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Best Skateboard Wheels for Cruising: Top Picks and Size Guide

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When it comes to finding the perfect skateboard wheels for cruising, many riders often wonder where to begin. Whether you’re looking for stability on uneven terrain, comfort during long rides, or durability for rough roads, selecting the right wheels can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about skateboard wheels designed specifically for cruising, including size recommendations, hardness ratings, and top picks from trusted brands. From understanding the differences between 60mm and 70mm wheels to discovering which soft wheels provide the smoothest ride, this article will guide you through the process of choosing the best skateboard wheels for your cruising style. Keep reading to uncover the secrets to enjoying a more comfortable and efficient riding experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Ideal for Smooth Surfaces: 60mm wheels offer stability and maneuverability, perfect for casual cruising on smooth surfaces.
  • Balanced Ride for Everyday Use: 58mm wheels provide a versatile, balanced ride with good grip and durability, ideal for everyday adventures.
  • Enhanced Stability for Rough Terrain: 70mm wheels excel on rough terrain, offering increased stability and comfort for long-distance rides.

Best Wheels for Cruising Skateboard

For those looking to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride, selecting the right wheels is crucial. Cruising skateboards typically benefit from softer wheels compared to their street skateboarding counterparts. Here’s our guide to finding the perfect wheels for your cruising skateboard:

  • Softness Level: 78a-85a – This range offers a balance between comfort and control, making it ideal for absorbing shocks on uneven surfaces.
  • Wheel Size: 60mm-65mm – Larger wheels provide stability and a smoother ride, while smaller sizes can enhance maneuverability depending on your setup.
  • Durometer: 78a-85a – A softer durometer rating ensures better shock absorption, which is essential for a comfortable cruising experience.
  • Shape: Rounded or Square – Rounded shapes are generally better for smoother rides, while square shapes can provide more grip on rough surfaces.

Recommended Brands and Options

Kickflip Boards offers a variety of high-quality cruising wheels designed specifically for a smooth ride. Check out their selection of cruising wheels for the best in comfort and durability.

If you’re looking for alternatives, brands like Bones Bearings also offer wheels in the 78a-85a range, known for their excellent shock absorption and long-lasting wear.

Factors to Consider

When choosing the right wheels for your cruising skateboard, consider the following:

  • Your board’s weight and dimensions – Ensure the wheels fit properly and provide enough clearance.
  • The type of terrain you’ll be riding on – Softer wheels are better for rough surfaces, while slightly harder wheels can handle smoother surfaces.
  • Your personal riding style – If you prefer a laid-back, casual cruise, softer wheels will give you a more comfortable ride.

Tip: Match to Your Board

Always check your skateboard’s specifications to ensure the wheels you choose are compatible with its size and intended use. A mismatch can affect both performance and safety.

By considering these factors and exploring the options available, you can find the perfect set of wheels to enhance your cruising experience. Happy skating!

What Wheels Are Best for Cruising?

When it comes to choosing the best wheels for cruising, there are several factors to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a longboarding enthusiast, the right wheels can significantly impact your experience.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Wheel Size: Wheel size plays a crucial role in determining roll speed and stability. A larger wheel size (typically 70mm or above) provides better roll speed and stability on uneven surfaces. Common sizes for cruisers include 69mm, 72mm, and 75mm.
  • Durometer: Durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel. A softer durometer (65A – 75A) offers better cushioning and comfort, making it ideal for long rides. However, harder wheels (80A+) provide more durability and grip, which can be beneficial depending on your riding surface.
  • Wheel Shape: The shape of the wheel can greatly affect the ride quality. Rounded edges provide a smoother transition over rough surfaces, while square or hexagonal shapes can offer better grip in technical sections. Match the shape of your wheels to your riding style and board setup.
  • Grip: While not as critical as the first three factors, grip is important for maintaining control, especially on downhill sections or technical trails. Look for wheels with a slight cupped edge or tread pattern for improved traction.

Buyer’s Guide

  • Measure Your Board: Ensure your wheels fit your board’s wheel wells properly. Too tight, and they won’t roll smoothly; too loose, and they may pop off during a ride.
  • Check Bearings: Properly lubricated bearings ensure a smooth rotation and reduce friction, affecting both speed and handling.
  • Consider the Surface: If you’re riding primarily on paved surfaces, softer wheels offer a more comfortable ride. For mixed terrain, stiffer wheels with better grip may be preferable.
  • Match to Your Board: Different wheel sizes and shapes work best with specific board types. Larger wheels pair well with longer boards for stability, while smaller wheels can enhance maneuverability.

Competitor Brands

Kickflip Boards recommends exploring options from reputable brands like Orangatrain and Thunder Trucks . These brands offer a variety of wheel sizes, durometers, and shapes to suit different riding styles and board setups.

Remember, there is no perfect wheel, but combining these factors to match your riding style and surface conditions will help you find the best wheels for your cruising needs. Always test your setup before hitting the road to ensure comfort and control.

Are 78A Wheels Good for Cruising?

Yes, 78A wheels are excellent for cruising. Designed with a medium soft durometer, these wheels offer a balance of stability and responsiveness, making them ideal for long rides on smooth surfaces like asphalt or concrete.

