Exploring skateboard wheel customization brings up an interesting question. Can you actually put longboard wheels on a skateboard? Yes, you can, but there are important factors to consider. Longboard wheels are bigger and softer than typical skateboard wheels. They give you faster speeds and a smoother ride on rough terrain.
Longboard wheels are usually between 65mm and 75mm. Skateboard wheels are smaller, from 50mm to 60mm. This difference affects handling and can cause wheelbite. Wheelbite happens when wheels touch the skateboard deck during turns, leading to stops. Installing riser pads can prevent this, especially with wheels over 63mm. Using 1/2″ riser pads is a good idea for enough clearance.
Another key point in skateboard wheel customization is hardness. Skateboard wheels are usually 95a to 101a, making them harder and great for tricks. Longboard wheels range from 70a to 80a, giving a cushier ride.
Putting longboard wheels on a skateboard isn’t just a straightforward change. You’ll need to adjust the trucks, maybe use longer hardware, and ensure bearings are well-lubed. A test ride is crucial to see if the setup suits your style.
Ultimately, adding longboard wheels to a skateboard can be exciting and rewarding. If you carefully adjust your setup, you can get a blend of speed, agility, and smooth riding. It’s all about tackling the challenges for a great experience.
Understanding the Differences Between Longboard and Skateboard Wheels
When you think about changing skateboard wheels, it’s key to know how longboard and skateboard wheels differ. Size and durometer are major factors. They affect how the wheels perform and fit different styles of riding.
Size Comparison
Longboard wheels are bigger, meant for rough ground. They make rides smoother over more distance. Typically, their size ranges from 65mm to 75mm. This size helps you roll faster and keeps the ride stable.
Compared to longboards, skateboard wheels are smaller, about 50mm to 60mm. This makes them better for quick moves and cool tricks. When switching to longboard wheels for your skateboard, remember, the bigger size offers a smoother ride on bumpy roads. Yet, you might need to add stuff like riser pads to stop the wheels from touching the board.
Durometer Variance
Longboard wheels are usually softer, with ratings from 70a to 80a. This softness helps absorb bumps from the road, making for comfy long rides. In contrast, skateboard wheels are harder, ratings between 78a to 101a. Harder wheels respond better, ideal for tricks and tight turns.
Here’s a simple table showing the main differences:
| Aspect | Longboard Wheels | Skateboard Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 65mm – 75mm | 50mm – 60mm |
| Durometer | 70a – 80a | 78a – 101a |
| Function | Smooth, long-distance rides | Tricks and stunts |
| Terrain | Rougher surfaces | Smooth surfaces |
Knowing these differences helps you choose right when swapping wheels. Make sure the wheel size matches your board. This ensures your ride performs its best.
How to Safely Install Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard
Adding longboard wheels to your skateboard can make your rides smoother and faster. But, you need to be careful during the installation. This is to make sure everything works safely.
Using Riser Pads
Riser pads are crucial for this upgrade. They lift your deck to fit the bigger longboard wheels. This avoids wheelbite, where wheels touch the deck when turning sharply or performing tricks. To install, fix them with longer screws due to the extra thickness they add.
Avoiding Wheelbite
To prevent wheelbite, make sure there’s enough space between wheels and deck. Use riser pads and adjust your trucks. Tighter trucks and harder bushings limit the deck’s lean. This reduces the wheel’s chance of hitting the deck.
Adjusting Truck Tightness
Adjusting truck tightness is key to upgrading skateboard wheels. Tight trucks help avoid wheelbite and improve how you steer. Ensure your trucks fit the new wheels for smooth rides. Use the right tools to keep trucks well-adjusted and secure.
For a complete guide on installing longboard wheels on a skateboard, check out Doctor Skate’s detailed article. This guide gives thorough instructions and expert advice for upgrading your skateboard.
Benefits of Using Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard
Moving to longboard wheels on your skateboard changes the game. It boosts performance and the quality of your ride. Want more versatility? Longboard wheels can make a big difference.
Improved Roll Speed
Longboard wheels mean speed. They are bigger, around 65mm to 75mm, so they go further with less effort. Skateboard wheels are smaller, between 50mm and 60mm. This makes longboard wheels faster and the ride smoother. Check out Doctor Skate’s guide for more info.
Smoother Ride on Rough Terrain
Longboard wheels conquer rough roads well. They are softer, with a hardness of 70a to 80a. This softness helps absorb the bumps. So, you get a smoother, more comfy ride.
They also grab the road better, thanks to a bigger contact area. This gives you better grip and stability whether you’re cruising or racing downhill. To learn more, visit Concrete Waves.
Adding longboard wheels to your skateboard improves the ride. It means better performance and skateboard wheel versatility across different skate styles.
Potential Drawbacks and Challenges
Installing longboard wheels onto a skateboard can bring benefits, but there are drawbacks too. A big concern is wheelbite, which happens when bigger longboard wheels touch the skateboard deck. This can suddenly stop the board and is unsafe. It also makes riding less smooth.
Issues with Wheelbite
Switching to longboard wheels on a skateboard mainly raises the issue of wheelbite. This occurs when wheels contact the deck during turns or landings, causing an abrupt stop. To avoid this, you might need riser pads or to adjust the truck tightness. Doing such modifications, like adding riser pads, provides more space between the wheels and deck, helping prevent wheelbite.
Impact on Pop-ability for Tricks
Fitting longboard wheels on skateboards also affects how well you can do tricks. Because these wheels are bigger and heavier, they change how the board moves. Tricks like ollies and flips become harder to do. It takes more effort to get the board off the ground and to land tricks precisely. Riders should think about these changes to decide if the benefits of switching wheels are worth it.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!