Wheelbite: the dreaded sudden stop that can send you flying. This comprehensive guide explores the causes of wheelbite and provides effective solutions to keep you rolling smoothly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, learn how to prevent this common longboarding issue and enjoy a safer, more enjoyable ride.
Understanding Wheelbite
Wheelbite occurs when your wheels make contact with your deck, typically during aggressive turns. This sudden contact disrupts your momentum and can lead to falls. Let’s break down the various factors that contribute to wheelbite:
Causes of Wheelbite
- Aggressive Turning: While not the sole cause, hard carving can trigger wheelbite if other contributing factors are present.
- Loose Trucks/Soft Bushings: Trucks that are too loose or bushings that are too soft for your weight allow excessive lean, increasing the likelihood of wheelbite.
- Large Wheels: Bigger wheels decrease the clearance between the wheel and the deck, making wheelbite more prone.
- Low Ride Height Trucks: Trucks with a low profile minimize the distance between the axle and the deck, making wheelbite more likely.
- Lack of Wheel Wells: Wheel wells are concave sections carved into the deck to provide extra clearance for the wheels. Decks without wheel wells are more susceptible to wheelbite.
- Low-Angle Trucks: These trucks lean more than they turn, increasing the risk of the wheels contacting the deck.
- Flush Mounting: This mounting style lowers the trucks, bringing the axle closer to the deck and increasing the chance of wheelbite.
Solutions for Eliminating Wheelbite
Here are several ways to address wheelbite, ranging from quick fixes to more involved solutions:
Quick Fixes
- Wax Wheel Wells: Applying wax to the potential contact points can reduce friction and prevent a hard stop.
- Tighten Trucks: Tightening your trucks slightly limits their lean.
- Moderate Turning: Avoid excessively aggressive turns.
Equipment Upgrades
- Risers: Risers increase the distance between the deck and trucks.
- Harder Bushings: Stiffer bushings restrict truck lean.
- More Voluminous Bushings: Bushings with greater volume offer more resistance to leaning.
- Cupped Washers: These washers can limit truck lean.
- Smaller Wheels: Reduce wheel size to increase clearance.
- Higher-Angle Trucks: These trucks prioritize turning over leaning.
Advanced Solutions
- Wedge Risers: These angled risers increase turn and ride height.
- Sanding Wheel Wells: Create or deepen wheel wells for increased clearance.
- New Board/Setup: Invest in a longboard designed to minimize wheelbite.
Finding the Right Solution
The optimal approach often involves a combination of solutions. Experiment to find what works best for your riding style and setup. By understanding the causes and implementing the right solutions, you can eliminate wheelbite and enjoy a safer and more exhilarating longboarding experience.
