Asking for Wisdom on Transition Setup. Bigger Wheels = Better?

[burger1113]

I'm starting to get into transition skating a bit after moving a bit closer to a halfway decent skatepark. Since I never had access to good ramps, my wheel of choice was always 54mm with medium contact patch to keep the weight down but still roll over crust okay.

Now that I'm getting pretty comfortable on a ramp and starting to stand up on coping, I feel like a transition setup would be fun to have as a second board.

The question is however, do I need to go all the way up to 58~60mm...? I do plan on riding bigger transition down the line. I kind of want to avoid going too high with the diameter because I like loose trucks. Risers to fit those size wheels sound like a pretty tippy board, too.

If you ride medium to big transition a lot, what is the minimum size wheels you would go for? Really appreciate your time!

[Frank and Fred]

Depends on how smooth the concrete is, how long the flat is... start with your 54s and see how you carry speed.

I live near some very big and old crusty bowls, so 55 to 58 is my go to range but I keep some 60s ready for a few spots that require it. I almost always use 1'8" risers anyway, so it doesn't bother me.

Also, wider wheels can help carry speed through crusty. Something like a 56mm conical full could be a good all round transition wheel.

[burger1113]

Depends on how smooth the concrete is, how long the flat is... start with your 54s and see how you carry speed.

Thank you! My local isn't too crusty, but it does seem like I could use some more speed. Maybe for the next set I will try 55mm or 56mm with Indy standards...? Inch my way up.

[Urtripping]

Expand Quote

Depends on how smooth the concrete is, how long the flat is... start with your 54s and see how you carry speed.

[close]

Thank you! My local isn't too crusty, but it does seem like I could use some more speed. Maybe for the next set I will try 55mm or 56mm with Indy standards...? Inch my way up.

Like Frank n Fred said, shape matters too! Conical wheels are the best for transition because they offer more grip.

[in love w/ fs shuvs]

its mostly personal preference imo. trust your gut.

Personally I like conical full 55s; look good feel good = skate good.

[WashingtonNECKTIE]

Agree with all the above.

Currently loving these 55mm F4 lock-ins. Little forgiveness on scoop-y tricks, but sharp inner-edge for, well, locking-in.
Big fan of wheels with a wide riding surface, even if they are a bit bulky.

[JimmyFive]

Larger wheels definitely help maintain speed in transition. I enjoy a 58mm wheel and ride F4 99 radial and SPF 84b for smooth concrete. I like the Bones V6 shape, with they made a 58mm V6 SPF wheel.

[ToasterBiscuitz]

I mean do you want to shock the system or work your way into it?
I think if you are skating pool coping you will want a bigger wheel and truck. If the vert is massive then an all-around bigger board would typically be ideal. If it’s metal coping and you want to skate everything I’d just split the difference between what you are on now and the numbers you quoted.

[bombsaway86]

My experience:

60mm is overkill
58mm if you’re skating big vert (10ft+)
56mm is good for everything under 10ft
54mm is fine if you’re skating smaller transition

I go between 56mm and 58mm. The deep end at my local is 10ft, it takes a lot more effort to 5050 it on 56mm.

My favorite bowls are all around 8ft deep, and 56mm feels perfect there

[nurkdurk]

My experience:

60mm is overkill
58mm if you’re skating big vert (10ft+)
56mm is good for everything under 10ft
54mm is fine if you’re skating smaller transition

I go between 56mm and 58mm. The deep end at my local is 10ft, it takes a lot more effort to 5050 it on 56mm.

My favorite bowls are all around 8ft deep, and 56mm feels perfect there

That’s a perfect size break down imo. I am on 56 og classics for my transition board and it’s a Goldilocks size for pool skating. Looser trucks, minimal wheel bite on 1/8” risers with aces.

Pure vert ramp guys tend to ride much tighter trucks and can get away with bigger wheels and less riser. They also aren’t changing speed as quickly, simply carrying it.

On wheel shape, radials or classics full rounded side is nicer coming out of piv fakie. Conical shape lock in is great on pool coping.
OG classic contact width is reaaaaal close to the full shapes, with an overall width and weight closer to classics though. For a +9” setup the weight savings is nice compared to full shapes.