-the-line stunt scooter made of high-quality components will not perform well if it is not properly maintained. All screws and nuts must be tightened before each use. Avoid water, sand, and damp storage. After each use, the stunt scooter should be thoroughly cleaned, and from time to time, we should unscrew the wheels and clean them thoroughly.
