Skateboarding on gravel can be a thrilling experience, but not all skateboard wheels are designed to handle rough terrains. To enjoy a smooth and safe ride, using the best skateboard wheels for gravel is crucial. These wheels are made of high-quality materials and offer effective grip for carving and cruising.
If you’re looking to upgrade your skateboard for a more adventurous ride on gravel surfaces, there are plenty of options available. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 12 best skateboard wheels for gravel, along with a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the best skateboard wheels for gravel on the market!
Get ready for our reviews on the best skateboard wheels for gravel, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
Last update on 2024-09-17 at 05:32 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Skateboard Wheels For Gravel
Skateboard Wheels For Gravel: A Quick Overview
Skateboarding on gravel or rough terrain can be a challenge due to the lack of traction and control on these surfaces. This is where skateboard wheels for gravel come in. These wheels are designed to provide better grip and stability on uneven surfaces, enabling skateboarders to navigate through gravelly roads, dirt paths, or rocky terrain with ease.
Skateboard wheels for gravel typically have a larger diameter and softer durometer than regular skateboard wheels. The larger size helps create more momentum, allowing the skater to easily ride over small obstacles like gravel rocks. The softer durometer, on the other hand, provides better shock absorption, enhancing the skateboarder’s grip and stability on rough terrain. With these features, skateboard wheels for gravel are a must-have for riders who want to venture off the beaten path and explore new skateboarding experiences.
Reasons for Buying Skateboard Wheels For Gravel
There are several compelling reasons why skateboarders, particularly those who enjoy cruising on rough terrain, should consider investing in gravel wheels. These wheels are specifically designed to provide superior performance and stability on uneven surfaces, making them an ideal choice for riders who enjoy exploring off-road environments. In this section, we will explore some of the key benefits of using skateboard wheels for gravel and why they are worth considering for your next skateboard upgrade.
Better traction on rough terrain.
When skating on gravel, the rider often experiences a lack of traction, making it difficult to control the board and maintain balance. The rough and uneven surface of gravel makes it harder for the wheels to grip the ground, reducing the overall performance of the skateboard. This is where skateboard wheels for gravel come in. These wheels are specifically designed with a softer and larger diameter, allowing them to glide over and grip onto rough terrain with better traction.
The design of these wheels is intended to provide the rider with stability and control when skating on gravel, dirt, or any other rough terrain. The softer material used to make these wheels absorbs the impact of uneven surfaces, reducing the impact felt by the rider, and consequently providing a smooth and comfortable ride. Skateboard wheels for gravel are a great investment for those who enjoy off-road skating or want to improve their performance on rough terrain.
Increased durability for longer use.
Skateboard wheels are essential components that affect a rider’s performance. If you frequently ride on rough surfaces like gravel, it’s crucial to invest in wheels that can withstand the wear and tear of such terrains. Regular wheels may wear out quickly and eventually affect your performance.
Skateboard wheels designed for gravel are made from high-quality materials that can handle the impact and pressure that comes from riding on rough surfaces. Generally, they are thicker and more massive than regular wheels. These features enhance their durability, and they can last longer than traditional wheels. Therefore, purchasing skateboard wheels designed for gravel can save you money in the long run by reducing the frequency of replacing your wheels. By investing in durable wheels, you can enjoy skating on gravel without worrying about the wheels wearing out too quickly.
Smoother ride on uneven surfaces.
Skateboarding on gravel can be a challenging task as the wheels tend to sink into the loose surface, making it difficult to maintain balance and control. This not only affects the overall skateboarding experience but also increases the risk of injuries. This is where Skateboard Wheels for Gravel come into play.
These wheels are designed to provide a smoother ride on uneven and rough surfaces such as gravel, concrete, and dirt. They feature a unique design that distributes the weight evenly, reducing the impact on the wheels and allowing them to roll over gravel without sinking in. With these wheels, skateboarders can enjoy a smoother ride, maintain better balance, and control their board with ease. Skateboard Wheels for Gravel are a must-have for skateboarders who love to explore different terrains and want to experience a seamless ride every time they hit the road.
