When it comes to perfecting your street skateboarding game, one of the most critical components of your setup is often overlooked—the skateboard wheels. Whether you’re cruising through city streets, popping tricks, or navigating rough roads, having the right wheels can make all the difference in comfort, control, and performance. With so many options available, from varying sizes to different hardness levels, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which skateboard wheels are best suited for your style and terrain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect wheels for street skating, ensuring you find the ideal setup to enhance your skateboarding experience.

Choosing Skateboard Wheels for Street Riding

When selecting skateboard wheels for street riding, consider factors like size, material, and design to suit your riding style and surface conditions.

Wheel Size

Street wheels typically come in sizes:

• 53mm – Common for urban and street use due to their versatility and ability to roll smoothly over cracks and curbs.
• 55mm – Preferred by some for larger gaps or faster acceleration, though less commonly used for street riding alone.

Material

Wheels are made from different materials:

• Urethane : Known for its durability and ability to absorb shock, making it ideal for rough surfaces.
• Polyurethane : Offers a smoother ride and can wear evenly, though it may not last as long as urethane.
• Rubber : Provides excellent flexibility and impact resistance, though it may wear quicker on harsh surfaces.

Durometer (Hardness)

Choose a durometer rating (measuring wheel hardness) based on your needs:

• 78A : Softest – Best for comfort on rough surfaces and learning new tricks.
• 80A : Slightly harder – Offers a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
• 83A+ : Hardest – More responsive, suitable for experienced riders focusing on tricks.

Design

Consider wheel design:

• Boneless Design : Eliminates bumper lips, allowing for easier board flips and ollies. Ideal for experienced skaters.
• Standard Design : Features lips for better control during grinds and slides, making them versatile for street use.

Width

Ensure the width matches your board’s wheelbase to maintain stability and prevent binding. Most street wheels are 2 inches wide, fitting most standard boards.

Recommended Brands

Some trusted brands offering quality street wheels include:

• Spitfire – Known for durable and high-quality wheels.
• Independent – Renowned for their consistent quality and variety.
• Bones – Famous for their boneless wheels and innovative designs.

Conclusion

For general street riding, opt for a 53mm wheel with urethane material and a 78A durometer rating. Consider experimenting with boneless wheels if you’re looking to enhance trick performance. Visit local skate shops or reputable online retailers to explore these options further and find the perfect fit for your riding style.

Are 99a Wheels Good for Street?

The suitability of 99a wheels for street riding depends on several factors:

• Durability: 99a wheels are known for their exceptional durability, making them suitable for street use where rough surfaces and obstacles are common.
• Grip: They offer a good balance of grip and comfort, which is essential for controlling the board on uneven terrain.
• Weight: Slightly heavier than some other wheel options, they may affect portability but provide stability.
• Customization: Available in various sizes and colors, they allow for personalized setups tailored to individual preferences.
• Compatibility: Ensure they fit well with your skateboard or longboard to maximize control and performance.

For optimal street performance, consider higher durometer wheels (85a-90a) if you prioritize impact resistance. However, 99a wheels remain a popular choice for many due to their versatility and reliability on city streets.

Learn more about wheel hardness and types by exploring our complete guide to skateboard wheels .

Choosing Between Hard and Soft Wheels for Street Skating

When deciding between hard and soft wheels for street skating, it’s essential to consider your riding style and the specific conditions you’ll encounter. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

• Soft Wheels (75A – 85A): These wheels are more flexible and absorb shocks effectively, making them ideal for smooth surfaces and long rides. They are particularly popular among casual riders who prioritize comfort and ease of maneuverability.
• Hard Wheels (90A – 100A+): Harder wheels offer greater rigidity, providing superior grip and control, which is beneficial for technical tricks and uneven surfaces. They are preferred by experienced riders who value precision and responsiveness.

Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Riding Surface: Smooth surfaces may benefit from the comfort of soft wheels, while rough terrain favors the durability and grip of hard wheels.
• Primary Activity: If you primarily cruise or commute, soft wheels may be more comfortable. For tricks or park sessions, hard wheels could enhance control and stability.
• Durability and Weight: Hard wheels may wear down faster but offer better feedback, while soft wheels are lighter and more forgiving. Consider the weight of the setup for portability and handling.

Intermediate riders often opt for medium-hard wheels (around 80A) as a balanced choice. Advanced riders may prefer harder wheels for improved responsiveness. Novices might find softer wheels easier to learn on.

Remember to inspect your wheels regularly for wear and ensure compatibility with your bearings. The choice ultimately depends on your riding preferences and the specific demands of your skateboarding style.

Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels

To determine the ideal wheels for your skateboard, consider factors like wheel type, size, hardness, offset, barrel construction, grip width, axle compatibility, and lip design. Here’s a structured approach:

1. Wheel Type

• Urethane vs. Polyurethane : Urethane offers rigidity and longevity, suitable for smooth surfaces. Polyurethane provides cushioning, ideal for rough terrain or park settings.

2. Wheel Size

• Diameter Options : Choose between 53mm or 55mm. Smaller wheels enhance speed but may wear faster; larger wheels offer stability, especially on uneven surfaces.

3. Hardness

• Shore Durometer Scale : Soft wheels (around 80A) are better for parks and transitions due to impact absorption. Harder wheels (99A) excel on streets for durability and rolling performance.

4. Offset

• Positive vs. Negative Offset : Positive offset aids in turning and weight transfer, beneficial for carving. Negative offset flattens the wheel, affecting turning radius.

5. Barrel and Core Construction

• Components : Barrels are the contact patch; choose urethane or polyurethane. Cores vary in strength; solid cores offer durability, while hollow cores reduce weight.

6. Grip Width

• Width Considerations : Wider grips enhance control but may slow acceleration. Narrower grips improve speed but sacrifice some control.

7. Axle Compatibility

• Threaded vs. Kingpin Axles : Threaded axles are easier to adjust, while kingpin axles offer lightweight precision. Choose based on your preferred tuning method.

8. Wheel Lips

• Design Impact : Wider lips improve stability and prevent wheelbite but can hinder tricks. Narrower lips facilitate smooth rolling but may catch on curbs.

9. Considerations

• Wheelbite Prevention : Check for potential biteouts and adjust setup to avoid issues.
• Budget : Balance performance and durability without overspending.

Conclusion

Select wheels based on your primary riding surface, preferred riding style, and comfort with adjustments. Experiment with different setups to find the optimal balance for your skateboarding.

Are 54mm Wheels Good for Street?

Yes, 54mm wheels are excellent for street skating due to their balance of weight and durability. Here’s why:

• Durability: 54mm wheels are robust enough to handle rough street surfaces while maintaining consistent performance.
• Weight: They are lightweight, allowing for easier tricks and maneuvers without sacrificing stability.
• Rolling Efficiency: Their medium size ensures smooth rolling over cracks and potholes common on city streets.

While 52mm wheels are also popular for street skating, 54mm wheels often provide a slight advantage in terms of comfort and grip on uneven terrain. Smaller wheels like 49mm are too light and less stable, whereas larger wheels like 55mm+ can become cumbersome for tricks. Thus, 54mm strikes a perfect middle ground, making them a top choice for many street skaters.

Wheel Size Recommendation for an 8.25-Inch Deck

When selecting wheels for an 8.25-inch skateboard deck, it’s essential to choose the right size to optimize both performance and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended wheel sizes:

• Recommended Wheel Sizes: 51mm to 53mm
• Why These Sizes? These sizes are ideal for an 8.25-inch deck as they provide a balance between stability and responsiveness. They work well with most standard trucks and offer a comfortable ride.
• Considerations: While 51mm wheels may offer a smoother ride and better control, 53mm wheels can provide slightly more pop and speed. Choose based on your riding style and preferences.

Remember, the perfect setup depends on your skill level, riding environment, and personal preferences. Experiment with these sizes and adjust as needed to find your optimal configuration.