The Main Differences Between Skateboards and Longboards
Skateboarding, as we know it today, was born sometime around the early 1950s, when a group of surfers in California wanted to do something when the waves were flat. So, they just placed two pairs of wheels on a wooden plank and called it “sidewalk surfing”. Of course, those skateboards were significantly different than the ones we have today. Nevertheless, over the years, they’ve evolved into what we have today, and it wasn’t long after that longboards were introduced. And while longboards and skateboards are quite similar to one another, there are distinct differences that make riding them vastly different.
Skateboards never truly managed to recreate the surfing sensation, due to the fact that their design was quite different from that of surfboards. With the arrival of longboards, however, enthusiasts got to experience something that feels much closer to surfing on land. Initially, they put roller-skate wheels on their surfboards and slowly started shaping longboards as we see them today. The entire idea was to keep as much of the original shape of surfboards and add soft, flexible wheels that help capture the feeling of riding waves. So, should you get a longboard or skateboard the next time you visit your favourite skate store? The answer to this question will depend on your preferred riding style and a few other factors.
The Shape and Size of the Board
Naturally, longboards are significantly longer than skateboards, usually somewhere between 33 and 60 inches long and about 10 inches wide. Skateboards, on the other hand, are typically 28-32 inches long and 8-10 inches wide. This difference in size is exactly what makes longboards more stable for riding and it provides great rail-to-rail balance, making them ideal for beginners. In terms of shape, skateboards have a variety of different designs, but the shape is pretty much the same. The deck is typically curved upwards at both ends, which helps skaters perform tricks. On the other hand, longboards have narrow, long decks and they come in a wide range of sizes and shapes that provide a different riding experience.
The Wheels and Trucks
Both longboards and skateboards feature trucks at the bottom, but they’re quite different. Skateboard trucks are far more rigid, making them ideal for grinds and performing tricks. Further, skateboard trucks are narrower and use a TKP (traditional kingpin) and come in a wide range of sizes. Ideally, you want the truck to be about the same size as the maximum width of the deck. Longboard trucks, on the other hand, are more flexible, which makes the entire longboard more flexible. Due to this, the entire longboard-riding experience feels much smoother and more comfortable. Additionally, longboard trucks are wider, and they feature an RKP (reverse kingpin). Similarly to skateboard trucks, you should choose longboard trucks according to the width of the board.
When it comes to wheels, as briefly aforementioned, longboards feature bigger and softer wheels, making them faster and more suitable for riding on all types of surfaces. Moreover, they buffer the obstacles on the road, like cracks and pebbles, making long rides far more comfortable. The smaller wheels on skateboards make them ideal for performing tricks and maintaining balance, but they can be easily thrown off by road obstacles.
Maneuvering the Board
Obviously, both skateboards and longboards require a leg push to get the initial thrust. Skateboards excel at ramp riding and performing tight turns, and their light weight makes them great for flips and leaps. However, all of this also makes them less stable and uncomfortable for extended riding. Longboards, on the other hand, are designed for transport and long-term riding on any type of smooth terrain. They’re also great for downhill and cross-country riding. In order to get speed and thrust, skateboarders need to use their feet, which isn’t practical nor safe when cruising at high speed. However, the design of the longboards allows you to “pump” the board by shifting your weight back and forth. This creates the force and thrust you need to move forward without having to use your feet to push yourself. As a result, you can cruise indefinitely on downhill and flat surfaces.
Which One Is Ideal For You?
As you can see, both skateboards and longboards can be really fun. The most important thing you need to consider before visiting a skate store is what you need from the board. Are you more into performing tricks and stunts? Or are you more of a chill, cruiser type? If you’re a beginner, longboards are probably easier to learn how to ride due to the size and shape of their board, which makes it easier to get used to and find balance. Although less agile then skateboards, with the right amount of practice and technique – ramping, flipping and barrel rolls are still possible.
