Skateboarders, beware. If you are a beginner, you must know what I wheel bit.
Wheelbite is a hidden menace of the sidewalk. One wrong turn or sudden halt can mean disaster unless you want to find yourself eating it when out and about with your longboard or cruiser deck.
Give those softer wheels extra protection by rubbing some wax underneath them. Harder wheels are more forgiving, keeping you on track even in challenging terrain. Know that wheelbite won’t be able to stop your skateboarding ambition if you are adequately prepared.
Wheelbite Test: How Do I Do It?
Ty Mixon has your back if you’re looking to hit the streets with a smooth ride. Start by removing the roadside bushing and pushing down on the truck to determine if it offers an adequate turning radius.
Then ease into carving at a slow speed – doing this will help avoid wheelbite should too much stress be placed upon them. So why not give his advice a try for your next street excursion? I have been doing this technique for years, and it worked for me.
Is wheel bite normal on a skateboard?
The answer is yes. Wheel bite can be expected on a skateboard. Wheel bite occurs when the wheels of a skateboard rub against the deck or trucks and cause the skateboard to stop abruptly.
This can happen when a rider takes a sharp turn or rides at high speeds with an improper stance. It’s essential to ensure that your trucks are tightened properly, that your wheels are inflated correctly, and that you have proper clearance between your board and wheels to help prevent wheel bite.
Additionally, using grip tape on the top of your board is always good practice to have more stability and control while riding. With these precautions in place, you should be able to reduce the chances of experiencing wheel bite while skating.
The Reasons Why Wheel Bite Causes
Being a skateboarder, i have immense understanding of the wheelbite likewise you must have experienced the unpleasant feeling of wheel bite.
Wheel bite is a common occurrence in skateboarding, where the wheels of the skateboard come into contact with the deck while riding, resulting in the rider losing control and possibly falling off the board. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why wheel bite occurs and how to prevent it.
Tight Trucks
One of the main causes of wheel bite is having tight trucks. The trucks are the metal components that connect the wheels to the deck.
Tightening the trucks too much can cause the wheels to rub against the deck, resulting in wheel bite. It is important to adjust the trucks to a comfortable level that allows for smooth turning and carving without causing wheel bite.
Soft Bushings
Soft bushings, which are the rubber components inside the trucks that provide cushioning and stability, can also contribute to wheel bite. When the bushings are too soft, they can compress too much and cause the wheels to come into contact with the deck.
To prevent wheel bite, consider upgrading to harder bushings that provide more stability and reduce the likelihood of wheel bite.
Large Wheels
Another common cause of wheel bite is having large wheels. Large wheels have a greater surface area, which can make them more likely to come into contact with the deck.
To prevent wheel bite, consider using smaller wheels or adjusting the trucks to accommodate larger wheels.
Low Deck Height
The height of the deck can also contribute to wheel bite. A low deck height means that the wheels are closer to the deck, increasing the likelihood of contact. To prevent wheel bite, consider using a higher deck or adjusting the trucks to raise the height of the deck.
Rough or Uneven Terrain
Riding on rough or uneven terrain can also cause wheel bite. When the wheels encounter bumps or cracks in the pavement, they can compress and come into contact with the deck.
To prevent wheel bite, try to ride on smoother surfaces or adjust the trucks to accommodate rougher terrain.
Riding Style
Finally, riding style can also contribute to wheel bite. If you are a beginner or tend to make sharp turns, you may be more likely to experience wheel bite.
To prevent wheel bite, try to develop smoother turning and carving techniques, or consider adjusting the trucks to a more stable setting.
Tried and Tested Solutions To Prevent Wheel Bite
Street skating often comes with surprises; your board veering off to the side unexpectedly or a trick landing that doesn’t quite go as planned. Often it has something to do with wheelbite – an issue familiar and frustrating for many skaters.
Following are a few ways I adopt to fix wheel bite issues.
I keep on Rising Pads
Skating with the wrong board set-up can lead to unsavoury consequences. Not only will your ride feel uncomfortable, but you could also get wheel bite or pressure cracks if you need to know what adjustments need to be made.
Risers are a great way of avoiding these issues and provide added benefits like shock absorption for smoother rides when skating rough surfaces.
