It’s time to talk about an age-old problem that has plagued skateboarders for years: wheelbite. This occurs when your wheels come into contact with your deck and stop your ride dead in its tracks. But fear not, my friends, for today, we’re going to learn how to prevent wheelbite from ruining your ride.
In this post, we’ll cover everything from the definition of wheelbite to its causes, as well as prevention and fixing techniques. So, grab your board, and let’s roll into the world of wheelbite!
What is wheelbite? Wheelbite is a common problem in skateboarding and longboarding, where the wheels come into contact with the deck, causing the board to stop or even throw the rider off suddenly. It can be prevented by using the right trucks, wheels, and risers and fixed by adjusting the trucks or kingpins.
Is wheelbite common on skateboards?
Wheelbite is a very common problem for skateboarders. It occurs when the wheels come into contact with the underside of the board, causing the board to stop abruptly. The rider could potentially lose control or fall off the board.
Riders can take preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of wheelbite and enjoy a smoother and safer ride.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
What causes wheelbite?
Wheelbite can be caused by several factors, such as the size and type of wheels used, the tightness of the trucks, the deck’s shape, the rider’s weight, and the terrain. Uneven pavement, dirt, or debris on the road can contribute to wheelbite.
Other factors can also lead to wheelbite, including performing sharp turns, leaning too hard into a turn, or using trucks with a turning radius that is too sharp for the board.
How to test for wheelbite
Testing for wheelbite is an important part of skateboarding safety, and there are several ways to do so. One way to test for wheelbite is to stand on the board and lean in different directions, checking to see if the wheels touch the deck.
Another method is to ride the board on a flat surface and gradually increase the amount of lean until the wheels touch the deck. Additionally, landing heavily on one side of the board can also cause wheelbite, so it is important to be mindful of this and adjust the trucks as necessary.
How can you prevent wheelbite?
Wheelbite is an annoying issue in skateboarding, but it can also be dangerous for the rider. Preventing wheelbite is important, and there are several ways to do so:
Choose a deck with wheel wells
Have you ever heard of wheel wells? These allow you to lower your board’s height without having to replace your wheels or add riser pads. With the lowered center of gravity, it lets you have control and stability in your board.
…if you’re into cruising and carving, then wheel wells are a great option to consider!
Although wheel wells are considered traditional, they’re still popular among wider setups, cruisers, and longboards. However, they’re not commonly used on street skateboards and aren’t the best choice for flat ground or street skating. But if you’re into cruising and carving, then wheel wells are a great option to consider!
Get smaller wheels
Choosing smaller wheels can increase the clearance between the wheel and the deck, making it less likely for wheelbite to occur. However, riders should be mindful that smaller wheels have their own disadvantages, as they are slower and can lose momentum quickly.
Adjust trucks
Tightening the trucks can create more resistance, making it less likely for wheelbite to occur. However, a tighter truck can make the board less responsive, so riders should find a balance between resistance and responsiveness.
Use risers
Typically, when using skate wheels that are larger than 56mm, it’s advisable to use riser pads to prevent wheelbite. Riser pads are blocks made of hard plastic or rubber that provide additional clearance between the skateboard deck and the wheels. This extra space also allows for sharper turns. It also protects the board against pressure cracks caused by hard impacts.
Check your bushings
Bushings are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in your skateboard setup. It’s essential to choose the right bushings that can support your weight. Heavier skateboarders require harder bushings to avoid wheelbite, which may occur if your skateboard can’t support your weight.
By taking these preventive measures, riders can enjoy a smoother and safer ride without worrying about wheelbite.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “What Is Wheelbite? (Test & Prevent)” from the Shred Shack YouTube channel.
Conclusion
Well, that’s a wrap on our journey through the world of wheelbite. Did you enjoy the ride? (Did you pick up some sick tips for avoiding wheelbite?) And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment).
Remember, wheelbite is not a death sentence for your skateboard or longboard. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can prevent it from happening again. So, take the time to choose the right trucks, wheels, and risers, and make the adjustments you need to enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted ride.
And hey, if you found this article helpful, share it with a friend who’s struggling with wheelbite. They’ll thank you for it. And don’t forget to check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding and longboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep rolling, my friends!
Key takeaways
This article covered what wheelbite is. Here are some key takeaways:
- Wheelbite happens when the wheels come into contact with the deck, causing the board to stop or even throw the rider off suddenly.
- One way to test for wheelbite is to stand on the board and lean in different directions, checking to see if the wheels touch the deck.
- To prevent wheelbite, choose the right trucks, wheels, and risers.
- To fix wheelbite, you can adjust the trucks or kingpins or use risers.
- Wheelbite can cause injuries or damage to your skateboard, so it’s essential to take preventive measures and make the necessary adjustments.
