Skateboard Parts for Beginners
Skateboard Trucks, Decks and Wheels for Beginners
Learning about your skateboard is as important as learning how to ride it. This beginners guide to trucks, wheels and decks will introduce you to the basic parts.
If you are new to skateboarding you may not be familiar with the parts of your brand new deck. The following is introductory information about skateboards for those who are new to the sport.
The deck- The main component of the skateboard. It is where the rider stands. (Click here for more information on skateboard decks.)
Trucks- Located on the underside of the board. Trucks are available from several manufacturers and vary in price from $30-$60. Trucks are adjustable. You can try loosening and tightening your trucks until you find the best feel. Trucks consist of:
- The hanger- the T-shaped part that holds the axel.
- The axel- runs through the hangar. The wheels are mounted onto each end of the axel.
- The baseplate- Attaches the truck to your deck.
- The kingpin- large bolt that holds everything together.
Riser Pad- An optional piece of material that can be placed under the baseplate to elevate the truck and wheels to prevent wheel bite.
Wheels- When selecting wheels you will consider the height, width, durometer, and edges. Height- measure in millimeters (mm). Vert riders typically use larger wheels (58 mm or greater). Street wheels are 49mm-53mm. Larger wheels can contribute to wheel bite and the height of the truck needs to be adjusted to account for this.
- Width- Wider wheels offer better grip and stability but are also heavier.
- Durometer-Measure of how hard or soft a wheel is.
- Edges- “Tapered” or “square” wheel edges. Based on rider preference and riding style.
There are no set recommendations for manufacturers or set-up for your board. As you experiment with riding, alterations and various manufacturers, you’ll find the best set-up for you
