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The short answer: Setting up a longboard for the first time involves attaching the trucks to the deck, mounting the wheels, adjusting the bearings, and fine-tuning the bushings and hardware to match your weight and riding style. It’s a straightforward process that requires basic tools like a skate tool or Allen key, and about 20-30 minutes of your time.
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary components and tools. Most longboards come in parts, or you may be assembling a custom board. You’ll need:
If you’re missing any parts, check out our buying guide for recommendations on complete setups that come ready to roll.
The first step is to insert the bearings into the wheels. Here’s how:
While doing this, check for any dirt or debris. A clean setup ensures smooth rolling. If you’re using new bearings, they may come pre-lubricated, but you can add a drop of speed cream if needed.
Now it’s time to attach the trucks. Each truck has a baseplate with four holes that align with the deck’s holes.
If your deck has a directional shape (kicktail at one end), mount the trucks accordingly: the kicktail usually goes at the rear, so the truck there is mounted with the baseplate facing the tail.
With the trucks mounted, it’s time to put on the wheels.
After attaching, spin each wheel to check for smooth rotation. If you hear grinding or feel resistance, loosen the axle nut slightly or check that the bearings are fully seated.
This step is crucial for a comfortable and safe ride. The kingpin nut on the truck controls how tight the bushings (the rubbery parts inside the truck) are, which affects turning and stability.
Also, check that the bushings are seated correctly. Some trucks have a top bushing and a bottom bushing, often of different shapes or hardness. A typical setup uses a barrel bottom and cone top for a good balance. If you find the ride too stiff or too soft, consider replacing bushings with a different durometer (hardness) based on your weight. For reference, a 90A durometer is medium, but heavy riders might need 100A.
Before you hit the pavement, do a quick safety check:
Then, take your longboard to a flat, safe area. Start by pushing gently and getting a feel for the turning and stability. If the board feels too twitchy or too stiff, adjust the kingpin nuts accordingly. Also, consider wearing a helmet and pads, especially when learning.
A: For beginners, it’s often easier and more cost-effective to buy a complete longboard that comes pre-assembled. You can always upgrade parts later. If you’re building from scratch, ensure you have compatible components, and follow the same steps as above.
A: Axle nuts should be snug enough that the wheel doesn’t slide side-to-side but loose enough that the wheel spins freely. A good rule is to tighten until you feel resistance, then back off a quarter turn.
A: This is often due to over-tightened axle nuts, which press the bearings against the wheel’s core. Loosen the nut slightly. Also, check for debris in the bearings or if they’re not fully seated.
For a list of quality longboards that require minimal setup, see our best longboard guide.
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