Have you ever wondered if you can put longboard wheels on a skateboard? It sounds like a crazy idea, but it can actually work! I know this because I have tried it myself, and I was surprised by the results.
Experienced skateboarders (like me) keep trying different types of wheels to see how they affect their rides. I was also curious about the possibility of using longboard wheels on my trusty skateboard. After all, longboard wheels seem to offer a smoother and more comfortable ride, which is always a plus when skating around the city.
So, I decided to do some testing to find out if it’s actually possible to turn a skateboard into a cruiser. Here, I’ll share my experience on whether you can use longboard wheels on a skateboard.
Yes, you can put longboard wheels on a skateboard, I have experimented with it!
Longboard wheels are bigger and softer than skateboard wheels, which means they provide a much smoother ride compared to traditional skateboard wheels, especially when riding on rough pavement or uneven terrains like cracks and small rocks.
They absorb more of the shock and vibrations, which can reduce fatigue and make for a more enjoyable ride.
However, don’t forget to consider the potential tradeoffs in terms of maneuverability and control. I personally find that longboard wheels can make it more difficult to perform certain tricks or maneuvers that require a lot of precision, such as kickflips or 180s.
If you are used to riding on smaller, harder wheels, it may take some time to adjust to the feel of longboard wheels.
That being said, if you are primarily using your skateboard for cruising around town or commuting, longboard wheels can be a great choice. They can help you roll over cracks and bumps with ease, and they provide a more comfortable ride overall.
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of swapping skateboarding wheels with a set of longboard wheels:
Benefits
A smoother ride that feels like gliding on a cloud (or at least a really soft pillow)
More shock absorption
The larger diameter can help you maintain speed and momentum, making it easier to cruise longer distances
Great for commuting or cruising around town while looking cool
Drawbacks
You may sacrifice some maneuverability, making it more difficult to perform certain tricks or sharp turns
It will take some time to get used to the larger and softer wheels
Not ideal for technical skating that requires a lot of control
Can make your skateboard look like a strange hybrid creature that’s neither a skateboard nor a longboard (but maybe that’s a pro?)
How to Put Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard?
Now convinced to replace your skateboard wheels with larger and softer longboard wheels? Here’s the step-by-step guide – follow it to install them easily:
Materials Needed:
Longboard wheels (make sure they are compatible with skateboard trucks)
Skateboard tool (or a wrench and pliers)
Skateboard bearings
Bearing spacer (optional)
Bearing cleaner
A towel or cloth
Steps:
1. Remove your current skateboard wheels: Use your skateboard tool (or a wrench and pliers) to unscrew the nuts on your skateboard wheels. Remove the wheels and bearings from the truck.
2. Clean the bearings: Take your bearings out of your old wheels and clean them thoroughly with a cloth, use bearing cleaner to remove stuck on dirt. This will help ensure that they spin smoothly and don’t get clogged with dirt or debris.
3. Insert bearings into longboard wheels: Insert one bearing into the center of each longboard wheel, making sure it’s seated snugly. You can use a bearing press tool to make this process easier, but it’s not necessary.
4. Insert bearing spacers (optional): If you have bearing spacers, insert one spacer between each bearing in the wheel. This can help ensure that the bearings spin smoothly and evenly.
5. Attach wheels to skateboard truck: Place the longboard wheel onto the truck axle, making sure that the bearings are facing inward. Then, place the second bearing on top of the axle and press down until it clicks into place. Repeat this process for the other three wheels.
6. Tighten the nuts: Use your skateboard tool (or a wrench and pliers) to tighten the nuts on each wheel until they are snug. Make sure not to overtighten, as this can damage the bearings.
7. Test the wheels: Give your skateboard a test ride to make sure that the new wheels feel comfortable and provide the desired ride quality. Adjust the tightness of the nuts if necessary.
Tricks that You can Perform after Putting Longboard Wheels on A Skateboard?
While longboard wheels aren’t ideal for technical street skating, they can open up a whole new world of possibilities for cruising and carving.
Here are some tricks you can try with longboard wheels on your skateboard:
Power slides: The softer durometer of longboard wheels allows for smoother, more controlled slides. You can practice power slides on flat ground or on hills for an extra adrenaline rush.