They come in many different shapes and sizes, so skaters everywhere can find an option that fits their own needs – risk-free skateboarding at its finest.
Maintaining a tight setup is essential for any ride – and shock absorption plays an important role. Without it, bolts can become loose from the impact, potentially wreaking havoc on your hardware if left unchecked. Invest in quality parts to keep things secure – you won’t regret avoiding those frequent trips back to the store.
A ⅛” Riser is the way to go for most boards. But no matter what size of a riser you choose, keep an eye on how tight your hardware goes – otherwise, it can cause cracks and splits in a short time. Here are some helpful guidelines: 1/8″ requires 1-1/8th inch screws; ¼” uses 1¼ inches; while ½” needs at least one and a half inches to screw lengths.
I keep on Adjusting the Trucks
If you’re looking for the perfect feel on your skateboard, don’t be afraid to experiment with adjusting your trucks. Sometimes a slight adjustment is all it takes. Setting them tightly can help keep that board consistent and enhance pop when jumping or spinning off ramps – but make sure they are tight enough.
Finding the balance of where you like them might take some time, so have fun experimenting until it feels right.
As you progress in your skateboarding journey, the perfect ride will become easier to find. Tweak trucks with quarter turns for a precise setting and looser movement. It’s also advantageous when trying to reduce wheel bite from tighter trucks.
Waxing Under Wheel Wells
What about inserting riser pads or adjusting your trucks? No worries – there’s an easy-to-use method for reducing wheel bite that requires no tools. Apply wax to the wheel wells where it occurs, and you’ll have a temporary lubricant.
The best part is if you need proper skateboard wax available in need, any candle will do (yes even birthday candles.). However, steer clear of soap as this can lead to slippery messes.
Wheels Too Big For Trucks
When picking out skateboard trucks, it’s crucial to consider the size of your wheels. Lower profile offerings usually require a smaller wheel in the 50-53mm range while mid-size truck profiles do best with 54-56mm pieces – and don’t forget that high profile cruisers may need even bigger ones.
Having mismatched sizes can lead you down a slippery slope, so get just what fits right. If all else fails risers are there for backup – or if yours are pretty worn then maybe opt for new ones? Ensure your ride is strictly as intended by pairing up those perfect pairings
Swap Out Skateboard Bushings
As I aged and gained weight, the bushings that came with my skateboard trucks no longer did their job. Attempting to remedy this problem, I purchased some new bushing – but they were too soft. Thankfully, Bones’ have a hardcore version of blackbushings, providing better support than regular softer ones.
It took me $10 and a lesson in hardness to learn what it takes for heavier skating folk like myself: if you want tight truck rides with extra support – go harder.
Understand Wheel Sizes
Skating can be an exciting journey, and often times skaters overlook the importance of picking a quality wheel. For those just starting out skateboarding I recommend going for wheels with diameters ranging from 52-56mm – this sets up beginners perfectly with both control speed as well as acceleration capabilities.
Moreover, if you’re looking to go cruising on rougher surfaces, then longboards or cruisers may require bigger sized wheels. Whatever style suits your preference though it is essential to keep in mind that wider boards are more prone to getting ‘wheel bite’ – so choose wisely.
I usually Sand Skateboard Wheel
If you want to avoid wheel bite, sanding your skateboard deck is a solution. However, this takes time and isn’t for the faint of heart – do it wrong and risk compromising its structural integrity.
Gritty sandpaper can be helpful if you choose to go with this option, but we’d recommend taking extra care with something like a wood dremel for more precise results that will make your board look better.
Conclusion
We hope this article was helpful about getting the information on what is wheelbite and how to fix wheelbite about the Skating with waxed wheels can be a tricky business – literally. You might find your board slipping away from you around corners or during tricks.
Avoiding wheel bite, however small, should always be a top priority when skating. Minor bites often happen without being noticed and so specific measures may have to be taken in order to prevent more significant problems down the line affecting those all-important skate moves.
In conclusion, wheel bite is a common problem in skateboarding that can be caused by a variety of factors.
To prevent wheel bite, it is important to adjust the trucks, bushings, and wheels to a comfortable level that allows for smooth turning and carving without causing contact with the deck.
Additionally, riding on smooth terrain and developing a smooth riding style can also help prevent wheel bite. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable skateboarding experience.