Protection for the skateboard bearings.
Skateboard wheels are vulnerable to damage when used on rough surfaces such as gravel. When the wheels come into contact with stones or pebbles, they can chip or wear down, which can cause damage to the bearings. Over time, this damage can cause the bearings to fail, which can make it difficult or impossible to ride the skateboard.
By purchasing skateboard wheels specifically designed for use on gravel, riders can protect their bearings from damage. These wheels are typically made from harder, more durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of rough surfaces. They may also be wider or taller than standard skateboard wheels, which can provide better stability and control when riding in rough terrain. With the right wheels, riders can enjoy the freedom and excitement of skateboarding without worrying about damaging their gear.
Buyer’s Guides
Picking the right skateboard wheels is essential for your ride experience, and more so if you’re planning to skate on gravel. While it may seem like an easy decision to make, there are a few key factors that you should consider before making a purchase.
Size
Choosing the right size of skateboard wheels for gravel is essential for a smooth and comfortable ride. Smaller wheels tend to be slower and less stable, making it difficult to navigate through rough terrain. On the other hand, larger wheels are more stable, faster, and provide better control on gravel.
The size of the wheels will also affect the height of the board, with larger wheels raising the deck higher off the ground. The higher the deck, the more difficult it is to control the skateboard on rough surfaces. Therefore, it is essential to consider the size of the wheels before purchasing to ensure the best fit for the rider’s needs and terrain.
Hardness
When selecting skateboard wheels for gravel, hardness is a crucial factor to consider. Hardness is measured in durometer and is indicated by a number followed by the letter A. The higher the number, the harder the wheel.
Hard wheels are less forgiving over rough terrain, making them less suitable for rough surfaces like gravel. Soft wheels, on the other hand, tend to absorb the shock, making the ride smoother. However, they wear out faster and are less effective on smooth surfaces. Therefore, it’s important to consider hardness before buying skateboard wheels for gravel to ensure a comfortable ride and longevity of the wheels.
Shape
When buying skateboard wheels for gravel, it is important to consider the shape of the wheels because it directly affects the performance of the skateboard. The shape of the wheel determines how it interacts with the terrain, and therefore impacts your ability to maintain balance, control, and speed when riding on rough surfaces like gravel. Generally, skateboard wheels for gravel have a wider and softer shape to provide enhanced stability, traction, and shock absorption on bumpy or uneven surfaces. So, considering the shape of the wheels is essential to ensure a comfortable and safe ride on gravel, and avoid unpleasant experiences like wobbling, slipping, or getting stuck on rocks.
Moreover, the shape of the skateboard wheels also affects the type of riding style and tricks you can perform. Different wheel shapes have distinct characteristics that cater to specific riding styles, such as cruising, carving, sliding, or freeriding. Hence, choosing the right wheel shape can enhance your overall skateboarding experience on gravel, and allow you to explore new challenges and techniques. In conclusion, prioritizing the shape when buying skateboard wheels for gravel is crucial to enjoy optimal performance, comfort, and versatility on rough terrains.
Material
Choosing the right material for your skateboard wheels is essential, especially if you’re planning to ride on rough terrain like gravel. The wrong material can affect the quality of your ride, impact speed, and reduce the lifespan of your wheels.
When it comes to gravel, you need wheels that offer a good grip and roll smoothly over rough terrain. Soft wheels made of polyurethane (PU) are the best option because they provide excellent shock absorption and grip on rough surfaces. They also have a slower speed, which is a good thing as you don’t want to be flying over gravel too quickly. Harder wheels made of synthetic materials are better suited for smooth surfaces like skateparks, so ensure you’re buying wheels made for use on uneven surfaces. Ultimately, considering the material of your skateboard wheels before buying will ensure you have the best possible ride over gravel terrain, which in turn, leads to a better performing skateboard for you.