Manuals: Longboard wheels can make manuals easier and more stable, since they provide a smoother ride and better traction. Try practicing manuals on flat ground and gradually work your way up to longer distances.
Carving: One of the biggest benefits of longboard wheels is their ability to carve smoothly and effortlessly. Practice carving back and forth across a wide open space, and try to build up speed with each turn.
Pivots: Longboard wheels can make pivots smoother and more controlled, since they provide more grip and stability. Practice pivots on flat ground, and try to pivot as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Boneless: How does it sound? Jumping off your board with one foot and then using that foot to push yourself back onto the board while it’s still moving. The smooth ride and shock absorption of longboard wheels can make this trick feel even more satisfying.
Can You Put Any Wheels on A Skateboard?
No! You can’t just slap any kind of wheels on your skateboard and expect them to work perfectly. Let me explain why:
Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, shapes, and hardness levels. These factors can affect the way your skateboard performs, including how fast it goes, how smooth the ride is, and how well it grips the ground.
So, technically, you could physically attach any wheel to your skateboard. But that doesn’t mean it will work well or be safe to ride on.
Here are some true facts about skateboard wheels that will help you understand why you can’t just use any wheel:
Size Matters
Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, usually ranging from 50mm to 75mm in diameter. The size of the wheel affects the speed and smoothness of the ride. If the wheels are too big or too small for your skateboard, it could throw off your balance and make it difficult to ride.
Shape Matters Too
The wheels also come in different shapes and it affects how it grips the ground and how well it slides. If you put a wheel with the wrong shape on your skateboard, it could affect your ability to turn or do tricks.
Hardness Matters
Never ignore the hardness level, it is usually measured on the durometer scale. The harder the wheel, the faster it will go and the more it will slide. Softer wheels will grip the ground better and provide a smoother ride.
If you use wheels with the wrong hardness level, it could affect your speed and control.
Can You Turn A Skateboard into A Cruiser?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, turning a skateboard into a cruiser is a great way to get more use out of your board and enjoy a more relaxed ride. I’ve done this myself and it’s a lot of fun.
To turn your skateboard into a cruiser, all you need to do is swap out your wheels for some bigger, softer ones. This will give your board a smoother ride and make it easier to roll over cracks and bumps in the pavement.
You can also add some riser pads to raise your board off the ground a bit and reduce wheel bite.
I found that turning my skateboard into a cruiser was a great way to explore my city and get around without having to worry too much about doing tricks or going fast. It’s a more leisurely way to ride and perfect for cruising to the beach or just taking in the sights.
We recommend purchasing a complete cruiser boardinstead of altering and assembling your own.
Conclusion
Yes – it’s entirely possible to put longboard wheels on a skateboard, and it can even enhance your riding experience in certain ways. Longboard wheels can provide a smoother ride, better grip on rough surfaces, and less wheel bite, making them a great choice for cruising around town or commuting.
However, keep in mind that switching out your wheels can also have drawbacks, such as decreased maneuverability and slower speeds.
Additionally, altering your board setup can change the way your board feels and performs, so it might affect your comfort level and riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
Can you put longboard wheels on a skateboard?
Yes, you can! Longboard wheels can be mounted on a skateboard to create a smoother ride and provide better performance when cruising.
Is it OK to put cruiser wheels on a skateboard?
Absolutely! Cruiser wheels can be a great option for a skateboard if you are looking for a smoother ride and better performance when cruising.
Can you ollie on longboard wheels?
While it is possible to ollie on longboard wheels, it may not be as easy as with smaller skateboard wheels due to the larger size and softer material of longboard wheels.
Will longboard trucks fit on a skateboard?
In most cases, longboard trucks will not fit on a skateboard due to their larger size. Skateboard trucks are typically narrower and designed to fit the width of a skateboard deck, whereas longboard trucks are wider and designed to fit the width of a longboard deck.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
Yes, absolutely! In fact, turning a skateboard into a cruiser is a great way to get more use out of your board and enjoy a more relaxed ride. I’ve done this myself and it’s a lot of fun.
