Trucks on a longboard go in opposite directions on the front and back of the board. This allows for better stability and turning capabilities.
Longboarding is an exciting and thrilling activity to take part in, especially when you have a good understanding of how to set up your board. One of the essential parts of a longboard is the trucks. These are the metal parts located on the underside of your board that allow you to turn and maneuver. However, if you’re new to longboarding, you may be wondering which way do trucks go on a longboard? To put it simply, longboard trucks go in opposite directions on the front and back of the board. This is known as a reverse kingpin truck setup, and it’s designed to provide better stability and turning capabilities. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this setup and how it can benefit your longboarding experience.
Credit: www.ridingboards.com
What Are Trucks, And Why Do They Matter?
Longboarding is a thrilling sport that requires the right equipment to make the most of the experience. One of the essential components of a longboard is the trucks. If you’re new to longboarding, you may not be familiar with this term and why it is essential.
In this section, we’ll define what trucks are and why they matter in longboarding.
Definition Of Trucks
Trucks are an essential part of a longboard, and they are what connects the wheels to the deck. They consist of a baseplate, a hanger, and a kingpin to help turn and maneuver the board. They can either be mounted through the deck or on top of it.
- Baseplate: this is the part of the truck that attaches to the deck of the board.
- Hanger: this connects the wheels and sits in the baseplate.
- Kingpin: this holds all the parts of the truck together and enables the board to turn.
Why Trucks Are Crucial To Longboarding
Trucks play a significant role in the way a longboard performs.
- Turning control: trucks enable the rider to turn the longboard with ease and control.
- Stability: they help maintain balance on the board and make it possible to achieve higher speeds.
- Wheel size compatibility: the size of the truck should match the size of the wheels used.
Brief Explanation Of How To Choose Trucks
Choosing the right trucks is crucial to your longboarding experience.
- Width: trucks come in different widths, so choose one that matches the width of your longboard deck.
- Height: the height of the truck affects the stability of the longboard. Higher trucks offer more stability, while lower trucks are better for flat tracks.
- Bushings: bushings play a critical role in how the trucks turn. Softer bushings allow for smoother turns, while harder bushings provide more stability.
- Brand reputation: choose trucks from a reputable and reliable brand.
Trucks are a key component of a longboard and play a significant role in the overall performance. Choosing the right trucks for your longboard is essential in determining how much control, maneuverability, and stability you have while riding. Use the guidelines above to choose the perfect truck that suits your style of riding.
Which Way Do Longboard Trucks Go – Regular Or Reverse Kingpin?
Longboarding is a fun and exciting way to cruise around town or downhill. But when it comes to choosing the right longboard trucks, things can get a bit confusing for beginners. One of the most common questions new longboarders ask is which way do longboard trucks go – regular or reverse kingpin?
Let’s find out.
Explanation Of Regular Kingpin Trucks
Regular kingpin trucks, also known as traditional kingpin trucks, are the older style of truck and have been around since longboarding’s inception. As the name suggests, the kingpin is located at the base of the hanger and faces towards the center of the board.
This inward-facing design gives the trucks a tighter turning radius, making them perfect for carving and cruising at low to moderate speeds.
Explanation Of Reverse Kingpin Trucks
Reverse kingpin trucks, on the other hand, are a more modern invention and are commonly used in longboard setups. The kingpin on these trucks faces outward towards the wheels, giving them a wider turning radius. This design eliminates the wheel bite and makes them more stable at higher speeds, making them ideal for downhill skating.
Differences Between The Two Types Of Trucks
The main difference between regular and reverse kingpin trucks is their geometry, resulting in distinct characteristics.
Regular Kingpin Trucks
- Tighter turning radius
- Better for carving and cruising
- Less stable at high speeds
- Increased wheel bite
Reverse Kingpin Trucks
- Wider turning radius
- Better for downhill skating
- More stable at high speeds
- Reduced wheel bite
Pros And Cons Of Both Setups
As with anything, each type of truck has its advantages and disadvantages.