Types of Lures: Don’t Let the Plenty Fish in the Sea Flee
As opposed to the natural types of bait in the form of worms and minnows, artificial fishing lures can be reused over and over again. But the fact that one can catch multiple fish with one lure isn’t the only reason why avid fishermen prefer this option. Lures come in a wide array of styles and variations, each specifically design for a specific type of fish or a group of similar fish species. Fishing lures are generally designed to imitate smaller fish, insects, larvae and other creatures that fish eat in the wild, however, many of them are also designed in such way as not to attract unwanted attention from annoying creatures that aren’t the target demographic. That being said, let’s go through the four most common types of fishing lures.
What Makes Yoga Popular?
Ever feel like you’re at the end of your tether, frequently dealing with stress and anxiety, as well as a restless mind and are in need of a break? It’s time to give yoga a try. There are reasons behind all the hype enough to convince you to make it part of your lifestyle. Read More
Motorcycle Cover – a Simple Solution to Keep Your Ride Well-Protected
Cars are still the more popular choice when it comes to means of transportation. However, I’m a great motorcycle enthusiast and I love all the perks that my ride provides me. First of all, taking a road trip on a bike allows me to enjoy the scenery in a way I could never experience if I traveled by car. Second, the money I save on gas, I spend on entertainment and delicious food. Snuggling on my bike with my girl is an added bonus.
In order to keep my motorcycle in top condition, there is a maintenance routine that I follow. I regularly clean it, check the oil, keep tire pressure as recommended, and change the brake pads when necessary. I also use a motorcycle cover to protect it against ultraviolet radiation, dents, scratches, and tough climate conditions. The cover also makes my bike not that obvious to thieves.
When I bought the first cover for my bike, I didn’t take the time to research the best features it should have and I ended up getting a cheap and inefficient one that I soon needed to replace. For that very reason, here are some tips from my personal experience to help you choose the best motorcycle cover.
Fit
You will find motorcycle covers that are made to fit bikes of different sizes and some designed for specific models. As a motorcycle owner, you may be able to guess the size of the cover you need, but it never hurts to take the exact measurements of your bike first. Size varies from a brand to a brand, so always compare your measurements to the sizing charts listed on your potential purchase. If you can’t find a cover that exactly matches the size of your bike, it’s better to choose one that is bigger rather than one that’s too small.
Measuring your motorcycle involves determining the height, width and length. To find the height, measure from the ground to the tallest part of the bike (often the handlebars). There is no secret to measuring the width, while the length should be measured from the tip of the front tire to the tip of the back tire.
Materials
Materials vary in thickness, weight, and protection. High-quality covers are often made from lightweight and waterproof polyester. This type of covers is what you need for maximum resistance to rain. There are other options made of thicker fabrics, but they tend to be a lot heavier. You will also want your motorcycle cover to be breathable, especially if you intend to keep it covered for a longer period of time. This will allow condensation and heat to escape, which prevents mold, rust, mildew or water damage.
The Great Benefits of Functional Fitness Rigs
Most of us exercise because we want to shed weight, build muscle mass, or tone our physique. These are all great reasons to hit the gym, however, there’s another benefit to sticking to a fitness routine. You see, certain types of exercises can also improve the way you move around your day, help you maintain proper posture and reduce the risk of injuries. What am I talking about? Well, the name for it is functional training. Read More
Types of Camping Beds: Get Your Z’s as You Please
When it comes to camping there is no doubt that a good night’s sleep starts with having the right type of mattress. Speaking from personal experience, having little to no sleep when camping can turn into a real nightmare especially if you plan on having some interesting activities the next day like exploring the place or hiking. Now, let me get something out of chest from the very start – you can right here and right now forget about all the “dreamy” commercials that try to convince you how precisely this product is ideal for everyone. The truth is that there is no such thing as ‘fit for everyone’ product because we are all different, so if a sleeping bag, for example, works for me, it might not work for you. It is safe to say that the golden rule is the more you read the more you know (the more you try, in my case, as I tried a lot of types of camping beds). That being said, keep reading if you want to narrow down your choices. Read More
Make Travelling with Your Bike an Easy Task
Whether you are a professional or an amateur cyclist, if you are planning to fly or drive to your next cycling destination, you are in need of a travel case for your bike. So, for those of you who are ready to test their cycling skills amongst a new crowd, or simply enjoy the perks of roads less travelled, you first need to make sure that you choose a travel case that can ensure it arrives at the destination in one piece and ready to roll. There is no single bike case that will be perfect for everyone. However, there are a number of picks that will surely satisfy your personal wants and needs.
