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Road Rider: a legendary name in skateboarding
Road Rider holds a special place in skateboarding history.
The brand is closely associated with the development of precision-bearing skateboard wheels in the mid-1970s, at a time when skate gear was evolving extremely quickly.
Road Rider became emblematic of a new generation of components designed for greater speed, control, and consistency.
Today, HawaiiSurf carries the Hollow Road Rider Truck, subject to availability.
Discover the brand alongside other favorites in our skateboard collection.
Road Rider and the evolution of skateboarding in the 1970s
The 1970s were a defining period in skateboarding history.
Advances in urethane wheels gradually transformed the ride and enabled skaters to explore new ways of skating.
Road Rider emerged in this context.
The Road Rider Wheels in 1975
The Road Rider precision skateboard wheels appeared in 1975.
The project notably brings together Quality Products for production and NHS for marketing and distribution in part of the United States.
L’integrating precision bearings is one of the concept’s key features.
Precision bearings integrated into the wheels
Before modern systems became widespread, the components used on skateboards were very different from the ones we know today.
Road Rider helped popularize precision bearings.
This development notably made it possible to move away from older systems using loose balls.
Why were precision bearings important?
A modern bearing keeps its rolling elements in a dedicated structure.
This makes installation and maintenance easier and ensures more consistent performance.
By the mid-1970s, this development is helping transform skateboard equipment.
Road Rider and NHS
The story of L Road Rider is closely linked to NHS.
NHS handles the marketing and distribution of the first Road Rider wheels in the western United States, while Quality Products is involved in their manufacture.
This history links Road Rider to Santa Cruz's skate ecosystem.
Road Rider and Quality Products
Quality Products Inc., based in Cranston, Rhode Island, appears in historical Road Rider advertisements.
L's company is associated with making the first wheels.
Period advertisements particularly highlight the urethane and precision bearings.
Red Road Rider wheels
The first Road Rider wheels are instantly recognizable by their translucent red or amber appearance.
These wheels become especially prominent on the era's competition skateboards.
Their look is now strongly associated with 1970s skateboarding.
Road Rider No. 2
The Road Rider No. 2 is the first iconic model in the family.
Historical advertisements present it as a wheel equipped with precision bearings.
According to period documents, it measures about 48 mm in diameter and 40 mm wide.
Road Rider No. 4
The Road Rider No. 4 comes next in a larger size.
Late-1970s advertisements list dimensions of about 60 mm in diameter and 45 mm wide.
It is then presented as a versatile wheel designed especially for street, competition, bowl, and freestyle skating.
Road Rider No. 6
The Road Rider No. 6 pushes the diameter and width even further.
Historical documents indicate dimensions of about 68 mm in diameter and 50 mm wide.
It is particularly associated with control, speed and downhill.
The Road Rider Henry Hester
Road Rider also developed a wheel associated with slalom champion Henry Hester.
This version has a narrower profile than the No. 6, with a diameter of about 63 mm.
It illustrates the gradual specialization of equipment for different disciplines.
Henry Hester and Road Rider
Henry Hester was one of the big names associated with Road Rider in ads of the era.
Slalom demands speed, grip and quick changes of direction.
The development of a model bearing his name already shows the importance of designing components for each discipline.
Road Rider and slalom
Slalom skateboarding involves quickly linking turns around cones.
Setup precision is therefore essential.
Wheels, trucks and the board's overall geometry directly affect how quickly you can shift your weight.
Road Rider and downhill
Road Rider wheels were also used in the first downhill competitions.
The larger diameter of some wheels made it possible to seek greater speed.
The No. 6 was especially associated with this use in historic ads.
Road Rider and freestyle
Freestyle was also an important discipline in the 1970s.
Road Rider wheels appeared on setups used by several competitors of that era.
The choice of diameter already depended on the desired feel.
Road Rider and the bowl
The rise of vert skating and the emergence of skateparks also transformed the equipment.
Road Rider gradually developed wheels suited to these new demands.
Harder versions appeared, particularly for park skating.
Wheels suited to multiple disciplines
The historic range already shows a logic that remains part of modern skateboarding.
A wheel isn't chosen simply for its color.
Diameter, width, hardness and geometry must match the terrain and riding style.
