Freestyle scooter part compatibility: what fits with what

⚡ In brief: four things determine what fits with what. Compression system, handlebar diameter, wheel size, and headset type.

The compression type is determined by the fork (SCS, HIC, or IHC), and the handlebars and clamp are selected to match it. The handlebars have two diameters: an outer diameter of 32 or 35 mm (used to select the clamp) and an inner diameter of 28 or 32 mm (used to fit the handlebars onto the fork). Only handlebars with an inner diameter of 28 mm will fit the IHC fork.

The wheel must fit the fork, deck, and brake: 110 × 24 mm is the current standard and fits almost everywhere; always check compatibility with the specific fork and deck for 120 mm wheels and 30 mm-wide wheels. The headset is only sold as an integrated unit today.

🧭 Which four things determine what fits with what?

A freestyle scooter is a kit. Most parts can be replaced, but not every part fits every other part. The good news: you don’t have to know everything. Just keep an eye on four things.

1. Compression system. The compression is the connection that pulls the fork, headset (the head assembly, i.e. the bearings in which the fork rotates), and handlebars together into one unit. There are three systems: SCS, HIC and IHC (and the historical ICS, which is no longer used). Which one you have is determined by the fork. The handlebars and clamp are selected according to it.
2. Handlebar diameter. The handlebars have an outer diameter of 32 mm (standard) or 35 mm (oversized) and an inner diameter of 28 or 32 mm. The outer diameter determines the clamp, while the inner diameter determines whether the handlebars will fit the fork steerer.
3. Wheel diameter and width. A wheel is specified by its diameter × width, for example 110 × 24 mm. It has to fit into the fork, the plate, and under the brake.
4. Headset and board. The headset is now sold only as an integrated version (the bearings fit directly into the board’s machined head tube). Non-integrated is history and the low-cost segment.

Below each of these four items, you’ll find a table. If you’re planning to buy just one issue, skip straight to the When I’m buying one issue section.

⚙️ Which handlebars and clamp fit which compression system?

This is the most important table in the article. First, find out what fork you have (compression system), then read the row.

🛞 Which wheel fits the fork, deck, and under the brake?

The wheel must pass through three points: the fork (front), the plate (rear, the space between the ends of the plate), and the brake. Each of them has its own maximum diameter; the fork and plate also have a maximum width. You can find the wheel size on its side or in the product description, for example “110 × 24 mm”.

Width rule: a narrower wheel will fit in a wider fork or deck; spacers (rings that the manufacturer often includes) can make up the difference. A wider wheel won’t fit into a narrower fork or plate. Diameter rule: a smaller wheel fits everywhere; a larger one only where the manufacturer explicitly states it does.

Axle: the standard is an 8 mm axle and 608 bearings; this applies to the vast majority of wheels, forks, and decks.

The non-standard 12STD (12 mm axle, different bearings) is used mainly by Ethic; it is not very common in the Czech Republic and is being phased out. The 12STD deck and fork can be fitted with 8 mm wheels using an adapter, but the reverse (12STD wheels on 8 mm parts) is not possible.

125 mm wheels are hardly manufactured anymore, and 120 mm wheels are rarely used at the skatepark because of their weight. For a child or beginner, 110 × 24 mm is the obvious choice. We explain how to measure a wheel and when it is worn out in the article Which wheel fits my fork, deck and brake?. Wheel selection in general is covered in the guide How to choose wheels for a freestyle scooter.

🎯 Integrated or non-integrated headset: which fits which frame?

The headset consists of two bearings (upper and lower) in which the fork rotates inside the board’s head tube. Today, only integrated headsets are sold: you can recognize an integrated head tube by its machined surface, into which the bearing fits directly. Non-integrated headsets (separate cups pressed into a smooth tube) are a thing of the past and belong to the budget segment.

In practice: a quality deck and a headset from the specialist range are integrated and will fit. Note: This only applies to cheap complete bikes from chain stores with a non-integrated or threaded headset: the parts are difficult to replace, and it is often more sensible to replace the frame together with the fork.

