For as long as skateboarding has existed, the debate over which trucks turn the fastest, grind the best, and last the longest has raged on. Every brand boasts its unique features, and while there’s no definitive “best,” some are certainly considered less desirable than others. Dive into the fascinating world of these essential metal components with a list of facts that might just blow your mind.
1. The First Shop to Sell Skateboard Trucks Still Exists
In 1962, Val Surf in Los Angeles became the pioneering shop to sell trucks specifically for skateboards. They sourced trucks and wheels from a roller skate company and assembled DIY boards with the help of local high school students, marking a pivotal moment in skateboarding history.
Val Surf store front
2. The Thrasher vs. Transworld Rivalry Stemmed From Trucks
The iconic rivalry between Thrasher Magazine and Transworld Skateboarding is rooted in skateboard trucks. In 1981, Fausto Vitello, co-owner of Independent Trucks, launched Thrasher to promote his brand and others. Larry Balma, owner of Tracker Trucks, followed suit two years later with Transworld. This led to the clash of ideologies: “Skate and Destroy” (Thrasher) versus “Skate and Create” (Transworld), both fueled by their respective truck companies.
3. The Word “Truck” Is Over 1800 Years Old
The term “truck,” short for “truckle,” meaning “small wheel or roller,” has ancient origins. Derived from the Latin word “trochlea” and the Greek “trokhos,” early trucks were the small wheels on which ships’ guns were mounted. Over time, the term evolved to describe items carrying heavy loads, like hand trucks, and eventually motor trucks like pickups and semi-trucks.
4. The Kingpin Gets Its Name From Bowling
The term “kingpin” also has interesting origins. In bowling, the number one pin is known as the kingpin because knocking it down causes the other pins to fall. Similarly, in mechanics, the main point in a steering mechanism is called the kingpin because its failure leads to a cascade of other issues.
5. Venture Trucks Paved the Way for Ledge Skating
In the late 80s, street skaters realized that performing noseslides and tailslides would damage their hardware due to scraping against ledges. Skaters like Ocean Howell and Jason Rothmeyer began drilling new holes further back in their baseplates to solve this issue. However, Greg Carroll, when he took over Venture Trucks, claims to be the first to make this change. Regardless, in 1992, Venture released an ad showcasing a new baseplate with a six-hole pattern, solidifying its place in ledge skating history.
Close up of skateboard kingpin
6. Venture Trucks Were Likely the First to Grind Handrails
While Tobin Yelland captured Danny Sargent performing a 50-50 on a handrail in 1988 on Indys, and Ed Templeton was also famously seen on Thunders doing the same, some claim that Mark Gonzalez was the first to 50-50 a handrail in 1987 while riding for Venture. This early adoption of handrail skating cemented Venture’s role in pushing the boundaries of street skating.
7. Independent Offers a Lifetime Guarantee on Their Trucks
Independent Trucks stands by their product, offering a lifetime guarantee on all their trucks since their inception. If you’re not satisfied, they’ll replace them, no questions asked, a testament to their quality and commitment to skaters.
Skateboard trucks on coping
8. Old Stages of Independent Trucks are Highly Sought After
Over the years, Indy has updated its designs, releasing new “stages.” From the original Stage I to the current Stage XI, some skaters swear by specific stages. Geoff Rowley famously rides Stage VIIs, and Gilbert Crockett prefers Stage VIIIs. This has created a thriving secondary market, where older models fetch high prices due to their unique feel.
9. Ace Trucks Draws Inspiration from Independent Designs
The original Ace truck design bears a striking resemblance to older Independent designs. Joey Tershay, the founder of Ace, has said he found a box of old truck parts from various brands at the factory he worked at. Ace was created through trial and error by combining various design elements, highlighting the influence of older truck designs on modern models.
Ace truck compared to Independent truck
10. Independent Has Been a Bestseller Since 1978
Independent Trucks quickly dominated the market, accounting for 50% of all skateboard trucks sold in their debut year (1978). They remain a top-selling brand globally, reflecting their enduring popularity and influence in the skateboarding world.
11. There’s No Industry Standard for Truck Sizing
Just like denim sizes, skateboard truck sizing can be confusing. What’s a 5.0 in Venture might be a 139 in Independent. The lack of a standardized sizing system stems from the early days of skateboarding, where roller skate measurements were initially used. Independent’s decision to switch to millimeters, believing it sounded “cooler,” further complicated the issue.
Skateboard trucks with weed
12. Many Pros Ride Their Trucks Until They’re Worn Out
Despite having access to unlimited gear, many professional skaters ride their trucks until they’re unusable. Louie Barletta, for example, will use old hangers on new baseplates, while some pros have even been known to reclaim their used trucks from fans in exchange for new ones. On the other hand, Tony Hawk is known for skating the newest gear, setting up a fresh complete board each time he switches.
13. Some Pros Go to Extreme Lengths to Modify Their Trucks
Professional skaters often have unique preferences when it comes to their setup. Rodney Mullen famously taped loose ball bearings under his trucks to add weight. Nestor Judkins glues the nut to his kingpin to allow for looser trucks, and Tyson Peterson bizarrely wraps caution tape around his back truck for reasons unknown.
14. You Can Use Trucks for Smuggling (Not Recommended!)
There’s a hollow area within most truck baseplates, which was a popular spot for hiding things like weed back in the day, as rumors circulated that X-ray machines couldn’t detect items within the metal.
Hollow area of a skateboard truck baseplate
15. You Can Smoke Out of Some Hollow Trucks
Hollow truck axles, designed to keep boards lightweight, can be used as makeshift pipes in a pinch. While not their intended purpose, this is an interesting, albeit slightly obscure, fact.
16. The Slappy Was Invented in a Skatepark Parking Lot
John Lucero invented the slappy after being kicked out of Del Mar Skatepark. Forced to hang out in the parking lot with friends, they accidentally created a trick that continues to entertain skaters to this day.
These surprising facts reveal the intricate history and the often overlooked details of skateboard trucks. From their ancient origins to their pivotal role in skateboarding culture, trucks are more than just hunks of metal; they are an integral part of the skateboarding experience.
Sources:
- “On a Day With No Wave – A Chronical of Skateboarding” by Raphaël Zarka
- Various Instagram posts and articles referenced throughout the text.
