Can You Put Longboard Wheels On A Regular Skateboard?
Yes, you can put longboard wheels on a skateboard—and it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re trying to smooth out rough pavement, build the ultimate cruiser, or just experiment with your setup, adding larger, softer wheels can completely change how your board rides.
But here’s the deal: longboard wheels are much bigger than standard skateboard wheels. That means if you install them without the right hardware (like riser pads and longer bolts) you’ll run into serious problems like wheel bite, where the wheels hit the underside of your board and stop you dead in your tracks.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:
- The pros and cons of putting longboard wheels on a skateboard
- What gear and tools you need
- How to avoid wheel bite
- The best wheels, bushings, and bearings for the job
- And exactly how to install them (step-by-step)
These parts make sure there’s enough clearance between your deck and wheels, preventing wheel bite: when your wheels rub the board and stop you suddenly.
What Happens If You Put Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard?
Swapping your regular wheels for longboard wheels can totally transform how your skateboard feels, but it also changes how it performs.
The Good News:
Longboard wheels are bigger, softer, and smoother. That makes them perfect for:
- Cruising through rough pavement and sidewalks
- Commuting over longer distances
- Getting better grip and stability, especially downhill
- Smoothing out vibrations for a more comfortable ride
If you’ve ever hit a pebble with 52mm street wheels and nearly launched into orbit, you’ll immediately appreciate the shock-absorbing power of longboard wheels.
The Catch:
Longboard wheels are usually 60mm to 75mm in diameter, much bigger than the 50–54mm street wheels most skateboards come with. If you install them on a skateboard without modifying your setup, here’s what happens:
- Wheel Bite: The wheels touch the bottom of the board when you carve or turn, bringing you to an instant (and painful) stop.
- Less Clearance: Without riser pads, your trucks don’t sit high enough to make room for the bigger wheels.
- Heavier Feel: Bigger wheels weigh more, which affects how the board flicks, pops, and accelerates.
That said, with the right riser pads, bolts, and bushings, you can solve all of these problems and unlock the benefits of longboard wheels on your existing deck.
Pros and Cons of Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard
Adding longboard wheels to a standard skateboard opens up new ways to ride, but it also comes with trade-offs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits and limitations so you know exactly what to expect.
Pros
- Smoother ride
- Better for cruising
- Increased speed
- Handles rough terrain well
- Better grip
Cons
- Can cause wheel bite
- Less trick-friendly
- Heavier setup
- Not great for technical skating
- May require you to upgrade the bushings
If your goal is to cruise, carve, or commute, longboard wheels on a skateboard is a killer upgrade. But if you’re focused on tricks, gaps, or skatepark lines, this setup isn’t ideal.
What You Need to Put Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard
To install longboard or cruiser wheels on a regular skateboard, you’ll need the following:
- 4 longboard wheels (ideally 60mm to 68mm)
- 2 riser pads (½ inch or 12mm)
- 1.5” hardware (x8)
- A skate tool (or compatible wrenches)
These parts make sure there’s enough clearance between your deck and wheels, preventing wheel bite—when your wheels rub the board and stop you suddenly.
Choosing the Right Longboard Wheels for Your Skateboard
Not all longboard wheels are created equal, especially when you’re putting them on a regular skateboard. You need to find the right balance between size, softness, and shape to avoid problems and maximize comfort.
This section explains how to pick the perfect wheels for your cruiser setup.
1. Wheel Size (Diameter)
Wheel diameter affects how fast your board rolls and how likely it is to get wheel bite.
| Size | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50–54mm | Street skating | Too small for cruising |
| 56–59mm | Hybrid setups | Still a bit rough on pavement |
| 60–68mm | Cruiser builds | Smooth, fast, and still safe with ½” risers |
| 69–72mm | Only with tall risers | Increased risk of wheel bite on tight turns |
| 73mm+ | Longboards only | Not suitable for skateboards even with risers |
Pro Tip: Stay between 60mm and 68mm if you’re using ½” risers. Anything larger can still cause rubbing, even with adjustments.
2. Durometer (Hardness)
Durometer measures how soft or hard a wheel is. Softer wheels absorb more bumps, while harder ones roll faster but feel every crack.
Most longboard wheels use the A Scale (e.g., 78A, 85A, 97A).
| Durometer | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 75A–87A | Soft | Smoothest ride, best grip for cruising |
| 88A–95A | Medium | Balanced feel, can still cruise |
| 96A–101A | Hard | Street tricks and skateparks only |
Cruiser builds should stick to 78A–87A for comfort and shock absorption.
