Can Longboard Wheels Fit Skateboard Trucks? Find The Truth

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Ever looked at a longboard's huge wheels and wondered if they could work on your skateboard? It's a fair question, and the answer isn't a straight yes or no. It's more like a "maybe, with some tweaks." The core of the issue is, that while both types of boards use similar trucks, the wheel sizes are very different. This difference can lead to problems if you're not careful. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about fitting longboard wheels on skateboard trucks. We will explore the compatibility, the risks involved, and the potential benefits. By the end, you will be well-informed to decide if this is a good idea for your setup. We'll cover how to avoid the dreaded "wheelbite", when your wheels rub against the board, and whether you will get a better ride overall. So, grab your board, and let's roll into the details of whether longboard wheels can fit skateboard trucks.

Can Longboard Wheels Fit on Skateboard Trucks? Understanding Compatibility

The Basics of Wheel and Truck Fit

Okay, so you've seen those huge, smooth wheels on longboards and wondered if they could make your skateboard feel like a magic carpet, right? Well, the good news is, they *can* fit on your skateboard trucks! It's like how Lego bricks from different sets can still snap together. The part of the wheel that attaches to the truck, called the core, is pretty much the same size for both skateboards and longboards. So, physically, you can put longboard wheels on skateboard trucks. But, just like trying to fit a giant puzzle piece into a small spot, there are some things we have to think about.

It's All About the Core

Think of it like this: the core is the key. As long as the core of the longboard wheel matches the axle of your skateboard truck, it’ll go on. It's not about the fancy outer rubber part of the wheel. It’s about the inner plastic part that slides onto the metal rod. It’s a bit like swapping out tires on a car. The new ones have to fit the wheel hubs, and the same rule applies here. But, just because you *can* doesn't mean you *should* without a little planning. We need to consider things like the size of the wheel and how it might interact with your board. It's all about making sure everything works together smoothly.

Want to learn more about how the parts are made? Check out how skateboard trucks are made and see the process.

Wheel Size Matters: Avoiding Wheelbite When Using Longboard Wheels on Skateboard Trucks

The Wheelbite Monster

Here's where things get a little tricky. Longboard wheels are big, like monster truck tires compared to your skateboard wheels. This size difference can cause a problem called "wheelbite." Imagine your wheels are so big that when you turn, they rub against the bottom of your board. That's wheelbite, and it's not fun. It can make you stop suddenly, or even worse, send you flying off your board! We want to avoid that at all costs. It's like trying to wear shoes that are way too big, you're gonna trip and fall.

Riser Pads to the Rescue

So, how do we tame this wheelbite monster? The answer is "riser pads." These are like little spacers that you put between your trucks and your board. They lift your board up a bit, giving those big longboard wheels more room to spin freely. It's like putting a lift kit on a truck to make bigger tires fit. Riser pads are essential if you're going with bigger wheels. They are not optional if you want to avoid ending up kissing the pavement. This simple fix can make a world of difference in your ride, allowing you to turn without any nasty surprises.

• Riser pads are like small spacers.
• They increase the distance between the wheel and the board.
• They prevent wheelbite.

Riser pads can help prevent wheelbite but there are other things you should know. Let's take a look at why skateboarders don't wear helmets to see the risks involved.

The Benefits and Tradeoffs of Using Longboard Wheels on Skateboard Trucks

Smooth Cruising vs. Trick Mastery

Okay, let's talk about why you might *want* to put longboard wheels on your skateboard. The main reason is to make your ride smoother, especially on rough surfaces. Longboard wheels are like pillows for your board. They roll over cracks and bumps much easier than smaller skateboard wheels. You'll feel like you're floating on a cloud. It is great for just cruising around and getting from point A to point B. However, there's a trade off, using longboard wheels on a skateboard makes doing tricks harder.

The Best of Both Worlds?

But here's the thing: a skateboard with longboard wheels is not the best at either skateboarding or longboarding. It's a bit of a hybrid. You might not be able to do the best street tricks, but you can have a smoother ride. It's like trying to play basketball with a baseball glove. It might work, but it's not ideal. It’s really about figuring out what's most important to you. Do you want speed and smooth rolling? Or do you want to master those flip tricks? It is a personal choice.

"The best skateboard setup is the one that feels best for you." - A wise skater.

