Do wheels dry out over time?

**Lindgren** · 11-13-2009 02:22 PM

This might be a stupid question, but do wheels dry out and get harder over time?

I have a pair of really great 77a 3dm Avalons that use to stick like glue, now they seem very drifty. I've had them for well over a year and they have seen a wide variety of weather conditions and temperatures (the board resides in the trunk of my car for spontaneous out of town sessions).

Maybe I just need to burn off the outer surface of the wheel and it will be on again....won't be hard with how often these break free.

**stringtheory** · 11-13-2009 02:36 PM

I don't know for sure, but it sure seems like they get drier. I agree that the older the thane gets the driftier it seems to become. Though, really old wheels just get crumbly...but I'm talking decades old.

**AFTT** · 11-13-2009 02:36 PM

Urethane wheels don't"dry out" like rubber ones.

They do wear with the process of riding. The driftyness that you are experiencing is just from you riding them.

The surface of the wheel gets rougher and less grippy.

If you want to make the wheels grippy again, you can lathe the wheels smaller.

Honestly, I would not worry about it. The wheels are grippy even when broken in. Just get used to sliding, because it is way more fun than gripping everything.

In short, don't worry about it.

**pennypusher** · 11-13-2009 02:39 PM

ride them to get off a fine layer and they should be fine.
urethane when exposed to constant hot and cold can get f uped a bit.

don't burn them the toxins are vicious.

**Terrorsathan** · 11-13-2009 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by stringtheory

I don't know for sure, but it sure seems like they get drier. I agree that the older the thane gets the driftier it seems to become. Though, really old wheels just get crumbly...but I'm talking decades old.

What I was about to say... I've got urethane roller skate wheels from the 70's that I cut rain grooves in, and even slide from time to time and they crumble like stinky cheese.

**Lindgren** · 11-13-2009 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by AFTT

In short, don't worry about it.

Thanks man, that's pretty much how I'm going to handle it. Was really just interested from a materials engineering standpoint. The wheels are definitely a bit more fun now that they slide here and there. Overall I would say the sliding is pretty predictable.