  • Comfortable Ride: 78A wheels provide a cushioned feel, reducing fatigue during extended rides.
  • Good Grip: Their medium soft consistency offers reliable traction on various surfaces, including smooth roads.
  • Durable Construction: With their polyurethane material, these wheels resist wear and tear, lasting longer on regular use.
  • Versatile Performance: Suitable for both casual cruisers and those looking to tackle light trails or small obstacles.
  • Surface Adaptability: They perform well on smooth surfaces but may not be ideal for rough terrain or steep hills due to their softer durometer.

For the best experience, consider checking the surface conditions of your local riding spots. While 78A wheels excel on smooth surfaces, they may not be the best choice for rougher trails or uneven ground.

Looking to learn more about selecting the right wheels? Check out our complete guide to skateboard wheels for detailed insights tailored to your riding style.

Need a new setup for your cruiser? Explore our selection of cruiser boards and pair them with the perfect wheels for a seamless ride.

Are 60mm Wheels Good for Cruising?

Kicking off with the basics, 60mm wheels are commonly used for skateboarding, longboarding, and casual cruising. They offer a good balance between stability and maneuverability, making them suitable for various surfaces like smooth concrete, asphalt, and even slight rough patches. However, depending on your riding style and terrain, larger wheels like 65mm might provide better stability and comfort, especially on uneven ground or during longer rides.

Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:

  • Wheel Size Impact: While 60mm wheels are standard for many boards, larger wheels like 65mm can offer improved stability and a smoother ride.
  • Terrain Adaptability: On smooth surfaces, 60mm wheels perform well, but they may lack the cushioning needed for rougher trails or descents.
  • Riding Style: Cruiser boards often come with 60mm wheels, which are ideal for relaxed, comfortable rides around town or on paved paths.
  • Longboard Stability: For longboarding, 65mm wheels are often preferred due to their increased stability and ability to handle longer distances comfortably.

Consider these points when deciding between wheel sizes. If you’re focusing on smooth roads or casual cruising, 60mm wheels are perfectly fine. For more challenging terrains or a desire for added stability, upgrading to 65mm wheels might be worth considering.

For more details on choosing the right wheel size for your needs, check out our wheel sizing guide .

Are 58mm Wheels Good for Cruising?

Cruiser boards, known for their versatility and comfort, typically come with wheels sized between 59mm and 65mm. However, 58mm wheels can still be a suitable choice depending on your riding style and terrain. Here’s why:

58mm wheels offer a balance between stability and maneuverability, making them a solid option for casual cruising. They provide enough grip for smooth surfaces and light terrain, while still allowing for a comfortable ride. Compared to smaller wheels like 50mm, which may feel too unstable, 58mm wheels strike a nice middle ground.

One advantage of 58mm wheels is their ability to handle slightly uneven surfaces without sacrificing speed. They are lightweight enough for easy flicks and turns but still provide enough durability for daily use. If you’re looking for something a bit more stable than 55mm wheels but don’t want to commit to the larger 59mm+ size, 58mm wheels can be a great fit.

However, if you plan to use your cruiser board for more aggressive tricks or rougher terrain, consider upgrading to 59mm or larger wheels. These larger wheels offer increased stability and can handle harder landings and more challenging obstacles.

Ultimately, the best wheel size for you depends on your riding style and the type of board you’re using. For most casual cruisers, 58mm wheels provide a excellent blend of performance and comfort.

Kickflip Boards offers a wide range of cruiser wheels and accessories to suit your needs. Check out our selection of 58mm wheels and other sizes to find the perfect fit for your riding style: Kickflip Boards .

What is the difference between 60mm and 70mm wheels?

  • Wheel Size Comparison: The primary difference between 60mm and 70mm wheels lies in their overall size and intended use.
  • Width Difference: 60mm wheels typically have a width of approximately 60mm, while 70mm wheels measure around 70mm in width. This increased width provides greater stability and control, particularly on uneven surfaces.
  • Diameter Difference: The diameter refers to the wheel’s size, with 60mm wheels having a diameter of 60mm and 70mm wheels measuring 70mm. A larger diameter means the wheel can cover more ground in a single rotation, which is beneficial for certain terrains.
  • Usage Context: 60mm wheels are commonly found on skateboards, cruiser boards, and penny boards, where maneuverability and portability are key. In contrast, 70mm wheels are often used on longboards, which prioritize stability and durability for longer rides and more aggressive tricks.
  • Terrain Benefits: Larger wheels like the 70mm version tend to perform better on rougher terrain due to their increased size, which helps absorb shocks and maintain traction.

When choosing between wheel sizes, consider your riding style and the type of board you use. For smoother rides and better handling on varied surfaces, 70mm wheels may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize portability and nimble handling, 60mm wheels could be more suitable.

Want to learn more about selecting the right wheels for your board? Check out our guide to choosing skateboard wheels and our selection of cruiser boards .

Conclusion: Whether you’re skating on pavement, park trails, or smooth roads, understanding the differences between 60mm and 70mm wheels can help you make the best choice for your riding style and board setup.

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