Is there any health benefits to skateboarding? Read will skateboarding help me lose weight to find out more

Matching Your Setup: Truck Width and Board Size for Longboard Wheels on Skateboards

Truck Width and Board Harmony

Now, let’s talk about your trucks. They need to match the width of your skateboard. It's like making sure your shoes match your feet. If your trucks are too narrow, the wheels will stick out too much. If they are too wide, it'll feel awkward to turn. You want everything to be in sync. It's not just about getting longboard wheels to fit; it's about making sure your whole board works well together.

Finding the Right Balance

Think about it like this: you wouldn't put a small engine in a big truck, would you? You need the right size parts to make the whole thing work. The same goes for your board. The size of your board, the width of your trucks, and the size of your wheels all need to work together. You want a setup that feels balanced and comfortable. It’s all about finding what works best for your style and preference. It is like finding the perfect pizza toppings, it's all about personal taste.

Did you know that some surfers use skateboards to practice? See does skateboarding help with surfing.

Wheel Size Matters: Avoiding Wheelbite When Using Longboard Wheels on Skateboard Trucks

The Wheelbite Monster

Okay, so imagine your skateboard is a tiny race car, and your wheels are the tires. Now, you're thinking of putting huge monster truck tires on that little car. That's kinda what it's like when you put longboard wheels on a skateboard. The problem? Those big wheels can rub against the bottom of your board when you turn. We call that "wheelbite," and it's like your car’s tire getting stuck and stopping suddenly. Not cool, right? It can make you fall, and nobody wants to kiss the pavement. It’s like trying to squeeze into jeans that are way too small—things just aren't gonna fit right.

Riser Pads to the Rescue

So, how do we fix this wheelbite problem? Enter riser pads! They are like tiny little platforms that go between your trucks and your board. Think of them as mini-lifts for your skateboard. They raise your board a bit, giving those bigger longboard wheels more space to spin without hitting the board. It's like putting a small ramp under your car so the tires don't rub against the body. It’s a simple fix, but it makes a huge difference. Without them, you're basically asking for trouble. It's like trying to build a tower without a solid base, it's gonna topple over.

Want to know more? Check out and stay safe!

Wheel Size Limits

Now, here's a rule of thumb: if your longboard wheels are bigger than 70mm, you're almost definitely going to need riser pads. It's like trying to fit a giant pizza into a regular box, it just won't work without some adjustments. Those extra millimeters add up. It's not just about the height, but also the width of the wheel. A bigger wheel can reach further and cause more wheelbite. It's like trying to wear a shoe that's three sizes too big, you're gonna trip.

Why Bigger Wheels Can Be Tricky

Think about it: when you turn, your wheels don't just spin straight, they tilt and move sideways a bit. That's where the wheelbite happens. The bigger the wheel, the more it moves and the more likely it is to hit your board. It's like trying to walk through a narrow door with a huge backpack, you're going to bump into something. So, you gotta be smart about your wheel size. If you want to avoid problems, start with a small size and work your way up. It's like learning to ride a bike, you start slow and then you go fast.

• Bigger wheels need more space.
• 70mm+ wheels usually need riser pads.
• Wheelbite is bad.

Are you wondering how they make these wheels? See how skateboard wheels are made!

The Benefits and Tradeoffs of Using Longboard Wheels on Skateboard Trucks

Alright, let's get real about why you might wanna try longboard wheels on your skateboard. It's like, imagine your regular skateboard wheels are those tiny, hard plastic wheels on a shopping cart, and longboard wheels are like the big, bouncy ones on a fancy stroller. The main reason people do this is for a smoother ride. Longboard wheels are softer and bigger, so they roll over cracks and bumps like they're not even there. It's like floating on a cloud, especially if you're just cruising around town. They also give you more speed, which can be super fun. You can cover more ground with less effort. I mean, who doesn't want to go faster, right?

But, it's not all sunshine and smooth rides. There's a trade-off, like everything else in life. When you put longboard wheels on a skateboard, you're kind of making it a hybrid board. It's not a pure skateboard, and it's not a pure longboard. It's like trying to use a fork to eat soup; it'll kinda work, but it's not the best tool for the job. You might find that doing tricks is a lot harder. Those big wheels are heavy, and they don’t respond as quickly as smaller skateboard wheels. It's like trying to do a dance routine in snow boots – possible, but not pretty. You'll lose some of that snappy, quick feeling that you get with regular skateboard wheels. It's a personal choice, really, do you want to cruise or do you want to do tricks? This is the question you should ask yourself.

can be a fun way to exercise, but the setup matters.

