Your skateboard may be slow because of worn-out bearings or loose nuts and bolts. These issues can cause friction and slow down your board.
Skateboarding is a popular pastime for people of all ages. It’s not just a mode of transportation, but also a sport and an art form. However, a slow skateboard can be frustrating, especially if you’re looking to perform tricks or just cruise around. While there are plenty of reasons why your skateboard might be slow, two common causes include worn-out bearings and loose nuts and bolts. Over time, bearings can get dirty, corroded, or damaged, which slows down your board. Loose nuts and bolts can also create friction and cause your board to drag. In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why your skateboard might be slow and what you can do to fix the issue.
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Common Reasons Why Skateboards Are Slow
Why your skateboard is slow: common reasons why skateboards are slow
Are you having trouble with your skateboard, and it’s not rolling as quickly as it used to? There can be various reasons why your skateboard might be slowing down. If you’re wondering why your skateboard is slow, keep reading as we highlight some of the most common reasons.
Worn-Out Bearings
Worn-out bearings are one of the most common reasons why skateboards lose speed. Over time, the bearings may get damaged or become corroded with dirt and debris from riding on the streets, which can cause them to slow down.
- Bearings require regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication
- Worn-out bearings can be replaced with new ones
- Bearings need regular checkup to prevent issues with performance
Old Or Flat Wheels
If you’re using old wheels or wheels that are flat, your skateboard may lose speed. Wheels are the only part of your skateboard that contacts the ground and they can wear out over time.
- Inspect wheels regularly to ensure they’re not damaged or flat
- Replace old or flat wheels with new wheels
- Choosing wheels with a higher durometer rating will make the skateboard go faster
Dirty Bearings
Dirty bearings are another reason why your skateboard may lose speed. Dirt, grime, and debris tend to build up in the bearings, causing friction and slowing down the wheels.
- Cleaning the bearings every once in a while with a bearing cleaner can help increase speed
- A toothbrush or a clean piece of cloth works best when cleaning the bearings
- Regular cleaning is necessary to avoid dirt buildup
Loose Or Damaged Trucks
Loose or damaged trucks can cause your skateboard to slow down too. Loose trucks will cause the board to wobble, and it can also lead to speed reduction.
- Tighten all screws and nuts regularly to prevent loose trucks
- Damaged or broken trucks will need to be replaced
- Check the tightness of the trucks before riding your skateboard
There are several reasons why your skateboard might be slowing down. From worn-out bearings to old or flat wheels, dirty bearings, and loose or damaged trucks, the above-listed reasons are the most common. Regular maintenance and inspection of your skateboard will ensure it performs at optimum speed.
How To Fix Worn-Out Bearings
Are you frustrated because your skateboard isn’t performing as well as it used to? One common issue that could cause your skateboard to slow down is worn-out bearings. Fortunately, fixing the problem isn’t as complicated as you may think. By following a few simple steps, you can get your skateboard back to its former speed.
In this post, we’ll cover how to diagnose, remove, clean, and install new bearings. Let’s get started!
Steps To Diagnose Bearings
Before you start replacing your bearings, it’s essential to determine whether they are the root cause of your skateboard’s slow speed.
- Skateboard makes a grinding or screeching noise when you ride it.
- Wheels have a difficult time spinning freely.
- Skateboard feels sluggish even if you push it hard.
- Wheels wobble or waver during rides.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s likely that your skateboard’s bearings are worn-out and need to be replaced.
How To Remove Bearings
Removing bearings from your skateboard requires a few specialized tools, but the process is manageable.
- Remove the wheels from your skateboard.
- Use a bearing spacer tool to separate the bearing from the wheel. Alternatively, you can use a skate tool to pry the bearing out of the wheel.
- Carefully take the bearings out of the wheel using the pry tool.
It’s crucial to be gentle while removing the bearings to avoid damaging them or the wheels.
Ways To Clean Bearings
Cleaning the bearings is an essential step in the process of ensuring their longevity and optimal performance.
- Use a specialized bearing cleaning kit.
- Use a bottle of rubbing alcohol to clean the bearings.
- Soak the bearings in a small dish of citrus-based cleaner.
Remember to remove dirt and debris from the bearings’ exteriors before beginning the cleaning process.
How To Install New Bearings
After cleaning the bearings or purchasing new ones, you’ll need to install them.
- Place the bearings into the wheel.
- Insert the wheel and bearing assembly back onto the axle.
