The Ultimate Guide to Skateboard Wheels and Bearings

Introduction

Skateboard wheels and bearings are the two most important components of your skateboard. They determine how your board will ride, how fast you can go, and how well you can control it. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right wheels and bearings for your skateboard.

Wheels: Types, Sizes, and Materials

Types of Wheels

There are three main types of skateboard wheels:

• Street wheels: These wheels are designed for riding on smooth surfaces, such as streets, skateparks, and ramps. They are typically made of hard rubber or polyurethane and have a small diameter.
• Park wheels: These wheels are designed for riding in skateparks. They are typically made of hard rubber or polyurethane and have a larger diameter than street wheels.
• Cruiser wheels: These wheels are designed for riding on rougher surfaces, such as sidewalks, gravel roads, and dirt paths. They are typically made of softer rubber or polyurethane and have a larger diameter than street or park wheels.

Wheel Sizes

Wheel sizes are measured in millimeters. The most common wheel sizes are:

• 52mm: These wheels are ideal for street skating and skateparks.
• 54mm: These wheels are a good all-around size for all types of skating.
• 56mm: These wheels are ideal for cruising and rougher surfaces.

Wheel Materials

Skateboard wheels are made from a variety of materials, including:

• Polyurethane: Polyurethane is the most common material used in skateboard wheels. It is a tough, durable material that provides good grip and shock absorption.
• Hard rubber: Hard rubber is a less common material used in skateboard wheels. It is a harder, more durable material than polyurethane, but it provides less grip and shock absorption.
• Plastic: Plastic is a lightweight, inexpensive material used in some skateboard wheels. It is not as durable as polyurethane or hard rubber, but it can provide good grip and shock absorption.

Bearings: Types, Sizes, and Maintenance

Types of Bearings

There are two main types of skateboard bearings:

• Ball bearings: Ball bearings are the most common type of skateboard bearings. They consist of a set of steel balls that are held in place by a metal cage.
• Ceramic bearings: Ceramic bearings are a more expensive type of skateboard bearings. They consist of a set of ceramic balls that are held in place by a metal cage.

Bearing Sizes

Bearing sizes are measured in millimeters. The most common bearing sizes are:

• 608: This is the most common bearing size for skateboards.
• 608RS: This is a bearing size that is sealed with rubber shields to protect the bearings from dirt and moisture.

Bearing Maintenance

Bearings should be cleaned and lubricated regularly to keep them in good working condition. Here are the steps on how to clean and lubricate your skateboard bearings:

1. Remove the bearings from your skateboard.
2. Use a solvent to clean the bearings.
3. Use a lubricant to lubricate the bearings.
4. Reinstall the bearings into your skateboard.

Choosing the Right Wheels and Bearings for Your Skateboard

The type of wheels and bearings you choose will depend on your skating style and the surfaces you will be riding on. Here are some tips on choosing the right wheels and bearings for your skateboard:

• If you are a street skater, you will want to choose hard wheels with a small diameter.
• If you are a park skater, you will want to choose hard wheels with a larger diameter.
• If you are a cruiser, you will want to choose soft wheels with a large diameter.
• If you will be riding on rough surfaces, you will want to choose bearings that are sealed with rubber shields.

Why It Matters

Choosing the right wheels and bearings for your skateboard is important for several reasons:

• It can improve your performance. The right wheels and bearings can help you ride faster, smoother, and with more control.
• It can extend the life of your skateboard. Properly maintained wheels and bearings will last longer and keep your skateboard riding smoothly.
• It can make skating more enjoyable. The right wheels and bearings can make skating more fun and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wheels and bearings for your skateboard is an important decision. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right wheels and bearings for your skating style and the surfaces you will be riding on. With the right wheels and bearings, you can ride faster, smoother, and with more control.