The Thing Zero1 freeride wheels are making waves in the longboarding community, particularly among European riders. Hailing from a small, France-based company, these wheels offer a unique riding experience that sets them apart from the mainstream. This review dives deep into the specs, performance, and overall value of the Thing Zero1s, providing a comprehensive look for both seasoned and aspiring freeriders.
Thing Wheels: A Brand That Does Things Differently
Thing Wheels is a longboard company based in France that has been producing skateboarding products since 2009. What sets them apart is their commitment to manufacturing all their products, including their wheels, entirely in France. This approach contrasts with most brands that rely on external manufacturers, like Labeda or Aend. Thing’s dedication to in-house production, from design to the final product, makes them a unique and intriguing player in the longboarding scene, reminiscent of Powell Peralta’s commitment to end-to-end manufacturing. They offer a variety of wheels, including options for downhill, technical riding, and even rain skating.
Zero1 Freeride Wheel: Specs and First Impressions
The Zero1 is Thing’s flagship freeride wheel, and it comes packed with features that make it stand out:
- Model: ZERO1 freeride wheel
- Diameter: 70mm
- Width: 52mm
- Contact patch: 38mm
- Lip profile: Rounded
- Urethane: THING LEVEL FORMULA / yellow
- Hardness: soft, medium, hard
- Core placement: center set
Upon first inspection, the dense urethane and the slightly heavy feel of the wheel were immediately apparent. The medium-sized core also raised some concerns about lip support. Visually, the width of the wheel suggested a potentially grippier slide. However, these initial speculations were proven wrong once I actually started riding them.
Thing Zero1 Freeride Wheel
Performance on the Road
Impressive Roll Speed
The Thing Zero1s defied expectations with their impressive roll speed. Unlike many freeride wheels that feel sluggish, these wheels accelerate quickly and maintain momentum. The dense, hard urethane contributes to this exceptional speed. While the exact durometer isn’t specified by Thing, the yellow (medium hardness) version is confirmed to be 78a, which is quite dense for a wheel of that hardness. This combination resulted in a fun cruising experience, and also made freeriding more engaging by reducing the need to constantly pump for speed. The wheels also allowed for confident hands-up riding due to the speed they carry out of corners.
Thing wheels buying page screenshot
Excellent Core Support
Despite the initial concerns about the medium-sized core, the Zero1s boast remarkable lip support thanks to the dense urethane. The combination of a 35mm diameter and 40mm width core provides a rigid structure that prevents flexing, resulting in consistent performance. For comparison, the Seismic Alphas and Venom Cannibals, which are known for their stiffness, have cores that are 46mm x 44mm and 39mm x 43mm respectively. This makes the core size on the Zero1s very substantial for a 70mm tall wheel with a 38mm contact patch.
Thing Zero1 core support
Consistent and Controlled Slide
The Zero1 wheels offer a very defined kickout and hookup. The transition into and out of slides feels smooth and controlled, providing reassuring feedback. This consistent feedback allows riders to confidently slide at varying speeds and on different road surfaces. Even when faced with rougher pavement, the slide maintained a familiar feel, requiring very little adjustment.
Impressive Durability
The wheels have proven to be impressively durable, showing very little wear despite several weeks of riding and sliding. Even after intentionally executing some long and aggressive slides, there have been no signs of flat spots.
Slide Characteristics
The slide itself is a mix of both “on top” and “in the pavement” feel. The wheels glide across the road but still maintain a sense of resistance. The feel is more on the “icey” side, roughly 65% icey and 35% in the pavement. This characteristic makes the wheels feel controllable, which is particularly beneficial for hands-down slides. However, the performance has been tested in a warm climate so riders in colder environments might experience slight differences.
Forgiving Slide
These wheels feature a forgiving slide with a sweet spot before they ice out. Even when the slide becomes icy, it remains manageable and allows for some level of recovery. This characteristic enhances the rider’s confidence while pushing their limits.
Potential Drawbacks
Price Point
One of the main drawbacks of these wheels is their higher price point. Retailing at approximately €70, they are more expensive than other comparable freeride wheels. While the quality, performance, and small-brand origin of the Thing Zero1s justify the cost to some extent, it can still be a difficult price to justify when options like Powell Snakes or Boss Hawgs are available at a lower price. The cost might make the Zero1s less accessible for many skaters, though some riders might find the durability of the wheels to make them worth the investment.
Thing Zero1 buying page screenshot
Not Ideal for Open Road Riding
The icy slide feel of the Zero1s makes them less ideal for open road riding. The rider needs to remain focused in order to comfortably handle the wheels on open roads. This characteristic is not unique to the Zero1s, and can be felt in other wheels such as the Seismic Alphas.
Who Should Buy These Wheels?
The Thing Zero1s are recommended for:
- Riders looking to support a small, independent brand.
- Longboard dancers seeking a solid wheel that accelerates quickly.
- Skaters who are tired of mainstream products and want to try something different.
- Those in the market for a high-performance freeride wheel that rolls fast, slides consistently, and offers excellent performance.
- Beginners who are learning to slide; the skin wears down quickly, making them great learning wheels.
Who Should Avoid These Wheels?
- Riders on a tight budget should explore other options, as the price point might be a limiting factor.
Final Thoughts
The Thing Zero1 freeride wheels are exceptional performers, setting themselves apart from many other options in the market. They combine a unique, fast-rolling urethane formula, a supported core, and a predictable slide to create a great riding experience. Despite the high price point, the overall performance and durability of the Zero1s make them a valuable choice for those seeking top-tier freeride wheels. The performance and craftsmanship of the wheels make them a top choice for freeride longboarding.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to improve your skills, give the Thing Zero1s a try.
References
- Thing Wheels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingwheels/
- Downhill254 Best European Longboard Brands: http://downhill254.com/best-european-longboard-brands/
- Downhill254 Seismic Alpha 80mm Review: http://downhill254.com/seismic-alpha-80mm-review/