- Press the bearings into place using a bearing press or skate tool until they are seated securely.
Make sure to tighten the wheels onto your skateboard securely to avoid any accidental, dangerous incidents.
By following these steps, you can get your skateboard back to its former speedy glory. Don’t let worn-out bearings slow you down.
How To Make Your Skateboard Last Waaay Longer
Upgrading Your Wheels
Skateboarding is an exhilarating sport that’s enjoyed by many, but the experience can be affected when your skateboard starts slowing down. One of the reasons why your skateboard might feel sluggish and less responsive is the quality and type of wheels you’re using.
The wrong set of wheels can significantly hinder your board’s performance and make it less enjoyable to ride. This is where upgrading your wheels comes into play. In this post, we’ll explain the different types of wheels available, the importance of choosing the right type of wheel, the benefits of larger wheels, and how to change wheels with markdown formatting.
Explain The Different Types Of Wheels
The type of wheels your skateboard has can significantly affect your riding experience. There are many different types of wheels available, and each has its unique characteristics, pros, and cons.
- street wheels – these wheels are best suited for skateboarding on smooth surfaces like sidewalks and asphalt. They are usually smaller in size, ranging from 49mm to 55mm, with a hardness rating of 99a to 101a. Street wheels are built for performing tricks, and they offer good stability and control.
- park wheels – park wheels are designed for smooth pavements like skateparks. They are slightly bigger than street wheels, ranging from 55mm to 60mm, with a hardness rating of 97a to 101a. These wheels offer improved speed and smoother ride on ramps, bowls, and other skatepark obstacles.
- cruiser wheels – cruiser wheels are larger in size, ranging from 60mm to 75mm and have a lower durometer rating of 78a to 85a, this means they are softer wheels. They typically have a wider shape, which provides more stability and better grip. Cruiser wheels are perfect for cruising on rough surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and gravel.
- longboard wheels – as the name suggests, longboard wheels are designed for longboards. They are typically larger in size, ranging from 70mm to 85mm, with a durometer rating of 75a to 85a. These wheels offer better speed and smooth ride over longer distances.
Importance Of Choosing The Right Type Of Wheel
Choosing the right wheel for your skateboard is essential to optimize performance and your riding experience. The right wheels will give you a smoother ride and provide better control. Moreover, they will create less friction, which leads to a faster and more comfortable ride.
- The surface you’ll be riding – the type of wheel you choose should match the surface you’ll be riding. For example, if you mainly ride on rough terrain, cruiser wheels are the best choice.
- Your skill level – if you’re a beginner, softer wheels will give you more grip and better control. However, as you get more experienced, you may prefer harder wheels for performing tricks and higher speeds.
- Your riding style – different wheels are designed to suit different riding styles. If you’re a trick-oriented skater, street wheels will be more appropriate. In contrast, longboard wheels will provide more stability and speed during long rides.
Benefits Of Larger Wheels
Larger wheels offer numerous benefits, such as increased speed, comfort, and stability.
- greater speed – larger wheels travel faster than smaller ones. This is because they cover more ground with each rotation, and it requires less effort to push.
- improved shock absorption – larger wheels are softer, which means they absorb more shock and vibrations. This results in a smoother ride and less fatigue on your joints.
- better stability and control – the larger the wheel, the more stable it is. This increased stability gives the rider better control and makes turning easier.
How To Change Wheels
Changing your skateboard wheels is relatively easy and can be done in a few steps.
- Use a skate tool to remove the nuts and washers that hold the wheels in place. Place them in a secure location.
- Take the old wheels off the truck’s axle and replace them with the new ones. Make sure the wheel’s logo faces outwards.
- Place the washers and nuts back into place and tighten them securely. Be careful not to overtighten them, as it will affect the wheel’s spin.
Upgrading your wheels can significantly improve your skateboard’s performance, giving you a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable ride. Choosing the right wheel type is crucial, and you should consider factors such as riding surface, skill level, and riding style. Larger wheels offer numerous benefits, such as increased speed, comfort, and stability.
Changing your wheels is easy, and it is a great place to start when looking to improve your skateboard’s overall performance.
Skateboarding Maintenance Tips
Skateboarding is an exciting sport, but slow rides can ruin all the fun. It is frustrating to ride on a sluggish skateboard that takes forever to pick up speed. However, many skateboarders do not realize that regular maintenance is critical to keeping their rides smooth and fast.
