Many skaters wonder if it’s possible to perform tricks on a cruiser skateboard. While cruisers aren’t primarily designed for tricks, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble a setup that allows for both cruising and some basic maneuvers. The key lies in choosing the right components, and that’s what we’ll explore in this guide.
custom cruiser trick skateboard setup
Building a Hybrid Cruiser for Tricks
The foundation of a trick-capable cruiser starts with a popsicle-shaped deck. This familiar shape provides the necessary concave and kicktails for ollies and other basic tricks. For wheels, you’ll want something in the medium-hard range. The bearings don’t matter as much, but Zealous bearings are great for longer rides, while Bones Reds or Bronson bearings will provide quicker acceleration. You can even simply swap out the deck on your existing cruiser to get started.
Balancing Cruising and Tricks
Deck size plays a crucial role. If you aim for a comfortable cruise with the occasional ollie, a wider deck and softer 80A wheels are ideal. For more emphasis on cruising, choose wheels ranging from 60mm to 63mm. If you want more trick capability, aim for 58mm to 60mm wheels. It’s all about finding that balance that works for your skating style.
The Responsive Setup
Here’s a detailed breakdown for a responsive cruiser that is suitable for tricks:
- Deck: 8.25″ maple deck
- Wheels: 56mm to 58mm, 85A to 92A hardness
- Trucks: Any brand will work
- Bearings: Bronson G2 (add spacers)
- Optional: Shock pad for added comfort
- Hardware: 1/8″
- Grip tape: Jessup
With these components, you’ll have a nimble cruiser capable of basic tricks. Building this setup shouldn’t cost much more than $100 to $120.
The Cruiser Trick Board
Alternatively, here’s a setup that emphasizes smooth cruising but is still capable of tricks:
- Deck: 8.5″ to 9″ maple popsicle deck
- Wheels: 60mm to 63mm, 80A to 85A hardness
- Riser pads: Essential if you opt for 60mm wheels
- Trucks: Any brand
- Bearings: Zealous bearings
- Hardware: 1/8″
- Grip tape: Jessup
You can also experiment with angled riser pads for a more enhanced carving experience.
Landyachtz ATV skateboard
How Wheel Size and Hardness Affect Performance
Larger wheels make tricks harder due to the increased rolling resistance and weight. However, they offer a smoother ride and enhanced cruising capabilities. Conversely, smaller and harder wheels compromise the cruising experience but make tricks significantly easier.
Finding the Balance
Achieving the right balance between tricks and cruising is crucial. You cannot expect to perform technical tricks on soft, buttery wheels. Experienced skateboarders often avoid technical tricks on cruisers as it can be risky and pointless; they’ll usually opt for a traditional skateboard for that.
The Importance of Wheel Wells
When assembling your own cruiser, consider decks that include wheel wells. Wheel wells provide extra clearance, which helps to prevent wheel bite, especially when using larger wheels or during sharper turns.
skateboard deck for cruising with wheel wells
Bushings: Fine-Tuning Your Ride
Don’t overlook the impact of bushings. Softer bushings offer a smoother carve, whereas harder bushings enhance the board’s responsiveness, making it easier to perform tricks. Bushing shapes also contribute to performance, which can be explored further in a dedicated guide.
Wheel Hardness and Trick Performance
Wheel hardness plays a vital role in trick execution. Harder wheels are less bouncy, which can make correcting errors easier when performing tricks. Softer, larger wheels demand greater precision, as they will bounce more upon impact, potentially causing you to lose balance or control.
Recommended Wheels for a Hybrid Setup
Here are a few recommendations for wheels that strike a balance between cruising and tricks:
- Ricta Cloud 92A: Better suited for tricks with less focus on cruising. Choose the larger sizes for more cruising.
- Bones ATF 80A: Primarily for cruising but still functional for tricks. They feel bouncy when performing ollies.
Remember, the sweet spot often lies in experimenting within the suggested sizes and hardness ranges.
Final Thoughts
Building a cruiser for tricks is something you need to assemble yourself. Don’t overcomplicate it, the perfect setup doesn’t exist because it’s not physically possible to make wheels that are both hard and soft. The most crucial thing is to get out there and skate.
For further inspiration, check out recommended cruiser boards. Happy skating!
Ruben vee
