Wheel bite is a common problem for skateboarders, especially those who are just starting out. It can be a frustrating experience, as it can cause your board to stop abruptly or even lead to a fall. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent wheel bite and keep your skating experience enjoyable.
How to stop wheel bite on skateboard? 7 very useful ways
There are several ways to prevent wheel bite on your skateboard. Some of these methods are more effective than others, but all of them will help to some extent.
Consider Riser Pads
If you are experiencing a wheel bite, one of the first things you should do is add a riser pad to your skateboard. Riser pads are small pieces of plastic or rubber that go between your trucks and your deck. They raise the height of your trucks, which in turn lowers the risk of wheel bite.
You can find riser pads of various heights at most skate shops. It is important to choose the right height for your pads, as too high of a pad can make your skateboard unstable and difficult to control.
Use softer wheels
If you’re experiencing wheel bite, one of the best things you can do is switch to softer wheels. Softer wheels are less likely to grip the road as tightly, which will help to prevent your board from stopping suddenly.
Adjust your trucks
Another way to prevent wheel bite is to adjust your trucks. If your trucks are too tight, they can cause your wheels to grip the road too tightly, which can lead to wheel bite. However, if your trucks are too loose, your board will be more likely to wobble and may even cause you to lose control. The best way to find the perfect truck tightness is to experiment until you find a setting that works for you.
Slow down
If you’re new to skateboarding, it’s important to take things slowly at first. Skateboards can reach high speeds, which can make wheel bite more likely. As you get more experienced, you’ll be able to better control your board and avoid wheel bite.
Avoid rough terrain
Rough terrain can also contribute to wheel bite. If you’re skating on a surface that isn’t smooth, your wheels are more likely to grip the ground and cause your board to stop suddenly. Try to stick to smooth surfaces like concrete or asphalt whenever possible.
Warm-up your wheels
If you’re going to be skating in cold weather, it’s important to warm up your wheels before you start skating. Cold weather can make your wheels harder, which can lead to wheel bite. To warm up your wheels, simply roll them on the ground for a few minutes before you start skating.
Keep your wheels clean
Dirt and debris can also cause wheel bite. If your wheels are dirty, they’re more likely to grip the ground and cause your board to stop suddenly. Be sure to keep your wheels clean and free of any debris before you skate.
Wheel bite can be a frustrating experience, but there are a few things you can do to prevent it. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of wheel bite and keep your skating experience enjoyable.
Is wheel bite common?
Wheel bite is a relatively common problem, especially for those who are just starting out with skateboarding. It can occur when your wheels grip the ground too tightly and cause your board to stop abruptly. While it can be frustrating, there are a few things you can do to prevent wheel bites and keep your skating experience enjoyable.
What causes wheel bite on skateboards?
As anyone who has ever experienced it can attest, wheel bite is the bane of any skateboarder’s existence. For the uninitiated, wheel bite occurs when the skateboard wheels make contact with the deck of the board, causing the rider to lose control and potentially fall.
While it might seem like a relatively minor issue, wheel bite can be extremely dangerous, and even experienced riders can find themselves taking a tumble if they’re not careful.
So what causes wheel bite? There are actually a few different factors that can contribute to this problem.
- First, it’s important to make sure that your skateboard wheels are the correct size for your deck. If the wheels are too large, they’re more likely to make contact with the deck when you turn, which can cause wheel bite.
- Second, the hardness of your wheels can also be a factor. Softer wheels are more likely to grip the surface of the skateboard deck and cause wheel bite.
- Finally, if you’re riding on rough or uneven terrain, that can also increase the risk of wheel bite.
How to adjust your stance and board position to stop wheel bite?
You can adjust your stance and board position to stop wheel bite in a few different ways.
- The most common way is to simply move your front foot further back on the board. This will effectively change your center of gravity and prevent the wheels from biting into the deck when you make a turn.
- Another way to adjust your stance is to use different trucks. Some trucks are designed specifically to prevent wheel bite, so if you’re having trouble with your current trucks, switching to a different brand or model may help.
- Finally, you can also adjust the height of your trucks. If your trucks are too low, they may be more likely to cause wheel bite. By raising them up slightly, you can reduce the chances of this happening.
What to do if you experience a wheel bite while skating?
If you experience a wheel bite while skating, there are a few things you can do to remedy the situation.
First, check to make sure that your skateboard trucks are tightened properly. If they are loose, tighten them with a skate tool. Next, check your wheel wells to see if they need to be adjusted. You can do this by loosening the bolts that hold the wheel wells in place and moving them either closer together or further apart.
Finally, check your wheels to see if they are the correct size and hardness for your skating style. If you are a beginner, it is best to use softer wheels. If you are an experienced skater, you may want to try harder wheels
Conclusion
Wheel bite can be a frustrating experience, but by following these tips, you can minimize the risk of wheel bite and keep your skating experience enjoyable. By ensuring that your wheels are the correct size and hardness for your skating style, keeping your trucks tightened and adjusted properly, and being mindful of your surroundings, you can avoid this problem and enjoy skating to the fullest.