Category: Longboarding 101
Wheels 102
The first number on a wheel is the diameter, which reads in millimeters, like 70mm. The next number is the hardness. The higher the number, the harder the wheel is, and the opposite for smaller numbers. the letter “a” is the scale in durometer. 78a is generally known as the best all around hardness. 75a would be softer and more “grippy”, and 81a would be harder and faster. Harder wheels are better for sliding, since they are less “grippy”, and will break loose easier. If a wheel feels too slick while sliding, you would adjust by reducing the durometer.
There are a few common issues that can occur after intensive riding. Flat spots happen when a wheel is slid sideways. One area will wear down faster than the rest. A flat spot will cause vibrations and a loss of balance while … Read More »
Wheels 101
It takes many components to build a longboard, but one of the most important is the wheel. While the smooth ride they supply is one of the trademarks of the longboard, the first wheels weren’t nearly as forgiving. Wheels for skateboards, longboards, and roller skates originally started out as steel, and evolved into a mixture of paper, plastic, and finely ground walnut shells. The softer wheels were only durable for about 7 hours at a time, and couldn’t hold up to any technical riding. Frank Nasworthy and friends would skateboard when the waves were too low for surfing, but the “tooth jarring” vibrations and unpredictable wobbles kept the sport from becoming popular. That all changed after one summer day when Nasworthy saw some neighbor kids using experimental roller-skate wheels made out of polyurethane.
What is Polyurethane? It is an abrasion resistant … Read More »
Squeaky Trucks
The squeaky truck is the nemesis of all longboarders. We get tons of people asking us what they can do to fix this problem. Thankfully, its a simple fix and we have your answers here.
The whole problem comes from one little part- the pivot cup. The hanger sits inside a plastic cup, and after time the two round objects rubbing against each other can cause the squeak. The first trick you can try is applying a lubrication to the crack between the hanger and the pivot cup. By pulling up slightly on the hanger, this small gap between the two will become more apparent. After applying the lube, (we love Tri Flow Superior Lubrication), rock the hanger back and forth, allowing the lube to get down inside the pivot cup.
Our next solution is one that requires a little … Read More »
Longboarding 101- Helmet Sizing
Here at The Longboard Store, we get tons of feedback on our products. And while we can use your weight, skill level, and other stats to help find you the perfect longboard, sometimes finding the right helmet is a little trickier. Each brand has a different measurement system which can cause problems for the buyer. Certain companies use thicker foam pads inside which can affect the overall fit of the helmet.
On our website, we have a size chart that accompanies all helmet models. Each helmet has been hand measured and tested to ensure we’re giving you the right information.
Bern
These measurements include the 1/2″ of foam on the interior
S 21 in- 21.875 in
M 21.875 in – 22.5 in
L 22.5 in – 23.25 in
XL 23.25 in- 23.87 in
Triple 8
These measurements include the 1″ of foam on the interior
XS 20.10 in – 20.50 … Read More »
Longboard Lesson – Wheel Hubs, Bearings & Bearing Spacers
The relationship between wheel hubs, bearings, and bearing spacers have been a subject with much confusion. Last year I did an article on bearing spacers, but didn’t go into the sizing, so I am hoping to shed some light with the following photos and descriptions.
Bearing Spacers are designed to match the distance of space between the 2 bearings when installed inside of wheels. When the wheels are installed, and the axle nut is snug, then your bearings will be properly spaced, thus providing optimal speed and longer lasting bearings.
Bearing spacers come in 4 different sizes. From left to right, they are 8mm x 8mm, 8mm x 10mm, 10mm x 8mm, and 10mm x 10mm. I know, this is very confusing, but all you need to know is that the first number relates to the axle diameter on the trucks and … Read More »
Bearing Spacers and Speed Washers
We use them on every complete longboard we build, but do you know why?
Let’s start with speed washers. The castings where the steel axle and aluminum hanger meet may have flashing, so to help align and reduce friction, we use speed washers. These are typically provided by the truck manufacturer. We also offer some premium speed washers with more surface area.
Bearing Spacers are designed to match the distance of space between the 2 bearings when installed inside of wheels. When the wheels are installed, and the axle nut is snug, then your bearings will be properly spaced, thus providing optimal speed at longer lasting bearings.
