So I'm sick of bike riding and I'm thinking of riding a skateboard.
I've noted that there are several types of skateboards and I'm looking for one that will allow me to just ride around for fun — no tricks involved — as I'm a scaredy cat and will probably not even touch a vert.
I'm just going to use it to cruise around in Sydney Olympic Park.
Any ideas on how much I should pay for one and what shops to buy from (Syd?)
Thanks. I'm currently researching on Cruisers and they seem to be fairly inexpensive as far as boards go, some between $80~150.
What are your thoughts on this?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Z-Flex-Complete-Jay-Adams-Skatebo…
My only concern really is the quality of the bearings (ABEC 7 being 2nd worse), but I can upgrade them myself later right? And I assume that wheel bearings are universal and are basically one-size fits all? e.g this
yes all parts can be upgraded later, bearings appear to be universal too.
Cruisers would work well as long as you get some big wheels and decent bearings. The one you linked is relatively narrow, ie your feet will hang off both sides as its 7.5" wide. I used to ride 7.75" even on a regular board and it wasn't that fat for me, size 10.5 us shoes/feet.
It looks really cheap btw.
Bearings are usually universal as the housing in the wheel is the same as most skateboard wheels its just that the wheel itself can be different shapes and sizes.
You could always go to a skate shop, stand on a few boards and even some longboards as well, different widths etc and see what is comfortable. Then purchase something online that you like, I see SurfStitch are doing some good deals on cruisers brands such as sector 9 seem to be pretty good.
I know when I started to ride skateboards I have relatively large feet 12 US on an 8"wide deck and though comfortable initially my feet had to get used to standing in a concave.
Get something off surfstitch, or ebay. I got a cruiser from surfstitch and found the small deck is pretty scary. Get a longboard - much more stability and much better for travelling longer distances. As you're a beginner, any old one will do. You can always upgrade later.
That's a good idea. Longboards look HUGE though, what is a good size for free riding in the park? And what are you using?
I'm using a Jay Adams cruiser from Surfstitch. It is the same length as a standard skateboard. I suppose you want the shortest longboard possible then - perhaps something that reaches your hips. The wheels and bearings you'll get from a complete package will never be as good as the ones you can buy separately, so buy a cheap brand package on sale, then change the wheels and bearings when you destroy the packaged ones.
I use my freeline skates much more, but that's another story.
Maybe late, but I recommend you at least try one of these if your primary use is transportation:
Hi scrimshaw i have a Dusters (globe) cruiser that has been used for about 30 mins total.(too many boards not enough time to skate) like http://www.oldskullskateboards.com/Dusters-Kosher-Rasta-Tail… i bought it on sale so am not looking for much for it. let me know if interested.
Thanks for the offer. I already bought this Z-Flex Jimmy Plumer. It's a pretty decent board and only set me back $60 after the Paypal $10 voucher code.
Only issue I have with it — is that the trucks are rather loose and the raiser block is too high.
If you are not keen on doing tricks than maybe a cruiser or longboard might be what you're looking for..
Cruisers are usually smaller than a longboard, but are easier to carry, and provide a smooth ride and better turn capability
Longboard larger than skateboards and cruisers have more stability and in turn are better for 'higher speeds'
You can use a skateboard, and use a softer wheels which will allow you to go over most cracks and stones and whatever comes your way.
I personally would go a cruiser, more than capable on the street and paths and provide a comfortable ride and maybe a little less intimidating to a novice.
As for prices I paid about $200 for my skateboard setup, Plan B deck, Independent trucks and risers, Spitfire wheels, Jessup griptape, bacon bits hardware and bearings. For cruisers I wouldn't pay much more than $200 for a complete but I'm not sure on brands and quality of cruisers.
I've personally dealt with Skater HQ and they were great, Basement Skate seems to get some good reviews as well. But stand on some boards and see what you like and prefer and tell them what you're looking to use the board for as well.