The Big Dilemma: Soft Cases or Hard cases?
As the name suggests, soft cases are commonly made from flexible fabrics like padded nylon, or semi-rigid polymers with specific padding and shaping to hold bikes. They are for sure the more lightweight option for transport of the both. Additionally, they are more compact and easier to pack. Because of their flexible nature, when it comes to soft bike cases, it is best to provide some extra padding of your own to ensure your bike is well supported. As an additional padding option, you can use towels, bubble wrap, foam or some clothes you plan on taking with you on your trip. (Extra baggage space! Yay!)
Surprisingly, flexibility and less weight bring problems too. You need to be extra careful when packing your bike and you need to be aware of the possibility that a careless baggage handler can load other things on top of it. This is not a possibility when it comes to hard travel cases for bikes. If protection is an absolute priority, hard cases go for the win. These are made from resilient plastics and are not as nearly as flexible as the soft ones. Furthermore, hard cases do not always come with the space needed for wheels, which is not such a big issue since there are special separate wheel bags which will do the trick and help you with your transport.
A Slightly Smaller Dilemma: Wheeled or Carried?
Even though technology today strives to make sturdier things lighter, travel cases for bikes can weigh 6-8 kg, and with the bike (and whatever else you stuff inside) you are easily doubling that figure. A larger part of the travel cases do feature wheels for easier transport, but there are few which opt for a simpler, lighter, self-carry style. When choosing the ideal case for you, take into consideration what else you’ll be taking with you and if you can do without wheels, but for most people, wheels are a must-have.
Finally, wheels or no wheels, handlers are still a mandatory part of the bike cases. Honestly, the more of them there are, the better. Bike cases are not always easy to maneuver (even lighter ones) and it is always nice to have convenient places to grab and hold onto. If nothing more, at least look for handles on both sides, the top, and the front.
The Different Types of BMX Seats
Whether you’re building your own BMX from scratch, or you only want to replace the existing seat, there are many important things you ought to consider prior to purchasing a new seat. The different features you need to pay attention to depend on the riding style, level of experience and also have to do with the level of durability and comfort.
How to Choose a Good Gymnastics Mat for Home Use
Gymnastics is a wonderful physical activity that can not only increase your flexibility and improve your general health but also help you get in touch with your body and mind. Kind of like yoga, but a lot more fun. So, no wonder more and more people practice gymnastics outside of the gym class. But practicing this sport at home carries some risks if you’re inexperienced or don’t use the right equipment and accessories. Since it’s an activity that involves drops and heavy landings, it’s important to have a good gymnastics mat that can cushion them and prevent injuries. Here’s what you need to look for in a mat. Read More
Bike Mounted Lights and How Easy They Can Make a Night Ride
If you ever decide that you are in the mood for a bike ride at night because you want to feel some of that chilly night air or just make sure that there is no one around if you enjoy riding alone, then there is some basic gear that you will need. Included in this gear is a standard helmet, some standard knee and elbow pads, and a standard 10,000 dollar military grade “see in the dark like it was daytime” pair of night vision googles. Or alternatively, you could get yourself a flash light. Read More
Benefits of a Smart Trainer Bike
There’s no doubt that riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to stay fit, lose weight and exercise your cardiovascular system at the same time. Nowadays, there are more people into riding bicycles than ever before. But not everyone can enjoy riding outdoors due to a variety of reasons. Some places simply don’t have bike paths, while oftentimes, the dry and hellish Australian climate doesn’t allow people to commute and ride as much as they’d like. However, there’s a perfect solution for those who want to go for their joyride without facing these inconveniences – a trainer bike.
