Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard Wheels
The part you will probably need to replace the most, so always have an extra quad set with you, along with your All-In-One Skate tool.
Wheel Parts
- Axle: The axle is a metal rod which runs through the hanger and extends from it on either side. Wheels are inserted on either end and secured with the axle nut.
- Wheels: usually made of polyurethane and sized between 39 and 70 millimeters in diameter; their hardness is measured by durometer, a number ranging from 0 to 100—soft wheels have a durometer of about 85, hard wheels have a durometer of 98 or higher .63 mm wheels are usually more for longboards which go significantly faster.
- Wheelbase: the distance between the front and back wheels, measured between the two sets of innermost truck holes. A longer wheelbase adds stability by increasing its moments of inertia and reducing the pitch and/or yaw induced by wheel displacement.
Most skateboard wheels are solid polyurethane with a shape that provides room for bearings. Bearings are the means which give the wheel rotation on the axle of the trucks. Wheel selection is based on the diameter of the wheel and the hardness of the wheel. For younger skaters, a wheel diameter of 52 or 53mm with an average hardness is recommended. If the wheels are too much larger they unnecessarily increase weight and raise the center of gravity of the board. A much smaller wheel makes it challenging to sustain speed and may be overly sensitive to changes or objects on skating surface. An average hardness ensures enjoyable skating on a larger variety of surfaces including wood and concrete.