In this blog post, we will focus on skateboarding maintenance tips that can help prevent slow rides. Let’s dive in.
Importance Of Regular Maintenance
Every skateboarder loves to shred on their board, making it easy to forget that it requires maintenance. Regular maintenance is essential for a perfect ride and can help prevent accidents.
- Regular maintenance keeps your ride smooth and safe.
- It helps you save money by preventing the need for expensive repairs or component replacements.
- It ensures that your skateboard remains in good condition, which guarantees an effortless and enjoyable ride.
How To Clean Your Skateboard
Cleaning your skateboard is a vital part of regular maintenance that guarantees a smooth ride.
- Remove the wheels: take off the wheels using skate tools, so you can thoroughly clean each part of the board.
- Wipe the deck: use a damp cloth to wipe the deck’s surface gently, removing grit and dirt. Do not use water directly on your skateboard as it can damage it.
- Clean the bearings: use a skateboard bearing lubricant to clean the bearings. Take the bearings out, clean them, and add the lubricant.
- Reassemble the skateboard: once all parts are dry, reinsert the bearings, replace the wheels, and tighten them.
How To Maintain Your Bearings
The bearings are an essential part of a skateboard that need proper maintenance.
- Clean your bearings regularly to remove dirt, grit, and accumulated debris that can slow your skateboard.
- Lubricate your bearings using the recommended lubricant for your skateboard bearings’ type.
How To Fix Loose Trucks
Loose trucks can significantly affect your skateboard speed and performance.
- Tighten the kingpin nut: locate the kingpin nut attached to the truck’s bottom. Tighten it with a skate tool.
- Check the bushings: ensure that the bushings are in good condition and not worn out. If they are damaged, replace them with new ones.
How To Replace Damaged Parts
Finally, damaged parts of the skateboard can significantly affect its speed and performance.
- Identify the damaged part of the skateboard that needs replacing.
- Purchase the exact replacement part.
- Use a skate tool to remove the damaged part from the skateboard.
- Replace it with the new part, ensuring that it fits perfectly.
- Reassemble the skateboard.
Regular maintenance is vital for your skateboard’s speed and performance. By maintaining your board, you can ensure its safe, effortless, and enjoyable ride. Follow these skateboarding maintenance tips to prevent slow rides, accidents, and costly repairs.
Making Your Skateboard Faster
Skateboarding is all about speed and thrill. If your skateboard is slow, it can ruin your mood and make you feel frustrated. The good news is that you can make your skateboard faster by following some simple techniques. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can make your skateboard faster and improve your overall riding experience.
Techniques To Improve Your Riding
Before we discuss how to make your skateboard faster, let’s first look at some techniques that can help you improve your riding:
- Keep your body weight centered over the board
- Keep your knees slightly bent
- Look ahead, not at your feet
- Lean forward when accelerating
- Lean back when braking
- Practice balancing on your skateboard
Tips To Increase Your Speed
Now let’s look at some tips that can help you increase your speed:
- Push off the ground hard and fast with your foot
- Pump your legs to gain momentum
- Lean into turns for maximum speed
- Choose smooth surfaces to ride on
- Wear clothing that won’t slow you down, like baggy pants or loose jackets
Importance Of Body Positioning
Your body positioning is crucial when trying to increase your speed on a skateboard.
- Keep your back straight and your shoulders parallel to the board
- Distribute your weight evenly between your front and back foot
- Lean forward when going downhill or gaining speed
- Lean back when going uphill or slowing down
- Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb any shocks
How To Optimize Your Skateboard For Speed
Making some minor adjustments to your skateboard can also make it faster.
- Choose large wheels with a hard durometer for maximum speed
- Keep your bearings clean and lubricated
- Tighten your trucks for more stability at high speeds
- Reduce the weight of your board by removing unnecessary parts
By following these techniques and tips, you can make your skateboard significantly faster and improve your overall riding experience. Happy shredding!
Conclusion
In the end, the speed of your skateboard depends on a number of factors that must be considered when you first purchase the product. It’s important to adjust for the weight of the rider, as well as the size and composition of the wheels on the skateboard.
Performing regular maintenance to keep the bearings, wheels, and deck in good shape will ensure that your skateboard remains in top working order and can continue to provide you with the speed and performance that you need. By investing in the right skateboard for your needs and keeping it in good condition, you can be sure that you’re getting the most out of your purchase, while enjoying every moment of your rides down the street or around your local skate park.
