To many people, a skateboard is simply a board on wheels. But this is an oversimplification of the complex mechanisms at work in a skateboard's design. All the different parts of a skateboard are manipulated through advanced engineering methods. The trucks and bearings are among the board's most complicated components. The design of these parts significantly affects the agility and performance of a particular board, and riders often customize the trucks for their own personal style.
Purpose
A skateboard's trucks are the mechanisms that connect the board to its wheels. The trucks are responsible for making a board skate as they provide the axles, bearings and other parts necessary for smooth riding. The trucks' design varies depending on the style of skateboarding required by the rider.
Parts
A skateboard truck consists of many parts. The bolts connect the truck unit to the board. These are seen extending through to the top of the board. The bolts connect under the board to the truck baseplate, which is the foundation for all the other parts. Extending from the baseplate are the hanger and kingpin. These protrusions lead to the wheel mechanism which contains the bearings and axle. Near the axle is a complex mechanism containing various parts that affect the suspension of the wheels. The top and bottom bushings are a major part of these truck components as they connect the hanger with the axle.
Width
A skateboard's truck width is among the most important considerations in its design. Specifically, the width of the hanger affects the distance between the wheels. If it is too wide, the board suffers from a wide turn radius. But if it is too narrow, the close proximity of the wheels leads to an unstable board that easily tilts over. In general, the truck should position the wheels nearly under the edges of the board. Those building their own skateboards should select trucks that match the width of the main board. The hanger width is usually the same as the axle width, since the hanger ultimately holds the axle in place.
Pivot Angles
The pivot angle of the truck's hanger determines how far the wheels are from the board. Skateboard trucks provide the width between the wheels, but also the vertical distance between the wheels and the board. Steeper pivot angles lead to a greater distance. If a board rides higher off the ground, the rider can leverage her weight more easily for performing tricks or making the board turn. However this leads to a more unstable board. For novice riders, a lower pivot angle is recommended as it sits the board closer to the ground, leading to a more stable, if less agile, riding experience.
Bushings
While hanger width and pivot angles most significantly influence the turn radius and agility of the board, they are not the only truck components that control the board's performance. The bushings, situated close to the axle, affect how the wheels respond to shifts in the rider's weight. Softer bushings are more sensitive to weight leverage and make a board easier to turn. The softness or hardness of a bushing is a consequence of its shape and how easily it compresses under pressure. If your trucks seem too stiff, replacing the bushings is one of the easiest ways to change how the board rides.
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