Can You Put Longboard Trucks On A Cruiser?

Yes, you can put longboard trucks on a cruiser skateboard. It can create a fun and unique riding experience. However, it’s important to ensure that the hanger width matches the deck width and check for wheelbite before riding to ensure a safe and smooth ride.

Benefits Of Putting Longboard Trucks On A Cruiser

Putting longboard trucks on a cruiser skateboard can offer several benefits to riders looking for a smoother and more comfortable ride. One of the main advantages is the ability to carve and make quick turns, which is a hallmark of longboarding. Longboard trucks provide a greater range of motion and allow for more fluid movements, making it easier to navigate through crowded areas or tight spaces.

Additionally, longboard trucks tend to have a higher baseplate angle, which helps prevent wheel bite and allows for larger wheels to be used. With larger, softer wheels, riders can enjoy a smoother ride and better shock absorption on rough terrain or uneven surfaces.

Overall, incorporating longboard trucks on a cruiser skateboard can enhance the riding experience by offering stability, maneuverability, and a more enjoyable cruise. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this combination can provide a versatile and comfortable setup for cruising around town or exploring new spots.

1. Stability And Control

If you’re looking to enhance stability and control on your cruiser skateboard, consider swapping out your regular skateboard trucks for longboard trucks. While cruiser skateboards are designed for a smooth ride, the addition of longboard trucks can take your skating experience to the next level.

One key advantage of using longboard trucks on a cruiser is the increased stability they provide. Longboard trucks typically have a wider and longer hanger, which distributes weight more evenly across the board. This wider stance helps to reduce wheel bite, a common issue when turning on a cruiser with smaller skateboard trucks. With longboard trucks, you can enjoy sharper turns without worrying about the wheels biting into the deck.

Moreover, longboard trucks allow for a more relaxed riding style. The looser turning capability of reverse kingpin longboard trucks gives you better control and maneuverability, especially at higher speeds. The relaxed nature of longboard trucks also promotes a smoother and more comfortable ride, making them ideal for longer commutes or cruising around the town.

2. Increased Speed And Mobility

Putting longboard trucks on a cruiser board can significantly increase speed and mobility, enhancing your overall skateboarding experience. By using longboard trucks, you can benefit from several advantages that contribute to increased speed and mobility.

One key advantage is the ability to utilize larger wheels. Longboard trucks allow for the use of larger wheels, which provide better momentum and roll over obstacles more easily. With larger wheels, you can maintain speed for longer periods without the need to push as frequently, allowing for a more efficient and enjoyable ride.

3. More Favorable Ride Quality

When it comes to selecting trucks for your cruiser skateboard, longboard trucks can offer a more favorable ride quality that enhances your overall skating experience. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect when putting longboard trucks on your cruiser:

• Increased Stability: Longboard trucks typically have a wider hanger than standard skateboard trucks, providing a wider stance and more stability. This stability is particularly important for cruising, as it allows you to maintain balance and control at higher speeds or over rough terrain.
• Enhanced Control: Longboard trucks feature a lower baseplate angle, which means they have a more pronounced turning ability. This allows for smoother and more controlled turns, making it easier to navigate crowded sidewalks or tight corners.
• Smoother Ride: Longboard trucks are designed to absorb road vibrations and provide a smoother ride. They are often equipped with softer bushings and larger wheels, which help to dampen the impact of bumps and cracks in the pavement. This results in a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, particularly for longer distances.

While longboard trucks offer several advantages for cruisers, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Longboard trucks can be less durable than standard skateboard trucks, especially when subjected to more aggressive riding styles or tricks. Additionally, the risk of wheel bite increases when using larger wheels on a cruiser setup.

Advantages Of Standard Kingpin Trucks For Cruisers

Standard kingpin trucks offer several advantages for cruisers. Firstly, these trucks provide a stable and reliable ride. Their design, with a higher hanger and tighter turning radius, allows for better control and maneuverability on the streets. Secondly, the standard kingpin trucks are durable and can withstand the regular wear and tear of cruising. They are designed to handle the impact of jumps, tricks, and rough surfaces.

Additionally, these trucks offer a customizable riding experience. They can be easily adjusted by changing the bushings, allowing riders to fine-tune their trucks to suit their preferences. Finally, standard kingpin trucks are readily available and can be found in any skate shop.

This accessibility makes it easier for riders to find and replace parts whenever necessary. Overall, standard kingpin trucks are an excellent choice for cruisers seeking stability, durability, and a customizable riding experience.

1. Easy To Use And Maintain

Longboard trucks can be a great addition to a cruiser skateboard, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. The best part is that they are incredibly easy to use and maintain.

Installing longboard trucks on a cruiser is a simple process that can be done with basic tools. Just remove the existing skateboard trucks and replace them with the longboard trucks. Adjustments can be made by tightening or loosening the kingpin nut to achieve the desired level of responsiveness.

Maintenance is also hassle-free. Regularly check and tighten the hardware to ensure everything stays secure. Replace any worn-out or damaged components, such as bushings or pivot cups, to maintain optimal performance. It’s recommended to inspect the trucks regularly to identify any signs of wear or damage.

2. Lower Cost Option

If you’re looking for a lower-cost option for a cruiser board, the Karnage Drop Down Cruiser board is a great choice. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end cruisers, it provides a solid foundation for customization and improvement.