3. Best Longboard Wheels for Skateboard Setups (Top Picks)
| Brand & Model | Size | Durometer | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireball Tinder | 60mm | 81A | Compact, smooth, perfect for riser setups |
| Powell Peralta G-Bones | 64mm | 97A | Classic feel with a bit of grip |
| Orangatang Fat Free | 65mm | 83A | Premium carving & urban skating |
| FREEDARE Wheels | 60mm | 83A | Budget-friendly with bearings included |
| Cloud Ride Cruisers | 69mm | 78A | Great if you go with larger risers |
Quick Recap: How to Choose Your Wheels
- ✅ Stay under 70mm
- ✅ Use a soft durometer (78A–87A)
- ✅ Pair them with risers, long bolts, and good bearings
How to Install Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard (Step-by-Step)
Converting your skateboard into a cruiser setup only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Here’s exactly how to do it—even if you’ve never modified your board before.
Before you start: Make sure you have your longboard wheels (60–68mm), ½” riser pads, 1.5” hardware, and a skate tool or wrench.
Step 1: Remove Your Trucks and Wheels
Use a skate tool or a socket wrench to unscrew the bolts from your trucks. Remove the trucks from the deck.
Then, pop your current wheels off the axles. If the bearings are reusable, gently remove and set them aside.
Step 2: Install ½” Riser Pads
Place a riser pad between your deck and each truck baseplate. The holes will align exactly with your deck and truck mounting holes.
Risers should sit flush and stable—make sure they’re not warped or uneven.
Step 3: Mount Trucks with Longer Bolts (1.5” Hardware)
Insert your 1.5” bolts through the deck, risers, and truck baseplates. Secure them with nuts underneath using your tool or wrench.
Tip: Tighten opposite corners (like a car tire) to prevent uneven pressure or warping.
Step 4: Install Your Longboard Wheels
Add bearings to your longboard wheels (if they’re not pre-installed). Insert one bearing into each side of the wheel using a bearing press or by gently pushing it onto the truck axle.
Slide the wheels onto your truck axles and secure them with axle nuts. Leave a little bit of play—you don’t want the wheels so tight that they can’t spin freely.
Step 5: Test Ride and Adjust
Stand on the board and lean gently to each side. Try a few slow pushes and wide turns.
- If your wheels rub against the deck, try:
- Tightening your trucks slightly
- Swapping in firmer bushings
- Adding shock pads (if you don’t want to go up to taller risers)
Pro Tip: Set Your Wheels with Speed Rings
If you’re using high-quality bearings, speed rings (small washers) between the axle nut and bearing can extend the life of your bearings and keep the wheels spinning freely.
Avoiding Wheel Bite: Risers, Bushings & Truck Tuning
One of the biggest problems people face when putting longboard wheels on a skateboard is wheel bite—when the wheels rub or jam against the underside of the deck while turning or carving.
This can cause sudden stops, loss of control, and even injury. But don’t worry—wheel bite is easy to prevent with the right adjustments.
What Is Wheel Bite?
Wheel bite happens when the wheel makes contact with the bottom of the deck during a sharp lean or carve. The wheel slows down (or stops) while your body keeps moving—usually resulting in a wipeout.
It’s more common when using:
- Larger wheels (60mm+)
- Soft bushings
- Loose trucks
- Decks with low clearance (especially popsicle decks)
Read my in-depth article on how to easily fix wheel bite.
Best Longboard Wheels for Regular Skateboards (Tested Picks)
There are hundreds of longboard wheels on the market—but only a handful work well on standard skateboards without major modification.
Here are the top picks based on:
- Size (under 70mm)
- Durometer (soft enough for cruising)
- Performance (grip, smoothness, speed)
- Compatibility with ½” riser setups
1. Fireball Tinder Wheels
Specs: 60mm diameter, 81A durometer
Best For: Smooth cruising, freeride, and carving
Why They’re Great:
- Perfect size for riser-equipped skateboards
- Pre-lubed bearings included
- Made from Fireball’s “Cinder” urethane for high rebound and grip
Ideal for beginners or street riders converting to a cruiser.
Bonus: Made in California and known for consistent quality.
