10 Best Skateboard Setups for Cruising: Ultimate Guide for Smooth Rides

Find your perfect ride with these 10 top skateboard setups for cruising. Enjoy smooth, effortless journeys. Explore now.

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Who doesn’t love the feeling of the wind in your hair as you’re cruising down the street on your skateboard? If that resonates with you, then you’re in the perfect place. In this post, we’ll dive deep into skateboarding setups that enhance your cruising experience. We’ll explore options like converting your regular ol’ skateboard into a cruise machine or going all out with a dedicated longboard. Ready to start cruising like a pro? Let’s shred down this rabbit hole together.

What are the best skateboard setups for cruising?

From transforming your existing skateboard to considering a dedicated cruiser or even exploring longboard options, we’ve jam-packed this list with a handful of setups for your cruising convenience. Let’s break it down:

1. Regular skateboard for cruising

If cost-saving is your jam, reshaping your good ol’ skateboard into a cruiser can get you shredding those pavements on a budget. Regular skateboards can be easily reshaped into cruisers just by adding some quality components suitable for cruising. All you really need is a set of smooth wheels, some riser pads, and perhaps new bearings, depending on your current setup.

Investing in a set of soft, large wheels, ideally between 56mm and 65mm, will certainly pay off. The tricks you can perform with this setup may be limited; let’s say ollies and kickflips. I wouldn’t bet on those, but cruising? I absolutely nailed it!

2. Cruiser setup option one

Ready to go the extra mile when it comes to cruising? Opt for this setup. For skaters who aim to cruise without any technical hurdles, this setup fits them like a glove. With the right components like 78A 63mm Fatty Hawgs Wheels, a quality old 8.5″ deck, and standard trucks, this setup hits the sweet spot between price and quality. Sure, it won’t let you go full street mode, but when it comes to some sick cruising, you won’t find many better alternatives in the market.

3. Cruiser setup option two

Cruise and perform tricks all at once? Enter Cruiser Setup Option Two. For skaters who refuse to compromise on technical tricks but still want a slice of that smooth cruising experience, Cruiser Setup Option Two does the magic. This setup does necessitate a bit more effort compared to the first, but hey, isn’t a bit of sweating part of any passionate sport?

In this setup, wheels will take center stage alongside solid trucks. Ricta Clouds with a durometer of 92A are a solid choice, but for a smoother ride, consider going a bit softer. It’s basically getting the best of both worlds.

4. Another setup

This setup includes an 8.5″ deck, big wheels, and quality bearings for that smooth-as-silk ride. The skateboarding world has indeed evolved dramatically in the past few decades, and this setup garners a nod of approval from many new-age skaters. Try it out for yourself and see those neon green wheels roll!

5. Dedicated cruiser setup

This is ideal for carving, pumping, ollies, slides, and, of course, some next-level cruising. A disassembled Landyachtz Dinghy is crafted for all the passionate cruisers out there. All the parts beautifully come together as they collectively work towards giving you those effortless home runs. This specific board won’t let you stretch too much, but trust me, when you get a taste of its ollies, it’s definitely going to hook you for good. If maneuvering in a halo of freedom while cruising is your style, you’ve found your match!

Image of a man riding a skateboard on concrete pavement. Source: pexels
Image of a man riding a skateboard on concrete pavement. Source: pexels

6. Dedicated cruiser (concave style)

Spice up your cruising game with the concave-style dedicated cruiser. They say variety is the spice of life, and it couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to skateboarding. You’ll get added oomph with this variant of the Dedicated Cruiser setup, known for its concave style. If your idea of cruising is hopping curbs smoothly, this dedicated setup bolstered with a concave deck will be your ride-or-die.

7. Cruiser conversion with riser pads

Turn your basic skateboard into a cruiser with a bit of height. By simply adding riser pads and aligning them with big, soft wheels, it’s pretty much a breeze to turn your regular skateboard into a cruising machine. But remember, the smoothness and stability depend primarily on your wheel selection – anything beyond 65mm might make your ride feel shaky and unresponsive.

8. Traditional longboard setup

For those looking to mix it up besides just cruising. Cruising is just the beginning with a longboard; there’s a slew of things this style of board offers from dancing to bombing hills, and even slalom. The catch, though, is in the size. You might find it tougher to carry around due to its larger dimensions. But when it comes to that ultimate cruising experience, a traditional longboard setup is close to unbeatable.

9. Mid-sized, high truck setup

Make tight spins and quick maneuvers a signature part of your cruising style. This setup works wonders if you prefer a board that’s light, maneuverable, yet still maintains speed. The added height on your skateboard helps you make tighter turns and facilitates speedy rotations, thus substantialy elevating your overall cruising enjoyment.

10. DIY setup

This is an insane option to truly make your cruising setup your own. This is where you bring it all to the table. Combine your existing knowledge, experiment with recommended parts, and maybe even innovate with some unique components of your choice. There’s no limit to what you can come up with – your unique DIY cruising skateboard setup is a canvas for your creativity to wander!

