Yes, longboard wheels can be attached to a skateboard. Longboarding and skateboarding are sister sports, with some similarities and differences.
For instance, both sports require wheels, but longboard wheels are larger and softer, whereas skateboard wheels are smaller and harder. Skateboard wheels are designed for tricks, while longboard wheels are meant for cruising and carving. Nevertheless, installing longboard wheels on a skateboard yields an advantage, since they roll faster, providing a smoother ride and helping the skateboarder maintain speed. Additionally, the larger and softer longboard wheels create more friction, allowing better grip and preventing the rider from sliding or losing balance. Knowing this could enhance the riding experience for skateboarders.
Credit: electrek.co
Understanding Longboard Wheels
Are you a skateboard enthusiast looking to upgrade your ride’s wheels? Are you wondering if you can fit longboard wheels on your skateboard? Well, you’re in luck! In this post, we’ll explore the question, “can you fit longboard wheels on a skateboard?
” and the subheading for today’s discussion is “understanding longboard wheels.
Definition Of Longboard Wheels And Their Characteristics
Longboard wheels are larger and softer than traditional skateboard wheels. They come in many sizes, but most longboard wheels are between 60-107mm in diameter and have a durometer (hardness rating) of 75a-90a.
- Round: this shape is perfect for cruising and carving as its smooth, even surface offers great traction and grip on the pavement.
- Square-lipped: square-lipped wheels are great for sliding and freeriding as their flat shape makes them more stable, allowing for controlled slides and speed checks.
- Beveled-lipped: beveled-lipped wheels have rounded edges that make them suitable for cruising, carving, and sliding. These wheels are the most versatile and are suitable for all riding styles.
Overview Of The Benefits Of Longboard Wheels Over Skateboard Wheels
Longboard wheels offer several advantages over traditional skateboard wheels, including:
- Better shock absorption: longboard wheels are softer than skateboard wheels, resulting in a smoother ride over rough terrain. They absorb shocks better and provide a more comfortable ride.
- Greater grip and control: larger wheels provide more grip and better traction on the pavement, resulting in better control and stability.
- Faster speeds: the larger size of the wheels allows for faster speeds on downhill descents, making them ideal for longboarding.
- Suitable for cruising: the soft, large wheels of a longboard make it easy to cruise over long distances without getting tired or damaging the wheels.
Discussion Of The Differences Between Longboard And Skateboard Wheels And How They Affect Performance
The primary differences between longboard and skateboard wheels are the size, durometer, and shape.
- Speed: longboard wheels are larger than skateboard wheels, allowing for faster speeds. Softness of longboard wheels allows for comfortable cruising at high speeds, whereas skateboard wheels may become uncomfortable above certain speeds.
- Traction: the larger size and softer durometer of longboard wheels provide greater grip and better traction on the pavement, resulting in better control and stability. Skating wheels are not recommended for use on rough or wet surfaces because they have a much lower traction.
- Tricks: traditional skateboard wheels, due to their smaller size, are better suited for performing tricks like ollies and kickflips. Longboard wheels may not be the right fit for those who want to perform technical street tricks.
- Sliding: longboard wheels are better suited for sliding and freeriding because of their larger size and shape. The larger wheels provide better stability and control during slides.
Longboard wheels can be fitted on a skateboard, but you’ll need to replace the skateboard’s trucks with longboard trucks for them to fit. Longboard wheels offer many benefits over traditional skateboard wheels, including better shock absorption, greater grip and control, faster speeds, and easier cruising.
However, longboard wheels are not suitable for all riding styles, and each wheel type has its unique characteristics that should be considered before making a selection.
Skateboard Wheel Compatibility
A key consideration for skateboarders is the compatibility of wheels with their skateboard. This is true whether riders are looking to switch to longboard wheels or simply want to replace old wheels on the same board. Here, we’ll look at the anatomy of a skateboard and the aspects that dictate wheel compatibility, the various wheel measurements that determine size, and the potential challenges of fitting longboard wheels on a skateboard.
Examination Of The Anatomy Of A Skateboard And The Aspects That Dictate Wheel Compatibility
Skateboards have several parts that interact to determine wheel compatibility. These include the trucks, deck, and risers.
- The trucks are mounted to the skateboard deck and hold the wheels in place.
- The deck is the long, flat board that riders stand on.
- The risers are the small pads between the deck and the trucks that provide additional clearance for the wheels.
When considering wheel compatibility, it’s important to take note of the size and shape of these components. For example, if a rider has a deck with tiny wheel wells, they may struggle to fit large wheels on their board, even if the trucks and risers are compatible.
Discussion Of The Various Wheel Measurements That Determine Size, Including Diameter And Width
Wheels come in various sizes, which are determined by their diameter and width. The diameter is the measurement of the wheel from one side to the other, while the width is the measurement of the wheel from front to back.