2. Powell Peralta G-Bones
Specs: 64mm diameter, 97A durometer
Best For: Skaters who want cruiser comfort with some pop
Why They’re Great:
- Legendary brand with decades of innovation
- Harder durometer feels closer to classic skate wheels
- Easier to transition into tricks from cruising
Great if you want a hybrid feel—some comfort, but still enough stiffness for manuals, ollies, and park flow.
3. Orangatang Fat Free
Specs: 65mm diameter, 83A durometer
Best For: Carving, commuting, urban exploring
Why They’re Great:
- Super high-quality urethane for buttery slides and carving
- Rounded lips and small core = smooth acceleration
- Slightly wider contact patch for more grip
Premium choice. Costs more, but performs at an elite level.
4. Cloud Ride Cruiser Wheels
Specs: 69mm diameter, 78A durometer
Best For: Tall riser setups (¾” or 1”)
Why They’re Great:
- Incredibly soft ride for rough pavement
- Great for longer pushes or hills
- Excellent roll speed and rebound
These are on the upper limit. Only use with tall risers or shaped decks.
Quick Comparison Table
| Wheel | Size | Durometer | Best Use | Riser Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fireball Tinder | 60mm | 81A | All-around cruising | ½” |
| G-Bones | 64mm | 97A | Hybrid cruiser/street | ½” |
| Fat Free | 65mm | 83A | Urban carving | ½”–¾” |
| Cloud Ride | 69mm | 78A | Long-distance, rough roads | ¾”–1” |
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Putting Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard?
Yes—it’s absolutely worth it if your goal is smoother rides, better cruising, and more fun on rough pavement.
With a little bit of hardware and a few smart choices, you can turn any old skateboard deck into a legit cruiser that glides over cracks, pebbles, and even hills. Just remember that it’s a different ride style—more flow, less flip tricks.
Who This Setup Is Perfect For:
- Commuters who want to skate to school or work
- Casual riders who prioritize comfort over tricks
- Skaters who want to revive an old board
- Beginners who want a forgiving, stable ride
When It’s Not Ideal:
- If you’re focused on tricks, gaps, and skateparks
- If you already own a longboard and don’t need the hybrid setup
- If you don’t want a taller, heavier board
Can you put longboard wheels on a skateboard? Yes. And now you know exactly how to do it right.
FAQs – Can You Put Longboard Wheels On A Skateboard?
Can you put longboard wheels on a skateboard?
Yes. Longboard wheels can be installed on a skateboard as long as you use riser pads (½” recommended) and longer bolts (1.5″) to avoid wheel bite. This setup is ideal for cruising and commuting, but not for technical tricks.
What’s the best wheel size for a cruiser skateboard setup?
60–68mm is the ideal range.
Wheels above 70mm may still rub your board even with risers, unless you’re using a shaped or elevated deck.
Do I need risers for longboard wheels on a skateboard?
Absolutely. Riser pads create space between the wheel and deck. Without them, larger wheels will contact the deck during turns and cause wheel bite—which can stop you instantly.
What durometer is best for longboard wheels on a regular deck?
78A–87A is the sweet spot for cruising. These softer wheels grip pavement and absorb vibrations. Avoid hard wheels (95A+) unless you’re trying to keep a street skating feel.
Will putting longboard wheels on my skateboard ruin it?
No—if done right. Using risers and proper hardware prevents damage. Just avoid using extra-large wheels or overtightening bolts, which can stress your deck and trucks.
Can I do tricks with longboard wheels on my skateboard?
You can do some basic tricks (like manuals, reverts, or shuvits), but most flip tricks will be harder due to:
– Increased wheel weight
– Softer urethane
– Less responsiveness
If you want to skate street and cruise, consider hybrid wheels like the Powell Peralta G-Bones (64mm, 97A).
Can I use longboard bearings in regular skateboard wheels?
Yes. Bearings are generally universal. Most skateboard and longboard wheels use 8mm bearings (standard size), so they’re fully interchangeable.
What’s the difference between cruiser wheels and longboard wheels?
– Cruiser wheels are usually smaller (56–65mm) and designed specifically for skateboards.
– Longboard wheels tend to be larger (65–75mm), softer, and heavier.
Both work well for smooth rides, but cruiser wheels are a safer bet if you want to avoid needing tall risers.
Can I turn any skateboard into a cruiser?
Pretty much. As long as the deck has standard truck holes and enough clearance with risers, you can install cruiser or longboard wheels. Just don’t expect a steep popsicle deck to ride like a pintail longboard—it’s more of a hybrid feel.
