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Imagine you are on a skateboard.You want to go to the park.But the road is bumpy.Your skateboard wheels are loud and shaky.That's no fun, right?But wait, there's a solution!It's called skateboard cruiser wheels.These wheels are special.They are made for smooth and comfy rides.They help you roll over cracks and bumps easily.This article will tell you all about skateboard cruiser wheels.You will learn why they are different from other wheels.We will talk about size and hardness.And we will help you pick the best skateboard cruiser wheels for your fun rides.
Feature | Cruiser Wheels | Why it Matters |
---|---|---|
Softness (Durometer) | Softer (75a-85a) | More grip, smoother ride on rough surfaces. Great for comfort. |
Hardness (Durometer) | Harder (85a+) | Faster on smooth surfaces, less grip. Good for skateparks or sliding. |
Size (Diameter) | Larger (55mm-65mm+) | Faster speed, rolls over obstacles easier. Good for cruising longer distances. |
Size (Diameter) | Smaller (50mm-54mm) | Quicker acceleration, lighter setup. Good for tricks and skateparks. |
Best for | Cruising, Commuting, Rough Roads | Comfortable and smooth rides are the main goal. |
What are Skateboard Cruiser Wheels and Why are They Different?
What Are Skateboard Cruiser Wheels And Why Are They Different
Rolling Smooth: Not Like Regular Wheels
Ever tried to ride a skateboard on a sidewalk that's all cracked and bumpy?It feels like your teeth are gonna rattle out, right?That's because regular skateboard wheels are hard and made for smooth skateparks.But what if I told you there are special wheels?Wheels that make those bumpy rides feel like you're floating on a cloud?These magical wheels are called .Think of them like the difference between a monster truck and a comfy car.Monster truck wheels are big and tough for smashing stuff.Comfy car wheels are smooth for driving your family around without spilling your juice box.Cruiser wheels are the comfy car wheels of the skateboard world!
Soft and Grippy: Like Sticky Candy
So, what makes cruiser wheels so comfy?It's all about being soft and grippy.Imagine regular skateboard wheels are like hard candies.They roll fast on smooth floors, but slip easily on anything rough.Cruiser wheels, though, are like sticky candies, like gummy bears!They are made of squishy stuff called soft urethane.This squishy stuff helps them grip the ground better.When you roll over cracks or little rocks, these soft wheels soak up the bumps.It is like having tiny shock absorbers on your skateboard.This means you don't get shaken around as much.Plus, because they grip better, you can push less and roll further.It is way easier to just cruise along and enjoy the ride.Have you ever wondered how to start smoothly? Cruiser wheels are your answer for skateboards!
Bigger and Faster (Sometimes): Like Big Donuts
Another cool thing about skateboard cruiser wheels is their size.Often, they are a bit bigger than regular skateboard wheels.Think of them like donuts.Regular wheels are like small donut holes, quick and easy to eat in one bite.Cruiser wheels can be like big, fluffy donuts.Bigger wheels roll over stuff easier.And once they get going, they keep rolling for longer.This means you can go faster with less pushing.It's like when you are going downhill on a bike.Once you get going, you zoom, right?Larger cruiser wheels give you that zooming feeling on your skateboard, but for just cruising around town.So, if you want to make your skateboard rides smoother, comfier, and more fun, cruiser wheels are the way to go!
Choosing the Right Size and Hardness for Your Skateboard Cruiser Wheels
Choosing The Right Size And Hardness For Your Skateboard Cruiser Wheels
Size Matters: Finding Your Wheel Sweet Spot
so now we're talking about size.When it comes to , size is like choosing your pizza.Do you want a small personal pizza or a giant party pizza?Small wheels, around 54mm, are like personal pizzas.They get going fast, like when you quickly learn how to start smoothly on a snowboard.They are zippy and easy to push to get up to speed.But bigger wheels, say 59mm to 65mm and up, are the party pizzas.They might take a little more effort to get started, but once they're rolling, they keep rolling.Imagine trying to roll a small pebble versus a big rock – the big rock keeps going, right?It is the same with wheels.Bigger wheels roll over cracks and bumps easier and hold their speed for longer.If you are cruising far or your streets are kinda rough, go for bigger wheels.If you like quick turns and a lighter board, smaller wheels might be your jam.