The L Road Rider legacy
Road Rider is now part of the history of the components that helped transform modern skateboarding.
The shift to urethane wheels and precision bearings marked a fundamental change in skateboarding equipment.
Some collectors still seek out the historic models today.
Road Rider today at HawaiiSurf
The HawaiiSurf collection is currently much more focused than Road Rider’s historical range.
It currently includes the Hollow Road Rider Truck, subject to availability.
The page must therefore clearly distinguish the wheels’ historical legacy from the product currently available.
Hollow Road Rider Truck
The Hollow Road Rider Truck lets you add the Road Rider name to a contemporary skateboard setup.
The truck is one of the most important components of the skateboard.
It connects the deck to the wheels and allows the skateboard to turn.
What is a skateboard truck?
A skateboard uses two trucks mounted beneath the deck.
Each truck has several components that work together.
Their geometry determines much of the skateboard’s maneuverability.
The different parts of a truck
A truck includes a baseplate, a hanger, an axle, a kingpin, and bushings.
Each component affects how the setup performs.
Adjusting the bushings then lets you change the resistance when turning.
The baseplate
The baseplate is the part attached directly beneath the deck.
It holds the mounting bolts.
It also serves as the anchor point for the rest of the truck.
The hanger
The hanger forms the main crosswise part of the truck.
L’axle passes through this structure.
This area also comes into contact with obstacles during many grinds.
L’axle
L’axle holds the wheels and their bearings.
Its width should match the width of the deck.
A well-proportioned setup helps achieve balance.
The kingpin
The kingpin holds a key part of the truck assembly in place.
Tightening it affects how much the bushings compress.
It therefore indirectly affects how the truck flexes.
Bushings
Bushings, or truck bushings, deform when the rider applies pressure.
They allow the hanger to pivot.
Their hardness and shape affect the truck’s resistance and rebound.
Loose or tight trucks?
A relatively loose truck makes it easier to change direction.
A firmer setup limits movement more.
The right setup depends on the skater’s weight, skill level, and preferences.
Avoid overtightening your trucks
A kingpin shouldn’t be overtightened just to stop the truck from turning.
Excessive compression can deform the bushings and impair their performance.
If the setup doesn’t feel right, changing the bushing hardness may be a better option.
Choosing your truck width
Truck width should match the width of the deck.
L's goal is generally to keep the wheels roughly aligned with the edges of the deck.
A very disproportionate setup changes how the skateboard rides.
Trucks for an 8.0 deck
An 8-inch deck calls for a suitably sized truck.
However, manufacturers may express the dimensions differently.
So be sure to check the sizing recommendations from your chosen brand.
Trucks for an 8.25 deck
8.25" is now one of the most common deck widths.
Many brands offer trucks suited to this size.
The actual axle width is still the best measurement to compare.
Trucks for an 8.5 deck
An 8.5-inch deck generally calls for a wider truck than an 8.0 deck.
Some riders particularly appreciate this width for the added stability.
It’s also common for bowl and transition skating.
Why is truck width important?
A truck that’s very narrow compared with the deck reduces the wheels’ support width.
A truck that’s too wide, on the other hand, makes the wheels stick out further.
Keeping the two dimensions consistent makes the board’s behavior more predictable.
High or low trucks?
Height affects the distance between the wheels and the deck.
A lower truck brings the center of gravity closer to the ground.
A higher truck leaves more room to use some larger-diameter wheels.
Wheelbite
Wheelbite occurs when a wheel touches the underside of the deck during a turn.
This can bring the wheel to an abrupt stop.
Wheel diameter, truck height, bushing adjustment, and possibly risers influence this phenomenon.
Risers
Risers sit between the deck and the trucks.
They can increase the distance between the wheels and the deck slightly.
They aren't essential on every setup.
Road Rider for street
A street setup generally prioritizes maneuverability and precision.
The trucks need to work with the deck width and wheels.
The setup can then be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
Road Rider for the skatepark
At the skatepark, needs can vary widely depending on the features.
Rails, ledges, bowls, and curves put different demands on the setup.
The choice of truck should therefore be consistent with the skateboard's overall purpose.
Road Rider for bowls
Bowls often call for stability while retaining a truck that is responsive enough to follow the curves.