Indoor cycling on a smart bike trainer offers the same benefits that cycling outdoors offers, and more! It provides you with an extremely high expenditure of energy, but without impacting your ankles, knees and thighs – all of which conventional bicycle riding does. That being said, with a bit of knowledge, you can easily make indoor cycling your favorite thing to do once you come home. Without further ado, here are some of the benefits a smart trainer bike offers.
Building Mental Endurance
Even though riding in one spot for an extended time period may seem monotonous, it can be extremely beneficial as it can help you focus on the mere act of riding. You’ll be able to focus on the control, breathing, timing and the pain that comes with cycling, without having to worry about your safety and the safety of those around you.
Bad Weather? No Problem!
When exercising on a smart trainer bike, you don’t care whether it rains, snows or it’s 40°C outside. You can use your bike all year round, and even make use of the air conditioning you have in your home. That being said, bad weather will no longer be on the list of excuses you make for not being able to bike.
It Requires Less Time and Planning
An hour long trip might require you to check for the weather and plan out a route. With a trainer bike, you can exercise for as long as you want to, without any previous planning. There are no unnecessary stops involved, so you can make use of your time optimally. Roughly measured, 2 hours of biking on the trainer equals about 3 and a half hours of biking outdoors.
It Takes Little Space
When compared to other exercise machines, a bike trainer takes up very little space in your home. You can exercise your calves, hips, thighs, legs, and improve your cardiovascular system all at the same time.
Factors to Consider When Buying a New Set of Bike Wheels
The wheels of a bike are among the most replaced parts by most bicycle enthusiasts, as they’re the part that takes the most abuse while riding. A wheel effects the handling, speed, weight and the bike’s overall performance. Typically, lighter wheels improve the bike’s acceleration, lower the rotational weight and give you a slight speed boost. However, if you’re into off-road and rough riding, then burly and tough wheels can be the better alternative.
That said, if you’re looking to replace your bicycle’s current wheels with new ones, there are several factors to take into account in order to make the right purchase. Factors such as wheel size, rim width, weight, hub type, spoke number, and others, should have an impact on what bike wheel is right for you. As aforementioned, if you’re into cross-country racing and riding, lighter wheels provide less rotational weight which equates to more speed. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, require wheels that have wider rims that can take the abuse.
The three most common bike wheels diameters are 26 inches, 27.5 inches and 29 inches. Again, depending on the type of riding you do, the ideal diameter will vary. 26 inch wheels were considered the standard, because they balanced stiffness, light weight and snappy acceleration with sharp handling in technical and twisty single-track terrains. Manufacturers started experimenting with 29 inch wheels sometime later, and found that 29 inch wheels held speed better and rolled easily over obstacles. However, 29 inch wheels had their own disadvantages, like having less wheel stiffness and increased weight. So in an attempt to balance things out, 27.5 inch wheels emerged as the ideal compromise.
In terms of rim width, most bike wheels are either 23mm or 28mm. 23mm rims are standard for trail and XC riding, while more technical and rough terrain riders opt for 28mm rims. However, there are people who prefer more extreme FR and DH riding, which puts the wheel through a lot of abuse, so they may end up choosing 36-40 (sometimes even wider)mm rims.
Lastly, the amount of spokes and spoke patterns can impact how the load is distributed across the wheel. The standard is 32 spokes, but most lightweight wheels feature 24 or 28. Wheels meant for more extreme riding, on the other hand, feature 36 or in the most extreme cases even 48. Spokes can either be butted or plain-gauge. Standard wheels are manufactured using j-spokes and feature a bend on one end, which is considered a weak point, so most manufacturers opt for wheels with straight-pull spokes.
Most wheels use a 3x spoke matter which is laced in a way where each spoke passes either over, or under three other spokes between the hub and the rim. Another popular pattern is the 0x or radial pattern, where spokes go from the hub to the rim without crossing other spokes.