🧩 When buying a single part: what to look for

One part is worn out, damaged, or your child has outgrown it, so you’re buying a replacement. Each part has one or two things to check.

📏 Handlebars

Find out your compression system (based on the fork) and read the table above. Keep an eye on three things: inner diameter (28 mm for IHC, 32 mm for HIC, any size for SCS), outer diameter (32 or 35 mm; the clamp must match it), and the slit (yes for HIC/IHC, no for SCS). Choose a height so that the handlebars reach somewhere between the rider’s navel and waist; learn more in the Handlebar Guide and browse our handlebars category.

🔱 Fork

The fork determines the compression system, so when you replace it with a different type, you usually also change the handlebars or clamp. Also check the maximum diameter and width of the wheel (e.g. “up to 110 × 24 mm”) and axle type (8 mm standard). The fork must be compatible with an integrated headset, if your frame has one. Category forks.

🔩 Clamp

Clamp inner diameter = handlebar outer diameter (32 or 35 mm). The oversized 35 mm clamp can also be used on standard handlebars by adding a 32 → 35 shim. For SCS, you need an SCS clamp (it includes compression); for HIC/IHC, a standard clamp (the number of bolts does not matter). On handlebars with a notch, the clamp should cover the notch. Category clamps.

🛞 Wheels

Check the diameter and width against the maximum for the fork, deck, and brake (see table above). Buy them in pairs, or at least with the same diameter at the front and rear. The 8 mm axle and 608 bearings are standard; 12STD wheels are only suitable if you have a 12STD fork and deck. Categories wheels and bearings.

🛑 Brake

The brake must match the wheel diameter (100, 110, or 120 mm) and the hole spacing on the deck. The safest choice is a brake from the same brand as the deck, or a universal brake with verified compatibility. Today, flex fenders (flexible metal plates) are used; spring brakes are found only on old and cheapest scooters. Category brakes.

🎯 Headset

Today, only integrated (into the frame with a machined head tube). With an IHC fork, you also need an IHC compression ring (usually included with the fork). With SCS, sometimes use a spacer so the clamp extends above the fork.

✋ Grips

Grips (rubber handles) are universal and fit all freestyle handlebars as well as BMX bikes. You don't need to verify anything. They are applied using alcohol or hairspray.

🔚 Bar Ends

Bar ends are inserted into the handlebars, so choose them based on whether you have steel or aluminum handlebars (the inner diameter differs). If the end piece doesn’t fit, it can be trimmed or wrapped with tape. They are important: they cover the sharp edge of the tube and protect your hands and handlebars.

🪛 Pegs and axles

Pegs (metal tubes on axles for grinds): a peg always fits on the fork; you just need a longer bolt or axle. The board must have peg-cut ends and another longer screw. Whether a longer shaft is included and what material it is made of varies from product to product; always read the description or ask. A beginner doesn’t need pegs, and in general, they’re becoming a thing of the past.

⚠️ The Most Common Mistakes When Buying Parts

• Oversized 35/32 handlebars on an IHC fork. The most common misconception. They won’t fit, because the IHC shank is designed for an internal diameter of 28 mm. An adapter won’t help either.
• Handlebars with a notch for SCS. The slotted clamp compresses, and the handlebars will eventually crack. Either handlebars without a notch or a bar adapter.
• Handlebars without a notch for an HIC/IHC clamp. The clamp has no way to tighten it, and the handlebars keep slipping.
• Eye fitting. A 32 mm clamp cannot be fitted onto 35 mm handlebars; a 35 mm clamp will not hold on 32 mm handlebars without a shim.
• 110 mm wheel for a 100 mm brake. It rubs, and the brake will be ruined. When switching to larger wheels, the brake changes too.
• 30 mm wheel for a 24 mm fork. A wider wheel will not fit into a narrower fork or plate. The other way around, yes—with spacers.
• Replacement part for a scooter from a hypermarket. Cheap groupsets often have a non-integrated headset and non-standard dimensions; it is often impossible to buy replacement parts, so replacing the whole unit is worthwhile.

❓ FAQ