Deck width and truck width play an important role.
Wheels can also be larger, depending on your preferences.
Road Rider and cruising
For a skateboard set up for cruising, trucks work with wheels that are generally larger and softer.
You then need to keep an eye on the clearance between the wheel and the deck.
Risers can sometimes come in handy.
Road Rider and historic downhill
The story of L Road Rider also highlights the importance of overall setup consistency.
In downhill, speed and stability become priorities.
The historic Road Rider No. 6 trucks were designed specifically to meet the need for speed and control.
Building a Road Rider setup
A truck never works on its own.
It must be paired with a compatible deck, wheels, bearings, and hardware.
Every component changes how it feels.
Choosing a deck
The deck forms the foundation of the setup.
Its width is one factor in determining truck size.
Shape, concave, and wheelbase also influence overall performance.
Choosing wheels
Wheels should be selected according to the terrain and how you ride.
Diameter and hardness are the two most immediately noticeable criteria.
Their width and shape can also affect grip and slides.
Choosing bearings
The bearings are installed at the center of the wheels.
The modern standard makes mounting much simpler than the systems used in the early days of skateboarding.
This development echoes the history of Road Rider.
Road Rider and precision bearings
L'une des raisons pour lesquelles Road Rider est importante historiquement est précisément son association avec les precision bearing wheels.
In 1975, this concept helped transform skateboard wheels.
Modern bearings have now become a standard part of the setup.
L'évolution du skateboard depuis Road Rider
A modern skateboard bears little technical resemblance to some of the boards from the early days of the sport.
Deck widths, truck geometry, wheel urethane and bearing quality have evolved considerably.
Road Rider belongs to this period of transformation.
Between heritage and modern gear
The Road Rider collection therefore has an interesting distinction.
Its name harks back to one of the major innovations of the 1970s, while the product currently offered by HawaiiSurf belongs to the truck family.
This history gives the brand real depth.
Maintaining your Road Rider trucks
Regularly check that the nuts are tight and inspect the condition of the bushings.
The hanger and baseplate should also be checked after significant impacts.
Surface wear from grinds is normal on a truck used for skateboarding.
Checking the axles
The axles support the wheels and their bearings.
The threads should be kept clean enough to allow the nuts to be fitted.
A badly damaged axle can make changing wheels more difficult.
Checking the bushings
Bushings can gradually become deformed or cracked.
A damaged bushing changes the way the truck returns to position.
Replacing it also lets you adjust the hardness to suit the rider.
Checking the kingpin
The kingpin is subjected to repeated stress.
Check its nut and overall condition.
In the event of an impact or significant deformation, avoid continuing to use the truck without checking it first.
Cleaning your trucks
A simple clean will remove dust and dirt.
There is no need to use harsh products.
Take the opportunity while removing the wheels to check the various components.
Avoid moisture
L'eau peut favoriser l'oxydation des parties métalliques.
It is also particularly problematic for the bearings.
So avoid storing a wet skateboard.
When should you replace your trucks?
Trucks can last a long time.
However, they should be replaced if a structural component is cracked, badly deformed or unsafe.
Look out for grind wear when it becomes very deep.
Road Rider compared with other trucks
Choosing a truck shouldn't come down to brand name alone.
Width, height, geometry and ride feel should match your deck and riding style.
To compare the available options, check out our selection of skate trucks.
Road Rider in the HawaiiSurf Skateboard range
Road Rider is part of a broader selection of skateboard components.
HawaiiSurf offers decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape and hardware for building or maintaining different setups.
Explore all these categories in our skateboard range.
Road Rider in the Skate Trucks collection
The Hollow Road Rider Truck currently available brings Road Rider together with the other manufacturers featured in our selection of skate trucks.
Always compare its width and specifications with your deck before finalizing your setup.
Model availability may vary depending on stock.
Road Rider at HawaiiSurf
Find Road Rider at HawaiiSurf, a historic name that has been part of skateboard hardware's evolution, from precision-bearing wheels in the 1970s to the Hollow Road Rider Truck available today.
To build or upgrade your setup, explore our entire skateboard range and compare the available sizes and configurations in our selection of skate trucks.