One area where you can make significant improvements is by replacing certain parts. The stock bushings on the Karnage board can be quite firm, resulting in a stiffer ride. By investing in aftermarket bushings, you can achieve a smoother and more comfortable ride. Softer bushings will also enhance your ability to turn and carve, making your cruising experience even more enjoyable.

Another area where you can enhance the ride is by adding a foam grip to the board. The stock grip tape on the Karnage board is functional but lacks the cushioning that foam grip provides. With a foam grip installed, your feet will feel more comfortable and secure, reducing the chances of them slipping off during your ride.

3. Versatility For Different Types Of Riding Styles

If you’re looking to add versatility to your cruising experience, consider installing longboard trucks on your cruiser board. Longboard trucks offer a range of benefits for various riding styles, making them an excellent choice for riders who want to explore different terrains and techniques.

One of the main advantages of using longboard trucks on a cruiser board is stability. These trucks have a wider hanger and a lower baseplate angle compared to regular skateboard trucks, providing a more stable platform for riders. This stability allows for a smoother ride, making it easier to maintain balance and control while cruising.

Additionally, longboard trucks offer a more relaxed and fluid riding style. The increased stability and larger wheelbase allow riders to flow through turns and carve with ease. This fluidity enhances the overall riding experience, making every cruise feel more enjoyable and effortless.

Disadvantages of Longboard Trucks on a Cruiser

While there are advantages to using longboard trucks on a cruiser board, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. One of the main drawbacks is the increased risk of wheel bite. Since longboard trucks and larger wheels result in a higher deck height, there is a greater chance of the wheels making contact with the deck during sharp turns or when riding over uneven surfaces.

This can lead to an abrupt stop and the potential for loss of balance. To mitigate this issue, riders may need to use riser pads to create more clearance between the wheels and the deck. Another disadvantage is that longboard trucks may not be as responsive for performing tricks compared to standard skateboard trucks. The wider hanger and lower baseplate angle of longboard trucks make them more inclined towards stability than maneuverability, making it challenging to execute certain technical tricks.

1. Lower Durability Due To Material Quality Issues

When considering putting longboard trucks on a cruiser board, it’s important to keep in mind the potential lower durability due to material quality issues. While longboard trucks are specifically designed for stability and maneuverability in longboarding, they may not be as durable as standard kingpin trucks typically used for skateboards.

Longboard trucks are often made of lighter materials, which can be more prone to rust, delamination, and deterioration compared to the sturdier construction of standard skateboard trucks. These material quality issues can result in decreased performance and potentially compromise the safety of your riding experience.

If you decide to put longboard trucks on your cruiser board, it is recommended to regularly inspect and maintain the trucks for any signs of wear and tear. This might involve checking for rust, ensuring the bolts are securely tightened, and replacing any worn-out bushings or hardware.

2. Potential Issues With Wheel Bite

When putting longboard trucks on a cruiser board, one potential issue that riders may encounter is wheel bite. Wheel bite refers to the unwanted contact between the wheels and the skateboard deck, which can greatly impact the rider’s experience.

Wheel bite occurs when the rider leans hard into a turn or carves aggressively, causing the wheels to come into contact with the underside of the skateboard deck. This can lead to sudden stops, loss of control, and even accidents.

Several factors contribute to wheel bite. One factor is the use of larger diameter wheels typically found on longboards. These larger wheels have a greater chance of coming into contact with the skateboard deck during sharp turns. Another factor is the leverage created by leaning hard into turns, putting more pressure on the wheels and increasing the likelihood of wheel bite.

3. Higher Cost Than Standard Kingpin Trucks

When considering using longboard trucks on a cruiser board, it’s important to note that these trucks typically come at a higher cost compared to standard kingpin trucks. The increased price is due to several factors.

Firstly, the material quality of longboard trucks tends to be higher. They are often constructed from durable and lightweight materials such as aluminum or titanium, which add to their overall cost. These materials offer excellent strength and stability, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride.

In addition to the material quality, the design of longboard trucks is more intricate than that of standard kingpin trucks. Longboard trucks often feature reverse kingpin designs, which provide improved maneuverability and stability when cruising or carving. The engineering behind these trucks involves complex manufacturing processes, resulting in a higher price tag.

Factors To Consider Before Installing Longboard Trucks On A Cruiser Board

Before installing longboard trucks on a cruiser board, there are a few factors to consider. While it may seem like a simple upgrade, there can be potential drawbacks and issues that may arise.

One factor to consider is the lower durability of longboard trucks compared to standard kingpin trucks. Longboard trucks are often constructed from lightweight materials like aluminum or titanium, which may not withstand the same amount of abuse as the sturdier materials used in standard kingpin trucks. This means that longboard trucks may be more prone to wear and tear, which could result in a shorter lifespan.

Another potential issue is wheel bite. Longboard trucks are designed to accommodate larger wheels, which may cause clearance problems on a cruiser board. This can lead to the wheels touching the deck, resulting in an unstable and dangerous ride. To avoid wheel bite, riser pads can be used, but they may alter the board’s riding dynamics and affect the overall feel.

FAQs

Conclusion:

The answer is yes, you can put longboard trucks on a cruiser and open up a whole new world of possibilities for your riding experience. Whether you’re looking for a smoother ride, better stability, or the ability to tackle different terrains, upgrading your cruiser with longboard trucks is a game-changer.

So why wait? Get out there, customize your ride, and enjoy the thrill of cruising like never before!