Are you looking to upgrade your longboard, or are you new to the sport? One of the most important components of a longboard is its bearings. They enable the wheels to spin with ease and keep your ride smooth and efficient.
But do longboard wheels come with bearings? The answer is both yes and no – depending on what type of bearings you need for your board.
In this article, we’ll explore why bearing choice is so important, how to choose the right ones for your board, and how to install them properly. We’ll also discuss maintenance tips that will help keep your longboards rolling smoothly for years to come.
What are Bearings?
You might be wondering what bearings are. They’re an important part of a longboard wheel!
Bearings are metal circles that fit inside the wheels and turn with them, allowing the wheels to rotate.
There are two main bearing types: ABEC rated (which offer more speed) and non-ABEC rated (which offer less speed).
Bearing maintenance is key for smooth rides. Use lubricants like grease or wax to keep them running smoothly.
Regular cleaning and replacing damaged parts can also help ensure your longboard runs well.
What do Bearings do?
Bearings are an essential component of any wheel, including those found on a longboard. They enable the wheel to roll smoothly and quickly, allowing for greater speed and acceleration than would be possible without them.
Moreover, they are incredibly durable, which means that your wheels will continue to spin and perform as expected for years to come.
Smooth Rolling
Longboard wheels are designed to provide a smooth rolling experience, with their bearings contributing greatly to this. You’ll feel the difference when riding on abrasive surfaces where:
- Bearing lubrication reduces friction and heat, allowing for smooth and effortless movement.
- Quality bearings reduce vibration and noise, providing a quiet ride.
- The right bearing setup gives you more control over your board, enabling you to skate with ease.
With proper maintenance and care, longboard wheels will keep you rolling smoothly for years!
Speed and Acceleration
The smoothness of longboard wheels gives you the potential to zip along with surprising speed and acceleration, gliding across surfaces with barely a whisper.
High quality models are designed with high speed cruising in mind, allowing for greater control over quick accelerations and smoother transitions.
With proper maintenance, you can take your riding to the next level, enjoying increased momentum and longer rides without sacrificing comfort.
By investing in quality longboard wheels and bearings, you’ll be able to experience lightning-quick speeds with ease.
Durability
You’re sure to get your money’s worth with longboard wheels and bearings designed for maximum durability. So, you can cruise with confidence!
Different wheel sizes come with different bearing types, each designed to withstand the weight of a rider and last longer. Bigger wheels mean more speed but also more friction. Therefore, it’s important to choose a bearing that will hold up against wear and tear.
Smaller wheels are lighter and faster, making them ideal for tricks. However, they also require durable bearings. No matter which size you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy reliable performance thanks to their strong construction.
What Type of Bearings Do Longboard Wheels Need?
To ensure a smooth ride on your longboard, it’s important to have high-quality bearings. Don’t settle for anything less than the best! There are two commonly used types of bearings for longboard wheels: ABEC-rated and ceramic.
ABEC ratings measure the precision of the bearings and range from 1 to 9. A rating of 9 indicates the highest level of accuracy. If you want optimal performance, it’s recommended to choose bearings with higher ABEC ratings.
On the other hand, ceramic bearings offer several advantages over standard steel ones. They provide greater speed and longevity, but they also come with a higher price tag.
When selecting bearings for your longboard, prioritize quality. Opt for higher ABEC ratings or consider investing in ceramic bearings for a smoother and more enjoyable ride.
Do Longboard Wheels Come with Bearings?
Do you know if your wheels come with the necessary bearings? It depends on the wheel size and bearing type.
Generally, longboard wheels do not come with bearings included, so you must purchase them separately. The bearing size is typically determined by the size of your wheel; larger wheels require larger bearings.
Make sure to check with the manufacturer to ensure that you purchase the right type of bearings for your specific longboard wheel size.
How to Choose the Right Bearings for Longboard Wheels
When it comes to longboards, choosing the right bearings for your wheels is essential for a smooth ride. There are several factors to consider when making your selection, including size and quality.
