Commuter decks don't idle well.

gboom · Commuter decks don't idle well.

Just a random thought I wanted to share about my single speed bike (not a "fixie") and my longboard, and another reason why skating beats walking...

Neither the bike nor my board likes to go overly slow. The single gear bike is geared for 15ish mph and is not comfortable at slower speeds. I love the simplicity of a single speed bike. I also like that it forces me to stay on top of it. Great bike.

In a similar way, my skateboard is uncomfortable at slower speeds. The natural rhythm of the push, stride, push keeps me chugging along at 7 or 8ish mph.

…end of random thought.

Parson Adams

I feel the same way, gboom.

I love going fast and feeling the connection between me, board, and road. It's a great feeling. Many of the "trick" boarders in San Antonio usually mock me, but I just pass them up--moving too quickly to let their smirks sink in. I often wonder how fun it really is to go about 2 mph to land a something something something flip 180 that they'll never land because their trucks are WAY TOO TIGHT and their misunderstanding of the physics of motion. I remember a time when most skaters skated at a good clip and pulled off huge tricks. I'm glad that longboarding has helped me discover the true fun of carving lines with the wind in my hair.

racer128

agreed. the newest wave of "kickflippers" is not too impressive. They tend to be better at smoking than landing tricks. They also are unusually uncomfortable at speeds over 5 mph. they look like absolute cripples when trying to push around.

jat.

I've witnessed some insane 'kickflippers' around here pulling power slides down insane steep hills on their street decks. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Norway is all hills. But I agree that there should be more technical understanding of how the board rides and is set up. Especially when it comes to long boarding I've helped people change bushings, adjust trucks and clean bearings for them to be able to be a lot more stoked. I try to pass it on.

And about the speed thing my main annoyance is that if you aren't going faster than an average jogger pebbles and sticks can send you flying even with pink bigzigs.

gboom

"And about the speed thing my main annoyance is that if you aren't going faster than an average jogger pebbles and sticks can send you flying even with pink bigzigs."

Interesting point. I had not properly appreciated how modern, good wheels are able to power through and over most road debris and rocks. Now that you mention this...I have been back into skating for about 4 years. I have only been locked up while going at a decent clip by one rock and also a steak bone of all things.

robotopdx

We have our fair share of Wood pushers (kick flippers) here in Salem. I always have to grin when I see them tucked going down a hill that I would be hitting 20mph + and they top out around 10 mph. As much fun as jumping the same curb 3000 times is I just don't see the appeal of short boards outside a skate park setting.