Regular Kingpin Trucks
Pros:
- Great for carving and cruising
- Tighter turning radius for sharper turns
- Less expensive than reverse kingpin trucks
- Suitable for smaller longboards and cruisers
Cons:
- Less stable at high speeds
- Increased wheel bite leading to decreased maneuverability
- Difficulty in performing some tricks
Reverse Kingpin Trucks
Pros:
- Better for downhill skating and sliding
- More stable at high speeds
- Reduced risk of wheel bite
- Improved control and maneuverability
Cons:
- Limited turning radius
- More expensive than regular kingpin trucks
- Not suitable for smaller boards and cruising
Choosing the right set of trucks depends on the style of longboarding you enjoy. Regular kingpin trucks offer tighter turning and are ideal for carving and cruising. In contrast, reverse kingpin trucks are more stable at higher speeds and are suitable for downhill and sliding.
As you look into buying longboard trucks, keep in mind your riding style, and you will find the perfect set for your needs.
Longboarding Tips: How tight should your trucks be?
Understanding The Impact Of Truck Placement
Longboarding is not just a sport. It is a way of life that has swept across the globe, captivating people from all walks of life. While riding a longboard, different components come into play, and truck placement is one of them.
Understanding how to position your trucks is essential to your overall riding experience. In this section, we will explore the impact of truck placement on your ride.
Explanation Of Truck Placement
Truck placement is the positioning of the trucks, which are the metal parts that connect the longboard deck and wheels. Truck placement influences how the board rides and handles. There are primarily two truck placements: top-mount and drop-through. Top-mount trucks are attached to the underside of the deck using mounting bolts, while drop-through trucks go through the deck.
What Factors Affect Truck Placement?
Several factors can influence the truck placement on a longboard; they include:
- Riding style
- Deck style
- Height and weight
- Riding terrain
How To Adjust Truck Placement For Different Riding Styles
Different riding styles require distinct truck placement.
- For downhill riding, position the trucks closer to the board’s outside edges to maximize stability.
- For carving, set the trucks in a medium position to enhance maneuverability.
- For freestyle and cruising, put your trucks in a loose position to make it easier to turn and ride.
The Impact Of Truck Placement On Turning, Speed, And Stability
Truck placement impacts three crucial aspects of a ride: turning, speed, and stability.
- Turning: moving your trucks to a looser position makes the board easier to turn. Conversely, positioning them tighter makes turning harder, but enhances stability.
- Speed: trucks that are closer to the board’s center will produce more speed and stability. Trucks positioned closer to the side edges tend to be more challenging to control at high speeds, but they enable tighter turns.
- Stability: the stability of your longboard is determined by several factors, such as your speed, deck style, and truck placement. Keeping your trucks closer to the board’s center enhances stability, reducing the risk of losing control.
Truck placement is a critical component that significantly affects a longboard’s ride and handling. We hope that this guide has provided you with a better understanding of how to position your trucks and optimize your riding experience. Remember to adjust your truck placement according to your riding style, deck style, height, weight, and terrain, for the best ride possible.
How To Determine The Right Way To Set Up Trucks
Longboarding is a popular sport that requires the right equipment to perform well. One of the most important components of a longboard is the trucks. Setting up the right truck configuration for your longboard is crucial as it affects stability, responsiveness, and overall performance.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to determine the right way to set up trucks on your longboard.
Factors To Consider When Setting Up Trucks
When setting up your longboard trucks, there are several important factors to consider.
- riding style and experience: your riding experience and style play a significant role in determining the right truck setup for you. For instance, experienced riders who like to perform tricks and turns require greater responsiveness and tighter turns. In contrast, beginners might prefer more stability and easier maneuverability.
- different setups for different types of longboarding: there are many different types of longboarding, and each requires a different setup. For example, downhill longboarding requires greater stability and control at high speeds. Conversely, freestyle longboarding requires more maneuverability and turning abilities.
- truck width and height: the width and height of your trucks also affect performance. Generally, wider trucks provide more stability and balance, while taller trucks allow for greater turning angles.
The Importance Of Riding Style And Experience
As stated earlier, a rider’s experience and style play a vital role in choosing the right truck setup. It is essential to determine the rider’s proficiency level and preferred riding style before selecting the trucks’ configuration.
For example, an experienced downhill rider will have different requirements than a beginner who likes to cruise around the streets. In either case, a rider should select trucks that match their style and abilities, as this will result in an optimal skating experience.
Different Setups For Different Types Of Longboarding
Longboarding involves different styles, such as cruising, freestyle, downhill, and others. Each riding style requires specific truck setups.
- cruising: cruising longboards need trucks with a narrower width and a softer durometer, which allows for smoother turning.