Hardness is Key: Soft or Hard Wheels?
Next up is hardness, or as skateboarders say, durometer.This is like choosing between a soft gummy bear and a hard jawbreaker.Wheel hardness is measured with a number and a letter "a," like 78a or 85a.The lower the number, the softer the wheel.Softer wheels, like 78a to 82a, are your gummy bears.They are squishy and grippy.They soak up bumps and make your ride super smooth, even on rough ground.Think of it like how to do a snowboard carve in powder snow – it's all smooth and flowy because the snow is soft.Harder wheels, like 85a and up, are more like jawbreakers.They are firm and roll super fast on smooth surfaces like glass or a skatepark floor.But on rougher ground, you will feel every little bump and crack.For cruising around town where the ground might not be perfect, softer wheels are your best friend.They will make your ride comfy and fun, not shaky and loud.
Wheel Size | Pros | Cons | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Small (50-54mm) | Quick acceleration, lighter | Slower top speed, bumps felt more | Skateparks, very smooth surfaces |
Medium (55-60mm) | Good balance of speed and acceleration | Slightly less smooth on rough surfaces | All-around cruising, mixed surfaces |
Large (60mm+) | Fast top speed, smooth over cracks | Slower acceleration, heavier | Long distances, rough roads |
Finding the Perfect Skateboard Cruiser Wheels for Your Ride
Match Your Wheels to Your Mission
so you know about sizes and hardness.But how do you pick the skateboard cruiser wheels that are just right for you?Think about where you are going to skate the most.Are you rolling around your neighborhood?Are the streets cracked like an old sidewalk?Or are you lucky enough to have smooth bike paths?If your streets are rough, you want softer, bigger wheels.Imagine trying to do a snowboard carve on ice versus powder.Powder is smooth and forgiving, like soft wheels on rough roads.Hard wheels on rough roads?That's like carving on ice – slippery and shaky!For bumpy city streets, go for wheels around 78a to 82a hardness and maybe 58mm to 65mm in size.These will soak up all those cracks and pebbles like a champ.If you are mostly on smooth paths or boardwalks, you can go a bit harder, maybe 83a to 85a, for a faster roll.Size can be a bit smaller too, like 55mm to 60mm, if you want a board that's easier to carry around.
Brands and Where to Buy
Now, where do you find these magical skateboard cruiser wheels?Lots of skate shops online and in real life sell them.Brands like Orangatang, Sector 9, and Bones Wheels are known for making good cruiser wheels.These brands are like the best snowboarding boards brands - you know you are getting quality.When you are shopping, look for wheels that say "cruiser" or "soft" or have a durometer around 78a-85a.Websites like UrbanBoarding and Skatewarehouse (mentioned before!) are great places to check out different brands and read what other skaters say in reviews.Don't just pick the coolest looking color (though that's fun too!).Read the descriptions and think about the hardness and size.And hey, if you are not sure, ask someone at a skate shop!They can help you find the perfect wheels for your ride.Getting the right wheels is like getting the right snowboarding gloves - it makes a huge difference in how much fun you have!
Wheel Type | Hardness (Durometer) | Size (Diameter) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Rough Street Cruiser | 78a - 82a | 58mm - 65mm | Bumpy roads, sidewalks, comfort |
Smooth Path Cruiser | 83a - 85a | 55mm - 60mm | Smooth pavement, bike paths, speed |
Rolling Away with the Right Wheels
So, you've learned a lot about skateboard cruiser wheels.They are your ticket to smoother, more enjoyable rides.Remember, softer wheels are better for bumpy roads and comfort.Larger wheels help you go faster.Think about where you will be skating most.Is it rough streets or smooth paths?Choosing the right skateboard cruiser wheels makes a big difference.It can turn a shaky, loud ride into a super fun cruise.Now, go out there and find your perfect set of wheels!Enjoy the smooth roll and happy skating!