It’s a common sight at skate parks: a longboarder with severely worn wheels, almost down to the core. While some might not mind, understanding when to replace your longboard wheels is crucial for performance and safety. The lifespan of your wheels varies greatly, from a few months to a couple of years, depending on several factors including wheel quality, riding style, and how often you ride. Generally, when your wheels are significantly worn and the core is becoming exposed, it’s time for a change.
Longboard wheels naturally decrease in diameter over time due to friction, and they gradually lose their rebound. Hard wheels will develop pitting and tears, while softer wheels are more likely to chunk or tear. While there are some techniques to prolong the life of your wheels, like rotating them, eventually they’ll need replacing.
Understanding Longboard Wheel Lifespan
The lifespan of longboard wheels is not a fixed number. It’s influenced by multiple factors. Riding with extremely worn wheels makes it harder to maintain speed and execute tricks. Additionally, the impact absorption is reduced when the rebound is gone, making your rides less comfortable.
The hardness of longboard wheels, measured using the Shore durometer scale, plays a significant role. Harder wheels, like 100A, tend to last longer than softer ones, such as 80A. The durometer scale, combined with quality, frequency of use, wheel diameter, and riding style all affect the lifespan.
The riding surface is another critical factor. Smooth concrete is far less abrasive than rough asphalt. Longboarders who stick to smooth surfaces or wooden ramps can expect a much longer wheel life than those who frequently ride on rougher terrain. Downhill riders, who often use soft wheels and perform power slides, will need to replace their wheels much more often than casual park riders.
Regular care and maintenance can increase your wheel lifespan. Rotating your wheels can prevent uneven wear, but ultimately, wear and tear is inevitable.
Tips for Extending Your Longboard Wheel Life
Uneven wear is a common problem as longboard wheels tend to wear more on one side based on turning habits. This can lead to a cone shape, affecting performance and feel.
Regularly rotating your wheels is a great way to ensure they wear down evenly and therefore last longer. Depending on how often you ride, it’s best to rotate them every two to three months. Here’s a simple method:
- Move the left rear wheel to the right front.
- Move the right front wheel to the left rear.
- Move the left front wheel to the right rear.
- Move the right rear wheel to the left front.
Another simple trick is to flip the wheels so the graphic faces inward. While some may not like this aesthetic change, it’s an effective way to promote even wear.
Some people suggest freezing new wheels to make them last longer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and it’s unlikely to offer any real benefit. Ultimately, avoiding power slides will help, but this might also be less enjoyable.
new longboard wheels vs old longboard wheels
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Longboard Wheels
Replacing your longboard wheels is a simple process that can significantly improve your riding experience. Here’s how to do it in five easy steps:
- Remove the Nuts: Using a wrench or skate tool, take off the hexagon-shaped nuts from your truck axles. It’s helpful to keep the nuts with the axle they came from, just in case, and also clean the axles with a rag. Pay attention to the washers to ensure they don’t get lost.
- Remove Bearings (Optional): If you want to reuse your bearings, remove them with a bearing puller or carefully using your truck’s axles. Be gentle as bearings are fragile. Avoid touching the surface of the bearings with your bare hands.
- Install Bearings in New Wheels: Place a bearing in your new wheel and push it in using a skate tool or your truck’s axle. Ensure they are straight and aligned with the wheel’s surface. If your setup includes spacers, don’t forget to include them. Push the second bearing in.
- Mount Wheels: Put a washer on the truck axle, then place the wheel, followed by the second washer. Finally, screw the nut back on. Don’t tighten the nuts too much, as the wheels need to spin freely. At the same time, make sure they are tight enough to prevent them from falling off during rides.
- Repeat: Follow the same steps for the remaining three wheels.
old vs new skateboard wheels wear
Why Longboard Wheels Wear Down
While friction is the primary cause of wheel wear, other factors can contribute as well. Bent truck axles can lead to uneven pressure on the wheels, which can be caused by lower-quality trucks that can’t handle the pressure as well as higher quality ones.
Other contributing factors can include low-quality bushings, poor bearings, or the quality of the wheel itself. In some cases, the skateboard deck or misaligned base plates can also affect the way wheels wear. Even your weight and weather conditions can play a role in the rate of wear.
Longboard wheels are made from urethane, which possesses essential properties for skating, such as hardness, compression set, tear strength, and rebound. Rebound, which refers to the wheel’s ability to compress and expand as it spins, is very important. This process requires energy and leads to resistance, which is why your wheels gradually slow down.
Choosing the Right Longboard Wheels for You
Choosing the right longboard wheels is often a matter of personal preference and riding style. Here are some general guidelines:
- Hard wheels are great for smooth surfaces like concrete skate parks, bowls, verts, and mini ramps, where you want maximum speed and minimal rolling resistance.
- Slightly softer wheels work better for street skating on rougher asphalt, providing a better grip and smoother ride.
- Softer wheels are suitable for cruising, offering a smooth and comfortable ride over various surfaces.
The ideal wheels for your style will impact durability. Softer wheels will wear down faster but allow for a more comfortable cruise, while harder wheels might be too harsh for longboards. Experimenting with different durometers will help you find what suits you best.
Maintaining your wheels by rotating them and checking for signs of wear can help prolong their life. When your wheels start showing pitting or tears, it is time for a new set.
There are a lot of wheel options out there, so it’s useful to read reviews and guides. Check out our guide to skateboard wheels for more information. Also check out our list of the top skateboard wheels I’ve personally tested for some great recommendations.
Ruben vee
By understanding the factors that affect wear and how to maintain your wheels, you can make sure your longboarding is both safe and enjoyable.
