time for wheel/bearing replacement?

[mondaygroove]

wasup kids,

i've been riding my insect longboard since this time last year. but i have yet to replace the wheels and bearings. i have already once - during the summer - removed the shields, bathed, and relubed the bearings. the wheels are not as green as they used to be, i ride almost everyday the roads are dry.

i went rain skating once. and a few days all four wheels only completed three or four revolutions when spun with my hand. after a week they all started spinning much more (completing more revolutions). why is this?

currently running 76a flashbacks with abec-5 biltins
thinking about 81a grippins with abec-7 biltins

what signs should i be looking for that my setup needs replacing? i rather not spend money if it doesn't need to be spent. just trying to get some feedback.

[Mr. Zogs]

77a or 80a hot spots with biltin 7s or oust moc 7s or rockin rons

yum

[Lobo]

The rain is bad because the bearings will rust and they also gather a lot of dirt.
I suggest you clean your bearings at least once a month or even once a week if you ride a lot and want to make them last long. Biltins are easy to clean and doesn't require any shields to be removed. I've been using the set I got from Dave and John Rogers since July 2004 and they still rock!

Grippins are nice, but also take a look at the Strikers. Fast and responsive.

Good luck!

[Directive0]

I suggest you clean your bearings at least once a month or even once a week if you ride a lot

ha! My bearings wish I loved them that much!

[R]

If you start to hear the grinding then it's time to do maintenance. If you care for your bearings, meaning you want them to last, do regular maintenance to prevent rust and/or gouges in the races.

[Longbord1]

get some 81a strikers great all around wheels. i also recommend some trimmed avilas if you want to do more carving. the strikers grip very well though also

[bpz]

get some 81a strikers great all around wheels. i also recommend some trimmed avilas if you want to do more carving. the strikers grip very well though also

Hey, you listened!

[Longbord1]

yup traded my hotspots for them and they rule. im addicted to abec11 now

[Sam514]

my bearings run smoother after i take them out into damp weather boarding...in the past 6 months ive only cleaned the bearings once

[DomitianX]

Once a month I clean/lube my bearings but I ride almost everyday in a dusty masonite bowl. I replace my wheels when they start to get coned, overly chipped or wore down to the bearings.