Dos and don’ts of selecting your skateboard setup for cruising

Skateboarding, like any other sport, requires preparation, and most importantly, the right equipment. Here are some things to keep in mind while selecting your skateboard setup for cruising.

Do’sDon’ts
Do choose large, soft wheels for a smoother rideDon't opt for hard wheels as they might make your ride shaky
Do Match the truck width with the deck properly for stabilityDon't neglect the maintenance of your setup
Do Value rider’s comfort when choosing your board sizeDon't go for wheels above 65mm for regular skateboards, it may cause instability
Do’s and don’ts of selecting a skateboard setup for cruising
🤙 My favorite bearings (at the moment)

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings

5/5

My rating is based on my five-point ranking criteria checklist.

🤙 My favorite bearings (at the moment)

Bones REDS Skateboard Bearings

Not gonna lie—these are the best bearings I've bought because they are fast and cheap! I've never had any issues with them, and they're super inexpensive and smooth as hell.
  • High-speed
  • Pre-lubricated
  • Inexpensive
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What are some additional skateboard setup tips?

Rolling into the cruising scene can be a mind-boggling task. Here are quick tips and tricks that might guide you through it:

  • Always keep an eye out for high quality components, steering clear from cheaper alternatives.
  • Do not overlook the maintenance of your skateboard setup – regular checkups can extend its lifespan.
  • Personal comfort should always take precedence. What works for one rider might not necessarily work for you, hence always prioritize personal feel and comfort.
  • Practice makes perfect – don’t be disheartened over slow progress. Keep rolling!

My personal take on skateboarding setups for cruising

As someone deeply immersed in the skateboarding scene, my immense bias towards the cruising style setup, particularly my phenomenal Element deck, is rightly justified (modestly speaking). I vividly recall the struggles of my early cruising days. Scrambling through Craigslist for parts, attempting to match decks and trucks, testing different wheels, it was a rollercoaster.

“Remember, transforming your skateboarding journey starts with a solid choice of setup. So, are you ready to skate through cruising like a pro?”

A breakdown of essential components for a cruising setup

Before we dive into the pros and cons of the cruising setup, let’s break down the essential components required for a cruising setup and their average costs. Here is a data table showcasing the average cost of each essential component you’ll need for your cruising skateboard:

ComponentAverage Cost
Deck$50 – $80
Cruiser Wheels$30 – $60
Bearings$10 – $50
Trucks$20 – $50
Riser Pads$5 – $10
The Cost of Essential Components for a Cruising Skateboard Setup.

If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Stepping into the world of cruising skateboarding can trigger a flurry of mind-boggling questions. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:

How can I convert my regular skateboard to a cruising board?

Converting a regular skateboard into a cruising board mainly involves replacing your wheels with larger, softer ones for a smoother ride. Adding riser pads might also be worthwhile if you’re going for wheels above 60mm to prevent wheel bite. Lastly, consider refreshing your bearings if they’ve seen their fair share of wear and tear.

What’s the approximate cost of setting up a skateboard for cruising?

The cost of setting up a cruising skateboard can vary largely depending on the quality of components you choose. Typically, the combined cost for the deck, cruiser wheels, bearings, trucks, and riser pads falls in the range of $115-$250.

Can I perform tricks with a cruising setup?

The trick potential of a cruising setup largely depends on the particular components you opt for. While cruising setups aren’t typically designed for performing extensive tricks, a well-balanced selection of parts can certainly accommodate basic maneuvers like ollies, manuals, or even bowl riding.

Are longboards better for cruising?

Longboards are indeed just made for cruising – and more! Their larger deck and wheels offer superior stability and smoother rides, especially for long distances. However, their size might make them less convenient to carry around. For more on this, check out Is longboarding Easier Than Skateboarding?

Is choosing the right skateboard setup essential for cruising?

Absolutely! The skateboard setup plays a significant role in determining your cruising experience. The right components can enhance your ride’s smoothness, stability, and comfort to a great extent. Learn more about this in my blog post on the Best Skateboard Setup for Tricks.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right skateboard setup for cruising can be an intricate task. But with some solid knowledge about the components and a pinch of personal preference, you’ll be cruising down your hood smoothly in no time. My advice? Experiment with setups, push your cruising game, and experience the joy of riding a board that offers that perfect cruising vibe.

What setup would you go for to pump up your cruising game? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more insights into the skateboarding world. Thanks for cruising through this post. Keep rolling, and let’s meet on the other side of the rainbow!

Key takeaways

This guide offered insights into choosing the best skateboard setups ideal for cruising. Here are the main highlights:

  • Regular skateboards can be converted into cruisers by adding large, soft wheels, durable bearings, and riser pads.
  • Two cruiser setup options provide a balance between quality and price and even allow for some elemental tricks along with cruising.
  • The concave-style dedicated cruiser setup enhances the cruising experience while also offering some trick potential.
  • A traditional longboard setup allows for diverse skateboarding options apart from cruising, but it might be inconvenient to carry around.
  • A personal DIY setup lets you customize your board as per your cruising needs and preferences and is limited only by your creativity!

Helpful resources

Image of jedain.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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