Here are 3 tips for getting the most out of your longboard:
1) Look for bearings that fit tightly into your wheel hubs. This will help prevent any wobbling or shaking while riding, giving you a more stable and controlled experience.
2) Choose bearings that are designed for abrasive surfaces. Longboards are often ridden on rougher terrains, so it’s important to have bearings that can withstand the wear and tear of these surfaces. Look for bearings with higher ABEC ratings, as they are typically more durable.
3) Make sure you lubricate the bearing regularly to reduce friction. Friction can cause your wheels to slow down and make it harder to ride smoothly. Applying lubrication to your bearings will help reduce this friction and keep your wheels spinning freely.
With these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable ride on any terrain.
How to Install Longboard Bearings
Installing longboard bearings can be a great way to improve your ride. It’s important to consider the size of your wheels when selecting bearings. This will affect how many you need and what type of bearing lubrication will be necessary.
To install, follow these steps:
- Place each bearing into its wheel hub.
- Slide the wheel onto the axle.
- Check that it is secure before adding any lubricant to the bearings for a smooth ride.
- Make sure all nuts and bolts are tightened before rolling off!
Remember to double-check the size and type of bearings you need for your specific longboard setup.
Maintenance and Care of Longboard Bearings
Maintaining longboard bearings is important for a smooth ride. Two essential steps in the maintenance process are wheel lubrication and regular bearing cleaning.
To keep your bearings running smoothly, periodically apply a light oil or lubricant. Be careful not to over-lubricate as this can cause dirt buildup and slow down the wheel’s spin.
In addition to lubrication, cleaning your bearings regularly with soapy water is crucial. This will help remove any dirt and grime that has accumulated over time.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your bearings last as long as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ABEC and precision bearings?
Upgrading your bearings or maintaining them can make all the difference when it comes to longboarding. Abec and precision bearings are two terms you’ll come across.
Abec stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Council, and is a rating system composed of five levels used to measure bearing quality.
Precision bearings refer to any type of bearing that has been manufactured with higher accuracy than an Abec rated bearing.
Generally, upgrading from an Abec-3 or lower rated bearing could mean improved performance in speed and longevity depending on your riding style.
Precision bearings usually require more maintenance, such as regular cleaning, lubrication and replacement of parts like spacers or washers if needed.
What is the best type of bearing for downhill longboarding?
When it comes to downhill longboarding, the best type of bearing for your wheels is one that provides a smooth and fast ride. Precision bearings are typically the go-to choice for this type of riding because they offer a lower abec rating. This results in less friction when sliding, helping you maintain control over your board. With precision bearings, you can perfect your sliding technique with ease. Additionally, these bearings require less wheel maintenance due to their low abec rating, reducing wear and tear on your wheels.
What is the cost difference between longboard bearings with and without spacers?
When it comes to longboard bearings, there is a cost difference between those with and without spacers. Spacers are important for maintaining the performance and life of your bearings, so they do come at an extra cost.
The good news is that with proper lubrication types and spacer maintenance you can extend the life of your bearings. Without spacers, you may have to replace them more often than if you had used spacers in the first place.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to invest in the extra cost of adding spacers for better bearing performance.
Does the size and hardness of longboard bearings affect its performance?
Yes, the size and hardness of longboard bearings have a significant effect on their performance.
The larger the bearing, the smoother your skating technique will be. It provides more stability for you to roll over any terrain.
Harder bearings offer greater speed. However, they can also cause faster wear on your wheels due to increased friction.
Bearing lubrication is important. It helps reduce friction and ensures maximum speed while providing a smoother ride overall.
Are ceramic bearings better for longboarding than steel bearings?
When it comes to longboarding, the choice of bearing material can have a significant impact on performance. Ceramic bearings are a popular choice among experienced boarders due to their superior durability and abrasion resistance compared to steel bearings.
The harder wheel hardness also allows them to roll smoother for longer distances with less drag. However, ceramic bearings come at a higher cost and require more maintenance than steel bearings, so they may not be the best option for everyone.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of bearing material is right for your style of longboarding.
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!