Brand
When it comes to buying skateboard wheels for gravel, it’s important to consider the brand before making a purchase. This is because different brands offer varying levels of quality, durability, and performance. Choosing a well-known and reputable brand ensures that you are getting a high-quality product that will last longer and perform better than cheaper, less known brands. Additionally, established brands often invest in research and development to create unique formulas for their wheels, resulting in better traction, speed, and control on rough terrain.
Moreover, the brand reputation also plays a significant role in ensuring consistency and reliability. A trusted brand will guarantee a consistent level of quality and performance, and you can be assured that the product will meet your expectations. Opting for an unknown brand increases the risk of receiving inferior quality products or wheels that might not be suitable for your style of skating. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a reputable brand that specializes in skateboarding, has a solid track record, and a loyal following in the skating community.
Price
When it comes to purchasing skateboard wheels for gravel, price should be an important factor to consider. While quality is also important, purchasing a pair of expensive wheels might not be the best choice if you mainly use your skateboard on rough terrain. Gravel can cause some serious damage to your wheels over time, so it might not be worth investing in a high-end pair if they are going to get scratched up quickly.
Furthermore, not all skateboard wheels are created equal, and cheaper options may be made of lower quality materials that can wear down more quickly. Therefore, striking a balance between price and quality is essential when looking for wheels suitable for gravel. It’s also important to consider the size and shape of the wheels along with their price to ensure they are designed specifically for enhanced grip and traction on rough terrain.
FAQs
What size of skateboard wheels are suitable for gravel surfaces?
Skateboard wheels for gravel surfaces typically range between 55mm and 60mm in diameter. These larger sized wheels provide better stability, traction, and shock absorption when rolling over rough terrain. They also have a lower durometer (hardness) rating, typically ranging between 75a and 85a, which allows for a softer ride and more grip on uneven surfaces. It is important to note that riding on gravel surfaces can cause more wear and tear on wheels, so it’s recommended to periodically inspect and replace them as needed.
Are there any special features that make skateboard wheels specifically designed for gravel?
Skateboard wheels specifically designed for gravel have a larger diameter and are typically wider than regular skateboard wheels. They are also softer in texture to absorb the impact of rough surfaces and maintain traction. The core of these wheels is also designed to withstand the impact of gravel and prevent damage or deformation. Overall, gravel-specific skateboard wheels offer improved stability, control, and durability when skating on rough terrains.
Can I use regular skateboard wheels for riding on gravel or do I need to buy special wheels?
Yes, front suspension impacts the weight and speed of a hybrid bike. A bike with front suspension adds weight to the bike, which can slow it down. This is because the suspension unit adds extra material and weight to the front of the bike. The amount of weight added can vary depending on the type of suspension used and the quality of the unit. Generally, the more advanced the suspension system, the more it weighs.
Additionally, front suspension can impact the speed of a hybrid bike by reducing pedaling efficiency. This is because the suspension can absorb some of the energy produced by the rider’s pedaling, leading to a loss of power and speed. However, a good suspension design can mitigate this effect and lead to a more comfortable and efficient ride. Therefore, when choosing a hybrid bike, it is important to consider the trade-off between weight, speed, and comfort that comes with front suspension.
What impact does the hardness of skateboard wheels have on their performance on gravel?
Final Verdict
There are a lot of skateboard wheels available in the market, but choosing the right one for gravel can be a difficult task. However, after researching and testing the top skateboard wheels for gravel, we have come up with the top 12 best skateboard wheels that will provide you with a smooth and comfortable ride.
With our reviews and buying guide, we’re confident that you’ll find the best skateboard wheels for gravel that suits your preferences. So, upgrade your skateboard wheels to these top-rated ones and enjoy your ride without any interruption or discomfort on gravel roads. Always remember to prioritize quality and performance over cost when choosing wheels for your skateboard on gravel.