Fasten two metal trucks to the bottom of your wooden skateboard deck using a series of nuts and bolts. Understanding the working components of the skateboard trucks will allow you to make any necessary adjustments. With regular maintenance, you can ensure your skateboard trucks remain in proper working condition.
Function
The trucks of the skateboard serve multiple necessary functions. The most important job of the skateboard trucks is to secure the wheels in place. Each skateboard truck holds two urethane wheels in position. The cylindrical components of the trucks allow the wheels to spin. The trucks also function as the turning mechanism of the skateboard. Simply lean forward or backward to navigate your skateboard around obstacles in the riding path. Place your feet over the truck bolts to maintain a balanced riding stance.
Materials
Lightweight trucks will allow the beginner skateboarder to easily maneuver the board. The 2011 Transworld Buyer's Guide says the top skateboard trucks feature a magnesium construction. Skateboard companies also commonly use steel and aluminum for the body of the trucks. Many trucks feature a hollow body as it helps to decrease the overall weight. Choose a set of heavier trucks for added stability if you enjoy reaching breakneck speeds on steep hills.
Bushings
Each skateboard truck houses two bushings. The bushings refer to the circular components that surround the large bolt of the trucks, defined as the kingpins. Know How to Skateboard says bushings often have a rubber construction. Skateboard companies offer the truck bushings in varying levels of hardness to meet the needs of avid skaters. Hard bushings remain ideal for technical maneuvers on manual pads. Soft bushings prevent the wooden board from cracking during high-impact tricks.
Tight vs. Loose
Tighten or loosen the kingpins of the trucks using a specialized skateboard tool. Beginner skateboarders often prefer tighter trucks as they offer increased stability. As your skateboarding skills progress, slowly loosen your trucks to improve your balancing ability. Most professional riders tighten and loosen the trucks depending on the type of skateboarding obstacle. Loose trucks allow you to carve around the sloping walls of a skateboarding pool. Tight trucks aid in a balancing maneuver known as the manual.
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