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Skateboard Trucks

Skateboard trucks were first used in the 1970s. Before that roller skate wheels and axels were used but proved to be difficult to ride to say the least. Specialized trucks for skateboards were lower to the ground and provided more turning ability. Small bumpers are used to help stabilize the wheels in relation to the board. They also provide the axels for the wheels.

Skateboard trucks are made to be very durable, they are one of the only pieces of a skateboard that almost never needs to be replaced. Very few things can break a well made truck, bent axels being almost the only problem. Some longboard riders purposely bend their rear axels down giving the wheels a slight angle which improves cornering grip. For longboards, trucks are much wider for stability and speed. Weight is not nearly as much as a concern.

Skateboard trucks can accept many different speeds of bearings. The better the bearing the faster and smoother the skater will be able to ride. They are inserted into the wheels and then the wheels are pushed onto the axel. The wheel is held on with a simple locking bolt and once the trucks are mounted onto the deck the board is ready to ride. Adjusting the bumper tension can make the board turn faster while losing stability or slower but stable.

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