Cruising on a skateboard is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the world around you. However, the right setup can make all the difference between a smooth, effortless glide and a bone-jarring, teeth-chattering ride. If you’re aiming for that smooth cruising vibe, you’ll need to consider specific components that cater to this style of skating. This guide will help you choose the best skateboard setup for cruising, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater.
Understanding the Essentials for a Great Cruising Setup
To get the most out of your cruising experience, it’s essential to have quality parts that work together in harmony. A typical setup should include:
- Deck: While deck preferences can vary, a portable deck is key for convenient cruising.
- Wheels: Aim for wheels between 56mm and 68mm with a durometer below 80A for a softer ride.
- Trucks: High trucks that match the width of your deck will provide the necessary stability.
- Bearings: Invest in quality bearings to maintain speed and ensure smooth rolling.
- Riser Pads: Consider 1/8″ risers if you’re using wheels over 60mm to prevent wheel bite.
You have several options: modify a regular skateboard, get a dedicated cruiser board, or go with a longboard. Let’s explore these choices in more detail.
Three different cruiser skateboard setups, one with larger soft wheels, another with smaller harder wheels and a third dedicated cruiser board
Transforming a Regular Skateboard into a Cruiser
One of the most economical ways to create a cruising setup is by modifying a regular skateboard. If you already have a board, you can simply add softer wheels, riser pads, and possibly new bearings. If you need a skateboard, try looking for a used one, which can often be found at a good price.
Cruiser Setup Option One: Big Wheels for Smooth Rides
For those who want to cruise without focusing on tricks, a setup with risers and 63mm 78A Fatty Hawgs wheels can work surprisingly well. These bigger wheels enhance the board’s responsiveness, although it’s not ideal for ollies or kickflips. The key to this setup is the wheels. Use risers for more clearance and ensure the wheels aren’t bigger than 65mm for optimal stability and responsiveness. Wheels bigger than 65mm can feel unstable.
The rest of the setup could include an 8.0″ or wider deck, perhaps even an old school deck, paired with standard trucks. Consider upgrading your bearings as well if they are old.
Cruiser Setup Option Two: A Balance Between Cruising and Tricks
This setup allows for a bit of cruising while still being able to perform tricks. While not ideal for long distances, this option provides a smooth ride that requires more pushing. It involves a regular 8.0″ deck with Indy trucks and 56mm Ricta Clouds wheels at 92A durometer. For a smoother ride, opting for 86A wheels could be better. This setup is a great compromise if you want to practice tricks while still enjoying a decent cruise.
Custom Cruiser/Trick Setup
A custom setup combining elements of both cruising and trick riding can be very effective. This option features an 8.5″ maple deck, 8.5″ Grind King trucks (although Independent 149’s or Venture trucks would be better), Bronson RAW bearings and Bones ATF 56mm/80A durometer wheels. This setup is super smooth and comfortable and still makes it possible to do ollies and flips without needing risers.
Custom cruiser trick skateboard with black trucks and deck, neon green wheels and silver bearings
Here are the specs for this custom setup:
- Bones ATF 56mm/80A durometer
- Bronson RAW bearings
- 8.5 Grind King Trucks (consider Independent 149 trucks or Venture trucks)
- 8.5 maple deck (Thank You, WKND, and Hockey are recommended)
- 7/8″ hardware
- Jessup grip tape
Close up of a custom cruiser trick setup, showing black trucks and deck, neon green wheels and silver bearings
Dedicated Cruiser Setups
A dedicated cruiser setup offers a balance between portability and performance, often featuring a unique shape and design that optimizes cruising.
One excellent option is the Landyachtz Dinghy. This cruiser is designed to perform, with its parts working together seamlessly. It allows you to carve, pump, ollie, and slide with ease, making it perfect for cruising and hopping curbs. This board has a functional nose and tail, along with some concave for enhanced grip. Although it’s not suitable for heavy technical tricks, it’s perfect for manuals, ollies, and even riding a bowl if you’re skilled enough.
If you’re looking for a portable cruiser that handles well, a dedicated setup like this is a great choice, and there’s a version without concave, which is great for pure cruising if you don’t plan on doing tricks.
Disassembled dedicated cruiser board showing deck, trucks and wheels
Cruising on a Longboard
Longboards are designed for cruising, bombing hills, dancing, and slalom. They excel in providing an ultimate cruising experience. The flex of a longboard and the ease with which it maintains speed are key advantages. However, their size and weight make them less portable, and they may not be the ideal for quick commutes.
Longboards require a different approach to skateboarding, which includes techniques like pumping. The price range for a good longboard can vary from $200 to $350 USD. Avoid cheap boards, as they can be less than ideal.
Longboard set up showing large deck, trucks and wheels
Recommended Cruisers for Beginners
If you’re looking for pre-assembled cruisers, here are four excellent choices that are great for beginners:
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Fireball Cruiser: Offers the best value for money, with 60mm 80A wheels that are versatile enough for both cruising and ollies. It features a mellow concave and a large kicktail for more aggressive riding. However, this is currently sold out.
Fireball cruiser longboard with red wheels and natural wood deck -
Arbor Oso Foundation: A classic 80s style cruiser with 169mm Paris trucks for stability. It features 58mm 80A wheels and is suitable for both cruising and riding pools. This wider board offers maximum stability.
Side view of Arbor Oso Foundation cruiser with light blue wheels and natural wood deck -
Arbor Pilsner: Equipped with 129mm Paris street trucks and smooth 61mm/78A wheels, this cruiser is perfect for town or campus cruising. It’s one of the smoothest cruisers and a favorite for budget-conscious riders.
Arbor Pilsner mini cruiser with natural wood deck, black trucks and light blue wheels -
Landyachtz Dinghy: A fast and nimble mini cruiser that also allows for tricks. It’s a great choice for those who want a versatile board for cruising and some technical riding.
Landyachtz Dinghy cruiser board with natural wood deck, black trucks and red wheels
Assembling Your Own Setup
You can easily assemble your own setup by combining a regular deck with 60mm cruiser wheels and 1/8″ riser pads. Wheels like the Orangatang Fat Free and OJ Super Juice are excellent choices. The OJ’s are good for any board, while the Orangatang’s are better on smaller boards due to their large contact patch.
OJ and orangatang cruiser wheels in blue, orange, yellow and purple
If you’re on a budget, consider using a standard deck with wider trucks and softer wheels like the OJ Super Juice (78A/60mm). An 8.5″ board requires 149mm trucks to maintain stability.
Final Thoughts
The ideal cruiser setup depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferred style. Longboards are best for long, smooth rides. Small dedicated cruisers are ideal for shorter city commutes. A converted regular skateboard is a great option if you’re on a budget or still want to perform tricks. Choosing the right parts will ensure you get the most enjoyment from your cruising experience.
For more expert advice and support, check out muirskate.com. They have excellent customer service and can assist you in selecting the perfect setup based on your needs.
Also, be sure to check out these related articles for more information on skateboard setups:
- Setups for Heavy Riders
- Setups for Beginners
- Setups for Street
- Setups for Parks
- Setups for Transition
- Setups for Mini Ramps
- Setups for Pools & Bowls
Ruben vee, author of the article
Author: Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder who still enjoys riding. Having started 25 years ago, I peaked in the 2000’s and continue to ride today. I’m a gear enthusiast who loves testing and sharing my findings.
