Skateboard trucks for street skating must have a narrow width and medium to high height. They should also have hard bushings and be made from durable materials.
Skateboarding is a sport that involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard. Skateboard trucks are the metal t-shaped pieces underneath the board that attach the wheels to the deck. They are an essential part of a skateboard as they provide stability and allow for turning. Skateboard trucks for street skating need to be durable, lightweight, and precise. They should have a narrow width and medium to high height to provide a stable base for grinding and doing tricks. Hard bushings are necessary to reduce wobbling while riding. Additionally, skateboard trucks may be made from various materials, but the most common are aluminum and titanium. In this article, we will dive deeper into how to choose the best skateboard trucks for street skating and explore the features that make them unique.
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Anatomy Of A Skateboard Truck
Skateboard trucks are a crucial part of a skateboard setup, especially for street skating. These trucks primarily control the deck’s movements and keep the board stable during rides, turns, and jumps. As a skateboarder, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of a skateboard truck to make an informed decision when buying one.
Truck Hanger
The hanger is the t-shaped metal part of the truck that attaches to the skateboard’s deck. It’s responsible for the movement of the wheels and the skateboard’s pivoting ability. The hanger’s width determines the skateboard’s turning ability. Narrower hangers have a quicker and sharp turning radius, while wider hangers have a more stable and smoother ride.
Baseplate
The baseplate is the part of the truck that mounts to the skateboard deck. It’s a flat metal plate that connects the hanger to the skateboard using mounting hardware. Baseplates have different angles, ranging usually from 45 to 55 degrees, affecting the board’s stability and turning abilities.
Higher angle baseplates provide a greater turnability, making them suitable for tight turns and quick movements. Meanwhile, lower angle baseplates offer more stability and are great for controlled cruising.
Kingpin & Bushings
The kingpin holds everything together, working as a pivot that controls the hanger’s movement. It’s a long bolt that goes through the kingpin hole in the baseplate, the hanger, and the bushings. Bushings serve as the suspension system for the trucks, reducing shocks, impacts, and vibrations passing through the skateboard.
They’re made of urethane rubber, which comes in various durometers to provide the appropriate level of rebound and turning resistance to fit the rider’s style.
Axles
The axles are the metal rods that stick out from the truck hanger and hold the wheels. They come in different widths, depending on the skateboard decks. It’s vital to choose the right size of axles to prevent stability issues and improve skateboard performance.
Pivot Cup
The pivot cup sits between the baseplate and the hanger, reducing metal-to-metal contact and allowing for smoother turns. It also holds the truck’s kingpin in place and helps distribute the weight evenly on the skateboard.
Understanding the anatomy of a skateboard truck is essential in choosing the right one for street skating. The truck hanger, baseplate, kingpin & bushings, axles, and pivot cup work together to create a stable yet maneuverable skateboard. Skateboarders can customize their trucks to match their riding styles, and choosing the right truck can improve the riding experience.
Types Of Skateboard Trucks For Street Skating
Whether you’re a seasoned street skateboarder or an aspiring one, choosing the right skateboard trucks for street skating is key to achieving the performance and tricks you desire. From axle width to kingpin angle, each component plays a crucial role in determining your skateboard’s maneuverability, stability and overall performance.
Traditional Kingpin (Tkp) Trucks
Traditional kingpin (tkp) trucks, also known as standard skateboard trucks, are the most common type of trucks used in street skating.
- Comes in pairs and is mounted on the deck using four bolts and nuts per truck.
- Shorter in height compared to reverse kingpin (rkp) trucks, allowing for faster turn initiation and sharper turns.
- Ideal for technical street skating, as they provide maximum maneuverability and responsiveness.
- Suitable for riders who weigh less than 150 pounds.
Reverse Kingpin (Rkp) Trucks
Reverse kingpin (rkp) trucks are more commonly used in longboarding, but can also be used in street skating.
- Comes in pairs and is mounted on the deck using four bolts and nuts per truck.
- Higher in height compared to tkp trucks, providing more stability and smoother ride.
- Longer wheelbase compared to tkp trucks, resulting in wider turns and better control at higher speeds.
- Ideal for cruising, carving, and downhill skating.
- Suitable for riders who weigh more than 150 pounds.
Independent Trucks
Independent trucks are a popular choice among street skateboarders due to their durability and quality craftsmanship.
- Comes in pairs and is mounted on the deck using four bolts and nuts per truck.
- Available in both tkp and rkp versions.
- Features durable bushings and a strong baseplate, allowing for stable and responsive rides.
- Ideal for street skating, as they provide maximum control and maneuverability.
- Suitable for riders of all weights and skill levels.
Thunder Trucks
Thunder trucks are known for their lightweight design and responsive turning abilities, making them a top choice for street skateboarders.
- Comes in pairs and is mounted on the deck using four bolts and nuts per truck.
- Available in both tkp and rkp versions.
- Features a hollow kingpin and axle, making them the lightest trucks on the market.
- Ideal for technical street skating, as they provide maximum maneuverability and responsiveness.
- Suitable for riders of all weights and skill levels.
