Skateboard wheels for beginners are usually smaller and softer than those used by experienced riders. As a beginner, it’s important to choose the right skateboard wheels to ensure a smooth riding experience and avoid accidents.
Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, materials, and hardness levels that affect their performance and durability. The size of the wheels determines the speed, while the hardness affects the grip and stability. Soft wheels are recommended for beginners because they offer better shock absorption and easier turning. Ultimately, choosing the right wheels depends on your riding style, terrain, and personal preference. In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of skateboard wheels and help you make an informed decision.
Credit: www.ridingboards.com
Anatomy Of Skateboard Wheels
Skateboarding can be a thrilling and exciting experience, but understanding the equipment and accessories can be daunting, especially for beginners. One key component that every skateboarder must comprehend is the anatomy of skateboard wheels. Knowing the materials used to create skateboard wheels, understanding wheel size and durometer, and familiarizing oneself with different types of skateboard wheels can help beginners choose wheels that best suit their needs.
Materials Used To Make Skateboard Wheels
Choosing the right material for a skateboard wheel can significantly impact a rider’s experience.
- Polyurethane (pu): pu wheels have excellent shock absorption and rebound capabilities, providing a comfortable riding experience on rough terrain. These wheels are also highly durable, resistant to flat spots, and ideal for cruising and transportation.
- Pvc: pvc wheels have minimal shock absorption and rebound capabilities, providing a smoother ride on smooth surfaces. These wheels are less durable than pu wheels and prone to flat spots, making them unsuitable for aggressive tricks and maneuvers.
- Tpr: tpr wheels have good shock absorption and rebound capabilities, making them an excellent choice for cruising and transportation. These wheels are less durable than pu wheels but still offer decent performance on various terrains.
Understanding Wheel Size And Durometer
Wheel size and durometer are two critical factors to consider when choosing skateboard wheels. Wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel, while durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel’s material.
- Wheel size: skateboard wheels range from 48mm to 75mm in diameter. Smaller wheels provide better control and are suitable for technical tricks, while larger wheels offer more speed and are suitable for transportation and cruising.
- Durometer: the hardness of a wheel’s material is measured on the durometer scale, ranging from 0-100. Softer wheels (lower durometer) provide better shock absorption and grip, making them ideal for cruising and transportation. Harder wheels (higher durometer) offer more speed and are suitable for aggressive tricks and maneuvers.
Different Types Of Skateboard Wheels
There are various types of skateboard wheels available, each designed for specific purposes. Knowing the different types of skateboard wheels can help beginners choose wheels that will fit their needs.
- Street/park wheels: street/park wheels are smaller in size (50-55mm), harder in durometer (99a-101a), and offer more speed and slideability for technical tricks and maneuvers.
- Cruiser/transportation wheels: cruiser/transportation wheels are larger in size (56-75mm), softer in durometer (78a-82a), and offer better shock absorption and grip for cruising and transportation.
- Hybrid wheels: hybrid wheels combine features of both street/park and cruiser/transportation wheels to offer versatility. These wheels are suitable for various terrains and riding styles.
Understanding the anatomy of skateboard wheels is essential for every beginner skateboarder. By knowing the materials used to create skateboard wheels, understanding wheel size and durometer, and familiarizing oneself with different types of skateboard wheels, beginners can choose wheels that best fit their riding needs.
Choosing The Right Wheels For Your Riding Style
Skateboarding is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experience levels. One crucial aspect of skateboarding is choosing the right wheels that suit your riding style. Skateboard wheels come in various sizes, shapes, and durometers that can significantly impact how you ride.
Keep reading to discover the factors to consider when choosing wheels, how to measure wheel size and durometer, and how to find the right type of wheels for your riding style.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Wheels
When choosing skateboard wheels, you should consider the following factors:
- size: the size of your wheels impacts your ride’s speed, stability, and maneuverability. Smaller wheels are generally more stable, whereas larger wheels provide more speed.
- durometer: durometer measures the wheel’s hardness and determines how well it performs on different surfaces. Softer wheels provide a smoother ride on rough surfaces, whereas harder wheels are ideal for smoother surfaces.
