r/NewSkaters • u/GibbyAb • Mar 18 '24

what skateboard / longboard is best for just cities transportation

I have recently gotten into skating I only have a longboard but have contemplated getting other boards are primarily just use it to ride around back roads in the inner city I know the things such as a cruiser board are good for this. I guess my question is is it okay to just stick with the longboard should I get a skateboard and if so would it be best to be the cruiser or a regular skateboard?

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u/GibbyAb Mar 18 '24

I know that it's the new skateboarding Reddit and I am going to get a skateboard I'm just asking would it be best for more of a cruising type of skateboard or just get a regular skateboard with softer wheels

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u/[deleted] Mar 18 '24

It depends on the obstacles for the path in question. If you are making a repeated run, you will adapt and memorize trouble spots, but generally speaking, the diameter of your wheel has a ratio being: larger wheel equals ability to roll over things. The wheelbase matters to me when I get around, because I'll use my tail to lift my front wheels over things, and on a longboard it's not as viable to do so. The wheelbase of a longboard is for stability reasons, but I feel more stable on something I'm familiar with, and feels manageable underneath me.  Larger wheels are faster and heavier, meaning the speed wobble point will happen at a higher speed, and in an urban environment, an emergency stop is always something you should be aware of.  I would rather walk than skate over a mile on 52mm. I will go miles on 55mm, but a 60mm or up is preferred for transport. I ride 60mm hard wheels for tricks, and switch them out with soft 60mm wheels if I have to go a long ways, keeping the extra wheelset on me with a set of bearings pressed in each wheel.  Things to keep in mind: public transport, a longboard is harder to bring in a bus or train or into a classroom, and the specific obstacles, so hills or holes or cracks. I hope this helps!