- downhill: downhill longboards require trucks with a wide width and a lower durometer. These characteristics provide more stability and control for high speeds.
- freestyle: freestyle longboards require trucks with a medium width that can provide smooth turns and quick maneuvers.
Tips For Finding The Right Setup For Your Longboard
Finding the right truck setup for your longboard can be challenging, but here are some tips to help:
- consider your riding style and experience: as mentioned earlier, your riding style and experience will dictate the truck configuration.
- experiment with different setups: try different setups to determine which one works best for you. Make small adjustments to find the perfect setup.
- ask for advice: consult with other longboarders or a professional to get advice on the right truck configuration.
Choosing the right truck setup is crucial in longboarding, as it affects performance, stability, and overall experience. Take the time to evaluate your riding style and experience, as well as the type of longboarding you prefer. Follow these tips to find the best configuration and get the most out of your longboarding experience.
Faqs: Other Frequently Asked Questions On Longboard Trucks
Longboarding is a fun activity enjoyed globally. It’s a great outdoor recreational activity for people of all ages, sexes and geographical locations. One crucial aspect of longboarding is its trucks. Longboard trucks are responsible for how the board handles and how easily you can turn, which is why they’re so important to maintain properly.
This blog post will address faqs: other frequently asked questions on longboard trucks, including how to maintain them, common issues and how to troubleshoot them, and summarizing what we learned about longboard trucks and their setup.
How To Maintain Longboard Trucks
Keeping your longboard trucks in good condition is vital to maintaining a safe and enjoyable ride.
- Keep your trucks clean and free of debris by regularly wiping them down with a dry cloth.
- Tighten the pivot cups, bushings, and kingpin nuts whenever necessary, and make sure they’re securely in place.
- Regularly inspect your longboard trucks for any signs of wear and tear, like cracks or chips, and replace any damaged parts as needed.
- Use approved lubricants to lubricate your longboard trucks regularly, so they always operate smoothly.
Common Issues With Longboard Trucks
Longboard trucks can face a range of common issues that can significantly impact on your longboarding experience.
- Wobbling: if you’re longboard is wobbling too much, it could be because of loose bushings, contributing to an unstable and difficult ride.
- Wheel bite: another common issue is ‘wheel bite,’ which is when the wheels of your board rub against the deck. This can occur when your board turns and could cause you to lose your balance, so make sure you check your wheel size versus your deck size.
- Poor handling: if your board isn’t handling as well as you’d like, it could be down to bushings. Check that you have suitable bushings installed as per your weight and riding style.
- Loose trucks: if you can feel your truck wobbling underneath you; it could be because there are lose trucks. This can cause your turning to be unresponsive or difficult.
How To Troubleshoot Issues With Longboard Trucks
Troubleshooting is an integral part of longboarding, and it’s no different when it comes to your longboard trucks.
- First, identify the cause of the problem before taking corrective action.
- Check to ensure your longboard trucks are correctly tightened and adequately lubricated.
- Replace any necessary parts that are causing the issue, like bushings and kingpins.
- Try different-sized bushings to check whether it makes a difference.
- Lastly, ensure your longboard is the correct size and style for you and your riding requirements.
Summary Of What We Learned About Longboard Trucks And Their Setup
Longboard trucks are a critical part of the longboarding experience, responsible for how the longboard handles on the road and how smoothly it can turn. To maintain longboard trucks properly, you must keep them clean and lubricated, inspect them regularly, and replace any damaged or worn parts.
Common issues longboard trucks may face relate to things like wobbling and poor handling, while troubleshooting involves taking corrective action, correctly tightening parts and replacing any necessary parts. By adhering to these tips and techniques, you will be better equipped to understand and troubleshoot any issues you face when longboarding.
Conclusion
Longboarding is a fun sport that requires knowledge and technical skills. One of the fundamental aspects to take into account is the positioning of the trucks or wheels. Properly locating the trucks on your longboard will enhance your control and stability, resulting in a safer and more enjoyable ride.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are different longboarding styles and preferences among riders, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to the question “which way do trucks go on a longboard? “. Ultimately, the placement of trucks on a longboard depends on your riding style, body weight, and personal preferences.
Experimenting with different truck placements and board setups is key to finding what works best for you. Remember to take care of your longboard, wear protective gear, and have fun riding!