- shape: the shape of the wheels affects how they slide, turn, and grip the ground. Wheels can come in a round edge or a square edge, and each type has a different purpose.
- core placement: skateboard wheels can come with a center-set or side-set core, affecting how the wheel slides and grips.
How To Measure Wheel Size And Durometer
To calculate the wheel size, measure the wheel’s diameter in millimeters, starting from one end of the outside. The most common wheel sizes are between 50mm to 60mm, with smaller wheels ideal for street skating and larger wheels better for cruising and commuting.
Durometer measures the wheel’s hardness, with a higher number meaning a harder wheel. You can measure durometer using a durometer gauge, which presses into the wheel to receive a reading. Durometer comes in three main categories: soft (78a and below), middle (80a-90a), and hard (90a and above).
How To Find The Right Type Of Wheels For Your Riding Style
Choosing skateboard wheels suited to your riding style is essential to your enjoyment of the sport.
- street: for street riding, choose smaller, harder wheels with a round edge for easy maneuvering and more grip. Recommended sizes are between 50mm to 53mm with a durometer of 100a or higher.
- vert: for vert riding, larger, softer wheels with a square edge provide a smoother ride and less friction. Recommended sizes are between 55mm to 60mm with a durometer of 95a to 98a.
- cruising and commuting: for cruising and commuting, larger, softer wheels are ideal for a comfortable ride. Round edge wheels are best for easier turning and maintaining speed. Recommended sizes are between 55mm to 60mm with a durometer of 78a to 85a.
Choosing the right skateboard wheels is crucial to your riding experience. Consider your riding style, size, durometer, shape, and core placement when choosing wheels. Measure wheel size and durometer accurately for the best performance. Remember to have fun, stay safe, and keep shredding.
How to Choose Skateboard Wheels | Tactics
Maintaining Skateboard Wheels
Skateboarding is an exciting activity that requires a lot of skill and practice. Beginners tend to pay little attention to their skateboard wheels, but keeping them in optimal condition is essential for a better skating experience. This article will cover all the necessary information about maintaining skateboard wheels, including how riding, weather, and wear affect them, how to clean and maintain them, and when it’s time to replace them.
Explanation Of How Riding, Weather And Wear Affect Your Wheels
Riding your skateboard, weather conditions, and wear and tear can all have a significant impact on your wheels’ performance.
- Riding: the way you ride your skateboard will affect the wheels’ shape and hardness. Frequent jumping and grinding can cause flat spots, while cruising or commuting will wear down the edges.
- Weather: extreme temperatures and humidity levels can cause wheels to expand or contract, leading to reduced speed and performance.
- Wear and tear: skateboard wheels are durable, but constant use can cause them to wear down and lose their shape.
How To Clean And Maintain Your Wheels
Maintaining your skateboard wheels will increase their lifespan and keep them functioning correctly.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to remove dirt and debris from the wheels.
- Soak the wheels in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen stubborn dirt.
- Dry the wheels thoroughly using a clean cloth or a paper towel.
- Apply a small drop of lubricant to the bearings to maintain their performance.
When To Replace Your Wheels
Knowing when to replace your skateboard wheels is essential to keep you safe, prevent injury and improve your skating experience.
- Flat spots or worn edges that hinder acceleration and speed.
- Cracks or chips in the wheels, which can cause wheel failure and accidents.
- Permanent discoloration or fading that indicate the wheels are too old and need replacing.
Maintaining your skateboard wheels is crucial for optimal performance and a safe skating experience. By following these simple tips for cleaning and maintenance, you can extend their lifespan and avoid accidents. Keep a keen eye out for signs that indicate it’s time to replace your wheels.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, choosing the right skateboard wheels is vital for beginners as it significantly affects the performance of the skateboard. The size, shape, and hardness of the wheels should be suitable for the type of skating and the surface you’ll be skating on.
You can experiment with different types of wheels to find your favorite, but keep in mind the fundamental principles of choosing skateboard wheels. Make sure you consider the size and shape of the wheels and the type of riding you’ll be doing.
It is also important to maintain and replace your wheels regularly to avoid accidents and ensure optimal performance. With this guide, beginner skaters are now equipped with the right knowledge to make an informed decision when selecting skateboard wheels. Happy skating!
