Power Kite Forum

1/2" bearings on a Blade MTB?

lad - 24-2-2009 at 09:16 PM

I got a set of 10"x3" bargain tires (prob. scooter wheels) that I wanted to try on the beach with my older Blade MTB.

The problem is fitting them on the axel trucks (forgive my vague terms as I'm not familiar with this hardware terms).

The new wheels have a removable 1/2" bearing on each side and a larger axel channel. The MTB has a smaller (3/8"?) removable bearing on the outside hub and a fixed bearing mounted on the truck axel that fits into the inner hub.

The fixed bearing goes clear thru the bigger wheels axel channel instead of bracing itself on the outside.

I'm wondering if there is a simple hardware fix for this? Maybe a washer to brace the smaller bearing properly in the hub? Or better yet perhaps some kind of step-up fitting for the whole smaller bearing?

dylanj423 - 24-2-2009 at 10:27 PM

You will need a complete bearing in the size that you want... Or a whole new truck.

B-Roc - 25-2-2009 at 10:13 AM

Agree with Dylan and I'm thinking that inner bearing is stuck to your truck but supposed to be removeble.

dylanj423 - 25-2-2009 at 05:05 PM

Yo, lad, I think you got that board from me.... those bearings are removeable, I just didnt want to break the bearing by removing it, as all that needed to come off was the wheel.

You can try swapping out wheels (I tried, and gave up... equipment must be perfect) but I think you are fine with what you have. Are you having any problems?

MBS parts can be ordered from their website, just make sure you are ordering the right stuff. MBS uses 8" tires now, but I didnt have any trouble ordering the older stuff from them directly. The Blade uses 9" tires. You can also order new bearings from them, if you want.

dylanj423 - 26-2-2009 at 09:20 AM

hows it going there, lad?

lad - 5-3-2009 at 11:30 AM

The generic cheapie tires are here:
tires on amazon





The tires seem to be quite nice and sturdy - in the box, at least. But the rims are definitely cheesier and they don't come apart like the MBS ones. But, they are the same size, despite hosting a larger tire.

My more mechanically-minded (and tooled-up) friend was able to swap a test tire n' tube onto the standard, yellow MBS rim.
It's a pain getting the tire off the solid, white rim, and really takes two sets of hands to do it!

With a little bearing clean and lube, the tire REALLY spins well now. I will transfer the rest this weekend (and post a pic).

Then all I have to do is wait for the snow/mud to dry out! I suspect the board will get movin' alot sooner n' faster with these babies on it.

lad - 21-3-2009 at 10:42 AM

Here is a comparison between the two tires on the same rims


dylanj423 - 21-3-2009 at 06:08 PM

ah... its good to see the old board again... hope your getting some good use out of it