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Kick off your journey through skateboarding history with a look at the iconic 70s skateboard wheels that revolutionized the sport. From the early days of clay and steel to the rise of polyurethane, kizworld explores the evolution of these crucial components. Discover the brands, designs, and innovations that made 70s skateboard wheels legendary.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Materials | Early 70s: Clay, steel, wood. Late 70s: Polyurethane. |
Size | Smaller and narrower than modern wheels, typically under 65mm. |
Hardness | Harder than modern wheels for a fast and grippy ride on smooth surfaces. |
Popular Brands | Road Rider, Bennett, Cadillac Wheels, Kryptonics, OJ Wheels |
Impact | Revolutionized skateboarding with improved performance, durability, and design possibilities. Paved the way for modern skateboarding. |
The Rise of 70s Skateboard Wheels
Picture this: it's the 1970s, and skateboarding is changing. Imagine kids moving from sidewalks to empty pools, wanting to do more than just roll around. That's where 70s skateboard wheels come in! Before this, wheels were made from clay, steel, or even wood – can you believe it? They weren't great for speed or tricks. But then came polyurethane, a kind of tough plastic. It was like magic! Suddenly, wheels were faster, grippier, and could handle those cool pool tricks.
Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Clay | Cheap | Slow, bumpy ride |
Steel | Durable | Heavy, slippery |
Wood | Natural | Rough ride, wore out quickly |
Polyurethane | Fast, smooth, grippy | More expensive (but worth it!) |
This change in material wasn't just about going faster; it was about freedom and style. Think about it like this: if your skateboard is like a car, the wheels are its tires. Better tires mean you can go further and do cooler things, right? With polyurethane wheels, skateboarders could finally push their limits, inventing tricks we still see today. It was like the sport got a turbo boost! The 70s were a time of experimentation, and wheel design got really creative. Companies tried different shapes, sizes, and even colors. Want to learn more about how to train like a skateboarder? Check out our article how to train like a skateboarder.
This led to a whole new world of possibilities. Skateboarding wasn't just for kids anymore; it was becoming a culture, a way of life. And those 70s skateboard wheels? They were rolling right along with it, paving the way for the incredible sport we know and love today. These innovations weren't just happening in a vacuum. Skateboarders, always eager to push boundaries, were experimenting alongside manufacturers. They provided invaluable feedback, helping to shape the evolution of wheel design and performance. This collaborative spirit is something that continues to define skateboarding culture today. Want to learn more about skateboarding? Check out our article how to get started with skateboarding.
The Rise of 70s Skateboard Wheels
Materials and Manufacturing: How 70s Skateboard Wheels Were Made
You know how in skateboarding, your wheels are like your shoes? Well, back in the early 70s, those "shoes" were pretty clunky! Imagine trying to do a cool trick on wheels made of clay, steel, or even wood. They were slow, bumpy, and wore out super fast. Not exactly ideal for shredding, right? But then came this awesome invention: polyurethane! It's a kind of tough plastic that totally changed the game. Polyurethane wheels were like lightning compared to the old ones – faster, smoother, and they gripped the pavement like glue.
From Clunky to Cool: The Polyurethane Revolution
This new material wasn't just about speed, though. It was like giving skateboarders a whole new level of control. They could finally carve those smooth lines and pull off tricks they could only dream of before. Plus, polyurethane wheels were way more durable, so you wouldn't have to replace them every other day. It was a win-win! Speaking of wins, check out this article about the top skateboarding competitions – you'll be amazed by the skills these riders have!
Material | Durability | Speed | Grip |
|---|---|---|---|
Clay | Low | Low | Low |
Steel | High | Medium | Low |
Wood | Low | Low | Medium |
Polyurethane | High | High | High |
Materials and Manufacturing: How 70s Skateboard Wheels Were Made
Popular 70s Skateboard Wheel Brands
Okay, imagine this: you're at the skatepark in the 70s, and everyone's showing off their moves. But you know what really catches your eye? The wheels! Back then, some brands were like the rock stars of the skateboard world. Road Rider, for instance, was known for its super smooth and fast wheels – perfect for carving up those empty pools. Then there was Bennett, famous for its colorful and grippy wheels that helped skaters pull off those radical new tricks. And let's not forget Cadillac Wheels, known for their iconic red urethane and innovative designs. These brands weren't just selling wheels; they were selling a lifestyle, a piece of the skateboarding dream. They fueled the creativity and innovation that defined the era, and their influence can still be felt today. Speaking of innovation, ever wondered about the evolution of skate ramps? Check out this cool article on skate ramps – you'll be amazed by how they've changed!
Brand | Known For | Impact |
|---|---|---|
Road Rider | Smooth, fast wheels | Popularized polyurethane, set a new standard for performance |
Bennett | Colorful, grippy wheels | Known for innovation and style, pushed the boundaries of wheel design |
Cadillac Wheels | Iconic red urethane, unique designs | Associated with high quality and performance, a favorite among pro skaters |
Popular 70s Skateboard Wheel Brands
The Legacy of 70s Skateboard Wheels
The 70s weren't just about cool music and funky clothes; they were a turning point for skateboarding, and the wheels played a HUGE part. Think about it: those innovations in wheel design and materials didn't just disappear. They sparked a revolution that's still rolling today! The polyurethane wheels we use now? They owe a big thank you to the 70s. Those early experiments with different shapes, sizes, and materials laid the groundwork for the high-performance wheels that let skaters push their limits today. Whether it's hitting a vert ramp or landing a complicated trick on the streets, it all traces back to the ingenuity of the 70s. Want to learn more about how to choose the right skateboard? Check out our article how to choose the right skateboard.
And it's not just about the tech stuff. The 70s established skateboarding as a culture, a way of life, and the wheels were a symbol of that freedom and rebellion. Those iconic brands like Road Rider and Bennett weren't just selling wheels; they were selling a dream, a sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself. So, the next time you see a skateboard, remember those 70s pioneers who dared to dream big and put their own spin on the sport. They didn't just change the wheels; they changed the game forever. Want to learn more about skateboarding? Check out our article how to get started with skateboarding.
The Legacy of 70s Skateboard Wheels
Final Thought
70s skateboard wheels weren't just about getting from point A to point B; they represented a cultural shift, a statement of freedom and rebellion. The innovation born in that era laid the groundwork for the diverse and dynamic world of skateboarding we know and love today. So, next time you see a vintage board or a modern wheel, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of the 70s and the wheels that kept the revolution rolling.