Skateboard Bearings: Optimize Your Ride with Precision Measurements

When choosing skateboard bearings, measurements play a crucial role in performance and durability. Understanding the inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and thickness (W) of bearings is essential for selecting the perfect fit for your board.

Measurement	Description
Inner Diameter (ID)	The diameter of the bearing's inner race that fits onto the skateboard's axle
Outer Diameter (OD)	The diameter of the bearing's outer race that sits inside the wheel
Thickness (W)	The height of the bearing from the inner race to the outer race

Story 1: Find the Right ID for Smooth Rolling

Benefit:

Choosing the correct ID ensures a snug fit on the axle, preventing the bearing from slipping and causing friction. According to Transworld Skateboarding, "a loose bearing can cause the wheel to wobble, while a bearing that's too tight can restrict its rotation."

How to:

Measure the diameter of your axle using a digital caliper. Select bearings with an ID that is slightly larger than the axle diameter for a snug fit.

| Common ID Measurements |

|---|---|

| 608-8 | 8mm |

| 608-12 | 12mm |

| 608-22 | 22mm |

Story 2: Optimize Speed with the Perfect OD

Benefit:

Selecting bearings with the appropriate OD maximizes wheel speed by reducing friction between the bearing and the wheel's core. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that "larger OD bearings tend to have less resistance, which results in faster speeds."

How to:

Measure the diameter of the wheel's core where the bearing will sit. Choose bearings with an OD that is slightly smaller than the core diameter to prevent binding.

| Common OD Measurements |

|---|---|

| 608-22 | 22mm |

| 608-24 | 24mm |

| 608-26 | 26mm |

Story 3: Enhance Durability with the Ideal Thickness

Benefit:

The thickness of the bearing affects its load-bearing capacity and durability. Thicker bearings are more durable and can withstand higher speeds and heavier riders. Powell Peralta states that "thicker bearings are better for street skating and heavier riders, while thinner bearings are better for vert skating and lighter riders."

How to:

Consider your weight and the typical terrain you skate on. Select bearings with a thickness that matches your riding style and expected load.

| Common Thickness Measurements |

|---|---|

| 7mm | Thin |

| 8mm | Medium |

| 9mm | Thick |

Skateboard Bearings: Optimize Your Ride with Precision Measurements