Can You Put Cruiser Wheels on a Skateboard

I’ve seen many people who enjoy smoother skating instead of applying technical tricks. In this case, cruiser wheels stand out from the rest!

But can you put cruiser wheels on a skateboard – this question probably has hit your head, right?

Read on for further knowledge-

First of all lets find out the

Difference between Cruiser Wheel and Skateboard Wheel

Here I’ve added four different factors where you may notice slight-to-higher differences between skateboards wheels and cruiser wheels. Let’s find out:

1. Durometer

In a nutshell, a durometer refers to the approximate hardness of any material, especially skateboards. And 95a to 104a is the hardness range of standard skateboard wheels. This means you’ll find them more challenging enough that it is ideal for flat grounds.

Cruiser wheels, on the flip side, come in 78a to 98a. This indicates that they’ll be anywhere between soft to moderately hard.

2. Diameter (Size)

Compared to other choices like a park or street wheels, the cruiser is relatively large, around 54 to 59mm. Sometimes, they may appear to be 60mm+, which isn’t the best choice for random street skateboarding, yet it is friendly with rough pavements.

Speaking of the diameter of skateboard wheels, they come in 50 to 53mm. These make them lightweight, easy to slide, and a better choice for flip tricks. But you should avoid using it on surfaces that have cracks or pebbles.

3. Contact Patch

In a word, it’s considered the essential part of your skateboard/cruiser board’s wheel that generally rolls around the floor.

Note that softer types of wheels generally roll slowly compared to harder ones. However, they ensure more grip to let you maintain excellent stability.

Consequently, cruiser wheels will roll more slowly than the standard skateboard yet will offer more stability around rough terrains.

4. Wheel Base

A larger wheelbase is known for improved stability. In this case, cruiser wheels stand out as they range around 14 to 15.5”.

In contrast, standard skateboard wheels come with 14, which is smaller yet pretty close.

Should You Put Cruiser Wheels on A Skateboard?

Of course, you can. But that doesn’t mean it will be your best decision. Because there are some specific limitations, you can’t overlook once you put cruiser wheels on a skateboard.

For instance, the installed parts mightn’t work in the way you want unless you do the installation task properly. Secondly, cruiser wheels aren’t considered to be a good pick for technical tricks.

Nonetheless, a cruiser can ensure optimal speed, smoothness, and perfect grip. This might be the reason why many skaters love to put these wheels on skateboards.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Using Cruising Wheels on Skateboard?

Using cruiser wheels on a skateboard has both advantages and disadvantages, which I’ve listed below:

Advantages:

• Unlike standard skateboards, cruiser wheels tend to be softer, ensuring smooth skating.

• Those who want to learn the basics of skateboarding can rely on cruiser wheels as they’ll make the whole control way easier.

• Due to the lightweight structure, you’ll find cruiser wheels faster than skateboard wheels.

• Unlike skateboard wheels, the cruiser one will run smoothly over rough surfaces, including pebbles and cracks.

Disadvantages:

• Since wheels aren’t 100% universal, cruisers won’t last for a decade if you use them on any skateboard.

• Enjoying technical tricks, slides, and grinds won’t be possible with the cruiser wheels.

How to Install Cruiser Wheels on Skateboard: Step-by-Step Guide

Do you still insist on installing cruiser wheels on your skateboard? If so, then jump right into the steps on installing cruiser wheels on a skateboard –

Things Needed:

• A single piece of skate tool
• 4 pieces of cruiser wheels
• 2 pieces of riser pads (1/2 inch)
• 8 pieces of bolts (1 ½-inches)

Steps To Follow

• Step-1: Incorporating Riser Pads

As you know, cruiser wheels come in larger compared to skateboard wheels. And chances are the skateboard’s deck may get hit with the wheels while skating.

So, to prevent your board from any damage, attaching extra riser pads will be a good idea in order to eliminate the risk of wheel bite.

In general, the riser pad plays a key role in raising the cruiser wheels a bit higher, for which they won’t get in contact with your skateboard ever.

• Step-2: Adding Bearing for Enhanced Performance

The title speaks for itself; many experts suggest upgrading your skateboards by adding top-notch bearings. Thus, you can enjoy a way smoother and safer ride, even on rough pavements.

As you’re wondering about upgrading, don’t make the mistake of choosing extremely dirt-cheap bearings. Instead, go for any high-quality stuff that is available at an affordable price range.

• Step-3: Fastening Bolts

Let’s take assistance from your skate tool in order to remove the old nuts. And then fasten the new bolts once you’ve incorporated bearings as well as raiser pads.

• Step-4: Keeping Bearing Spick-and-Span

After each use, make sure you keep the bearing clean by applying skate lubricant and washing them off.

Check out our guide on: How to loose Skate wheels

Are Cruiser Wheels Better Than Skateboard Wheels

To be very honest, it’s really tough to give the final verdict on which wheels stand out.

Ask me why? Because each wheel has its own specialties and characteristics to meet your desired requirements.

I’d say standard skateboard wheels are best for technical tricks and flat-ground skating, while cruiser wheels are far better than them for being more lightweight, easier to ride, and friendly with rough terrains.

So, you better set your needs and then pick the one that matches your skating preferences most!

Last Words

If anybody asks, “Can you put cruiser wheels on a skateboard,” show them what you’ve learned through this article. Follow each step I’ve mentioned while installing cruiser wheels on the skateboard.

Or, you can avoid installing them if you perform technical tricks.