It's like choosing between a comfy couch and a race car seat, each has its own purpose. Some people might really enjoy the hybrid experience, it's like having a car that can go offroad and fast. Others might prefer a more specialized board. I think it’s all about what you want from your ride. It's like, if you want to go fast on the highway, you would not use a bike. If you want to go off-road, you would not use a sport car. If you just want to cruise around and get from one place to another, then longboard wheels are the way to go. But if you are trying to do tricks, then you might want to stick with your regular skateboard wheels. It’s all about your preference and your goals.

Want to know more about the history of skating? Check out where skateboarding began, it's a wild story.

So, putting longboard wheels on a skateboard can be like adding a turbocharger to a regular car. You get more speed, and it’s great for long distances, but you lose some of that quick handling. It's not necessarily better or worse, just different. You have to weigh the pros and cons, and decide what's more important to you. It's like choosing between a burger and a salad, both are good, but they serve different purposes. Some people will say that it’s like putting a big engine into a small car, it can be fun but you will lose some of the handling. It’s all a matter of personal taste. I think you should try both to see which one you like better.

"The best setup is the one that makes you want to skate more." - A wise skater.

• Longboard wheels offer a smooth ride.
• They make tricks harder.
• It's a trade-off.

Curious about how these wheels are made? See .

Matching Your Setup: Truck Width and Board Size for Longboard Wheels on Skateboards

Truck Width and Board Harmony

Okay, imagine your skateboard trucks are like the shoes for your board. They gotta fit right, or you're gonna have a bad time. If your trucks are too narrow, your longboard wheels will stick out like crazy, like wearing clown shoes! And if they're too wide, it'll feel super awkward when you try to turn, like your shoes are glued to the ground. You need the trucks to be the same width as your skateboard, that way everything works together smoothly. It's not just about getting the wheels to fit; it's about making sure your whole setup feels balanced and comfortable, so you can actually enjoy your ride. It's like making sure your socks fit your shoes, a small detail that makes a big difference. I think It's important to get this right, otherwise your ride will feel off.

Finding the Right Balance

Think of your board, trucks, and wheels as a team. They all need to work together, like the gears in a bike. You wouldn't put a tiny little engine in a giant truck, would you? It's the same with your skateboard. You need the right sized parts to make the whole thing roll properly. The size of your board, the width of your trucks, and the size of your wheels all need to be friends. It's about finding that sweet spot where everything feels balanced and you're not wobbling all over the place. You want a setup that feels like an extension of you, not something you're fighting against. It's like finding the perfect pizza toppings, it's all about personal taste and balance. I've tried some weird combinations but the best ones are when everything just fits together.

Want to know more about how they're made? See .

Board Size and Wheel Compatibility

The size of your board also plays a part in this whole equation. If you have a super small board, putting huge longboard wheels on it might look a bit goofy and it might not even work properly. It's like trying to put monster truck tires on a mini cooper, it just doesn't make sense. You've got to think about proportions, and how the size of your board will affect the way your wheels perform. A bigger board will generally handle larger wheels better, while a smaller board might feel more responsive with smaller wheels. It's like choosing the right size of shoes for your feet, it makes a big difference in how you feel. The key is to find a good match between your board, trucks, and wheels. It's a bit like a puzzle, you have to find the right pieces to make it work.

Personalizing Your Ride

Ultimately, it's all about what you like and what feels best for you. There isn't one single perfect way to set up your board. It's like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream, it's a personal thing. Some people love the smooth ride of longboard wheels, while others prefer the snappiness of skateboard wheels for tricks. It's totally fine to experiment and try different things to see what you like best. Think of it as customizing your own personal ride, it's all part of the fun. It's about finding what makes you want to get out there and skate. I've seen some crazy setups that I would never try, but they work for those skaters. It's all about what you enjoy.

Did you know that some surfers use skateboards to practice? See .

Final Thoughts

So, can you slap some longboard wheels on your skateboard and call it a day? Yes, you generally can, but it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. It's about understanding the trade-offs. You might gain some speed and a smoother ride, but you could also end up with a board that's a bit awkward to handle. The key is to consider your board size, truck width, and wheel size. If you're just cruising around, longboard wheels can be a fun experiment. But, if you're looking for high-performance skateboarding or longboarding, you might be better off sticking with a setup designed for your specific purpose. Think of it like putting off-road tires on a sports car—it might work, but it's not always ideal. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and now you have the knowledge to make the right one.