When choosing a skateboard truck for street skating, keep in mind your personal preferences and skating style. Pick a truck that feels comfortable and allows you to perform the tricks you desire. With the right skateboard trucks, you’ll be ready to take on the streets and perfect your skills.
How to Choose Skateboard Trucks | Sizing Guide | Tactics
How To Choose The Right Skateboard Trucks For Street Skating
Skateboarding is an extremely popular and exciting activity that requires a lot of skill and precision. One essential component of a skateboard is the trucks. The trucks are the metal t-shaped parts underneath the board that hold the wheels in place.
They comes in different sizes and styles, so it’s essential to choose the right one based on the type of skating you intend to do. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the important things you should consider when choosing the right skateboard trucks for street skating.
Size Matters
One crucial factor when choosing skateboard trucks is the size. The size of your trucks plays a significant role in how the skateboard performs, and the right size is determined by the placement of your feet on the board, the size of the wheels and the width of the deck.
- The truck width should be as close to the deck width as possible.
- When choosing the truck size, pick one that matches the size of your wheels.
- Consider the height of the trucks, making sure it gives enough space for the wheels without rubbing against the deck.
Materials Matter
Skateboard trucks are made of different materials, and the right one for you depends on your riding style and budget.
- Aluminum is the most common material for skateboard trucks and the least expensive.
- Titanium trucks are costly but offer high durability and strength.
- Magnesium and hollow trucks offer reduced weight, making it ideal for street and flip tricks.
Shapes Affect Performance
The shape of your skateboard truck affects its performance and is essential in determining how your skateboard turns.
- Standard trucks: ideal for beginners and all-around use.
- High trucks: suitable for large wheels and carving.
- Low trucks: great for technical and flip tricks.
Choose The Right Bushings
Bushings on the skateboard trucks are the rubbery pieces that help the skateboard turns and are vital to a skateboard’s feel. Choose the right bushing based on your weight and riding style.
- Harder bushings are great for heavier individuals and those who want more stability.
- Softer bushings are ideal for lighter individuals and those who want more responsive and smooth turning.
Consider The Brand
Lastly, consider the brand. Some companies have unique features, designs, and pricing. It’s crucial to choose a reliable and trusted brand, such as independent, thunder, or venture, which offer great quality, durability and responsiveness.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skateboard trucks for street skating can be daunting, but with this guide, you can make an informed decision. Remember to consider the size, material, shape, bushings, and brand when making your final purchase. With the right skateboard trucks, you’ll experience a better ride, more responsive, and precise turns.
Maintenance And Upkeep Of Skateboard Trucks For Street Skating
Skateboard Trucks For Street Skating: Maintenance And Upkeep
Skateboard trucks are an essential element for street skating, but they endure a lot of wear and tear. Keeping them properly maintained is key to ensure they work well, remain safe, and last a long time. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about maintaining your skateboard trucks for street skating.
Cleaning Your Skateboard Trucks
Before maintaining any part of your skateboard truck, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly to remove all dirt and grime.
- Use a brush to remove any large pieces of dirt from the truck.
- Wipe the trucks with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease.
- Apply a skateboard cleaner that’s safe for the metal trucks.
- Utilize a toothbrush or a small brush to scrub hard-to-reach spots.
Tightening Or Loosening Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks need regular adjustments to keep them operating correctly. Tightening or loosening skateboard trucks relates to the force of the trucks when they lean.
- Locate the kingpin bolt at the center of the truck.
- Use a skate wrench tool to turn the bolt to adjust the tightness of the trucks.
- A tight truck may be more stable, while a loose truck can make the board more maneuverable.
Replacing Skateboard Bushings
Bushings in skateboard trucks help you turn and stabilize, so if they’re damaged, it can impact your skating ability.
- Squeaking sounds when turning
- Difficulty making sharp turns
- Cracks or deformation in the bushings
To replace bushings:
- Remove the truck axle nut and washer.
- Take the damaged bushings out of the truck hanger.
- Insert the new bushings in their place.
- Reassemble the axle, washer, and nut.
Lubricating Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks need lubrication to reduce friction between the metal parts and ensure smooth riding. Lubrication is especially critical if you’re skating in a damp environment.
- Remove the truck from the skateboard deck.
- Use skate wax or oil that’s safe for metal to lubricate the kingpin and pivot cup.
- Wipe off any excess lubricant.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining skateboard trucks is crucial for your skating experience and safety. Regular cleaning and lubrication, bushing replacement, and adjusting for a tighter or looser feel are all great ways to keep your skateboard trucks in top shape. By doing so, your skateboard trucks will enable you to perform tricks and enjoy street skating without any unnecessary distractions.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this discussion, it’s clear that skateboard trucks for street skating is a crucial aspect to consider for a better skateboarding experience. The right truck provides stability, control, and maneuverability, making it easier to execute tricks and gain confidence on the board.
Also, it’s essential to find a balance between the size of the truck and the size of the board. With the right combination, you can achieve better performance and comfort while riding. Lastly, it’s always recommended to invest in high-quality skateboard trucks, as they can significantly affect your overall skateboarding performance.
We hope that this article has given you a deeper understanding of skateboard trucks and how to choose the right one for your street skateboarding needs. Remember to always prioritize safety and have fun while mastering your skateboarding skills!
