Maintenance

Headset Compression Guide

One key component in our scooters is the headset. We use both semi-sealed and sealed headsets on our complete trick scooters. A well maintained and properly set up headset helps the fork to spin freely within the head tube, and helps to eliminate head rock, which is the most common (and often frustrating) headset issue on stunt scooters. The headset needs to be adjusted correctly to apply the necessary pressure to allow it to perform at its best. If the bar wobbles, feels too loose, or is too tight, then we recommend you adjust the Internal Hidden Compression (IHC) system to suit your preferences.

1. Start by loosening the clamp bolts with a 5mm Allen key and removing the handlebars by pulling them up and off the fork. 2. Insert a 5mm Allen key into the bolt holding down the compression shim. Hold the shim still to the headset to prevent it from spinning and turn the Allen key to adjust the headset, to tighten the headset, turn the Allen key clockwise, and loosen turn anticlockwise . You should be able to easily rotate the forks in the headset by hand without the handlebars attached. If you feel resistance, or can feel the forks rotating in ‘notches’, there might be too much pressure and you should loosen the headset. Equally, if you feel the fork can rock back to front or side to side inside the headset, you might need to slightly tighten the headset. Take some time to find the sweet spot and turning your bars will feel silky smooth! Applying The Bars First of all, we recommend you check the bars are fitted correctly. Ill-fitted bars may be too loose or too tight, which can limit your ability to turn and perform tricks. To prevent this from happening we’ve split this process into 4 simple steps:

1. Start by sliding the bar onto the fork stem. If it’s too tight, loosen the clamp bolts using a 5mm Allen key 2. Now slide the bars down until it sits flush with the dust cover on the headset. It’s important that the back of the clamp is in line with the slot at the back of the stem, this allows it to pinch evenly on the bars. The front axel on the fork should always be furthest away from the deck.

3. Make sure the front wheel is straight to the deck. Holding the wheel still, alight the bars so they are at a right angle to the deck/wheel. Keeping everything straight, tighten the bottom of the clamp up slightly to keep the bars in place on the fork stem. 4. Finally tighten the rest of the bolts, working your way up the scooter and tightening each bolt a bit at a time to keep an even pressure. Once you reach the top, repeat this process until the bars are completely secure. Final Checks and General Maintenance Tips

You’re almost ready to ride! But before you can start ripping up the park, we’ve got a few tips to help you maintain your scooter and make sure you’re riding safely! Above all, you should make sure all the locking nuts and bolts are tight, the brake works correctly, and the wheels are secure. You should check your scooter regularly as over time, self-locking threads can lose their effectiveness, and components such as wheels and bearings may wear down or become damaged. To keep your wheels looking fresh and running smoothly, we recommend rotating the front and back wheels and braking gently to avoid flat spots. Bearings used in the headset should be cleaned and greased regularly to avoid damage. However, bearings used in the wheels are fitted with a sealed cap so they don’t need greasing, but will benefit from a wipe every so often to remove any grit or dirt stuck to them.

Now you know the basics behind maintaining your scooter but there area couple more things to keep in mind to make sure you develop the right habits that will help keep your scooter in tip-top condition for as long as possible. You should try to use the heel of your foot to brake, not your toes. Always store your scooter in a dry place and wipe your scooter down with a soft damp cloth after use to keep it clean and prevent rusting. We recommend using water to clean your scooter as solvents and bleaches can corrode your scooter. Finally, if you need to replace any damaged or worn-out components make sure you use Slamm replacement components sold by our dealers. We advise against making any structural changes as our scooters are made to function with our specially designed components and we can’t guarantee your safety when you’re riding with other brands’ gear!