- Skateboard wheels typically range from 48-60mm in diameter and 30-52mm in width.
- Longboard wheels are generally larger, with diameters of 65-107mm and widths of 45-75mm.
When considering switching longboard wheels onto a skateboard, it’s important for riders to measure the size of their current wheels and make sure they won’t interfere with the board’s other components.
Identification Of The Potential Challenges Of Fitting Longboard Wheels On A Skateboard, Such As Clearance Issues And Wheel Bite
One of the primary challenges of fitting longboard wheels on a skateboard is clearance. Because longboard wheels are larger, they may come into contact with the board’s other components, such as the deck or the trucks. This could result in clearance issues that impact the rider’s ability to maneuver the board.
Another challenge is wheel bite, which occurs when the wheels come into contact with the board during a turn. This can cause the board to stop suddenly, throwing the rider off balance. To prevent wheel bite, riders may need to adjust the height of their trucks or add riser pads.
Overall, while it may be possible to fit longboard wheels on a skateboard, it’s important for riders to carefully consider the compatibility of all components and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and smooth ride.
Landyachtz sent me not just one…
Modifying Skateboards For Longboard Wheels
Longboard wheels are becoming increasingly popular among skateboarders. They provide a smoother ride, greater speed, and the ability to navigate rough surfaces with ease. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different ways you can modify a skateboard to accommodate longboard wheels.
Overview Of The Options For Modifying A Skateboard To Accommodate Longboard Wheels
There are three primary methods for modifying a skateboard to fit longboard wheels: wheel wells, riser pads, and modifying the deck itself.
Discussion Of The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Each Modification Method
Each modification has its strengths and weaknesses that you should consider before making a choice.
- Wheel wells: wheel wells are a cutout on the deck that provides space for the wheels.
- Pros: wheel wells are an easy and straightforward solution. Skateboarders can either purchase a deck with wheel wells or create their own. They do not require any additional parts, and they are generally affordable.
- Cons: the main drawback of wheel wells is that they limit the size of the wheels that skateboarders can use. Wheel wells are typically only suitable for wheels up to 70mm or 75mm in diameter.
- Riser pads: riser pads sit between the truck and the deck and increase the distance between the two.
- Pros: riser pads can accommodate larger wheels than wheel wells. The increased distance between the deck and the truck also makes the skateboard more stable, particularly if you’re riding at higher speeds.
- Cons: risers pads do add some height to the board, which can make it less responsive. Additionally, some skateboarders may find it harder to control the board with the increased height.
- Modifying the deck: modifying the deck is a more involved process that involves cutting and shaping the board to fit the wheels.
- Pros: modifying the deck provides the most flexibility when it comes to wheel size. Skaters can fit longer longboard wheels, and even larger diameter wheels without any limitations. It also allows skateboarders to customize their board to fit their preferences and riding style.
- Cons: modifying the deck is more complicated and time-consuming compared to the other two methods. If not done correctly, it can also weaken the board’s structural integrity.
Explanation Of How Modifications Can Affect The Skateboard’S Performance And Stability
Modifications can affect the skateboard’s performance and stability in several ways:
- Wheel size: as previously mentioned, wheel size is restricted with wheel wells and slightly less so when using riser pads. Larger wheels will provide a smoother ride but may make the board less responsive.
- Height: riser pads add height to the board, which can affect stability and control. Conversely, wheel wells and deck modification do not add height and will provide a more responsive board.
- Deck flex: cutting a deck to fit longer wheels can alter the board’s flex, which can affect its stability and the rider’s control.
Regardless of the modification method you choose, remember to maintain the board’s structural integrity, as it can affect overall stability.
Longboard wheels can be fitted on a skateboard with the right modifications. Skateboarders can choose between wheel wells, using riser pads or modifying the deck. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses that skateboarders should consider before making a choice.
Modifications can affect the skateboard’s performance and stability, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate modification method while maintaining the board’s structural integrity.
Conclusion
Longboarders who are into skateboarding may wonder whether they can fit their longboard wheels on a skateboard for a new and smoother riding experience. After thorough research, we can conclude that it is possible, but it is not advisable. Longboard wheels may have different dimensions, hardness levels, and shapes from skateboard wheels.
Replacing them might affect the skateboard’s performance and stability, and could even result in an accident. Besides, using longboard wheels could limit the skateboard’s maneuverability, making it unsuitable for performing tricks or commuting in crowded areas. For a smooth ride, skateboarders should instead choose wheels with a little larger diameter than those they are used to and a softer durometer.
They should also consider the deck’s size, trucks, bearings, and other parts when upgrading their skateboards. Skaters who take safety seriously should always use the right components and have fun skating safely.
