Rider FAQ
Everything you need to know about our boards, components, orders, and how to get the best ride from your setup.
Alternative Longboards is a longboard brand focused on quality decks and carefully selected components for cruising, freeride, and downhill riding. We produce durable boards and offer trucks, wheels, bushings, bearings, and complete setups designed to work together for a smooth, reliable ride.
Our goal is simple: build gear that riders trust and enjoy.
Our decks and components are produced in carefully selected manufacturing facilities that specialize in skateboard construction. We work closely with our partners to ensure consistent quality, durability, and performance.
Final product selection, design, and testing are handled by our team.
Our boards are designed for riders of all skill levels:
- Beginners looking for a stable first longboard
- Casual riders and cruisers
- Freeride and downhill riders
- Experienced skaters building custom setups
Whether you ride daily or just on weekends, our goal is to provide dependable gear that feels great under your feet.
We offer a variety of deck shapes designed for different riding styles:
- Downhill & freeride decks – stable at speed and designed for sliding
- Cruisers and pintails – smooth, relaxed riding and commuting
- Drop-through decks – lower ride height for stability and pushing comfort
- Top-mount boards – responsive setups for carving and freeride
- Complete longboards – ready-to-ride setups assembled with quality components
- Custom setups – choose your own deck, trucks, wheels, and bushings
Both.
You can buy:
- Complete longboards ready to ride
- Individual decks
- Trucks
- Wheels
- Bushings
- Bearings
- Hardware and accessories
This lets you either start riding immediately or build your own custom setup.
Yes.
Our decks, wheels, and hardware follow standard skateboard and longboard sizing, meaning they are compatible with most major brands of trucks, wheels, and accessories.
Most decks either include grip tape or allow you to select it as an option during purchase. Check the individual product page for details.
Choosing a deck depends on how you want to ride.
Cruising and commuting
- Longer decks
- Pintails or drop-through shapes
- Smooth carving and stability
Freeride
- Medium length decks
- Symmetrical shapes
- Designed for sliding and control
Downhill
- Stiff decks
- Top-mount setups
- Maximum stability at speed
If you're unsure, our team can recommend a setup based on your height, weight, and riding style.
Wheel hardness affects grip and slide.
78A–83A
- Softer wheels
- Smooth ride on rough pavement
- Great for cruising and commuting
84A–90A
- Harder wheels
- Slide easier
- Preferred for freeride and downhill
Wheel size affects speed, acceleration, and stability.
65–70 mm
- Faster acceleration
- Good for technical riding and tricks
70–75 mm
- Balanced speed and comfort
- Most common longboard wheel size
75 mm+
- Highest top speed
- Best for downhill and rough roads
Wheelbite happens when wheels touch the deck during turns.
To prevent it:
- Use appropriate wheel size for your deck
- Install riser pads if needed
- Tighten trucks slightly
- Use correct bushings for your weight
Proper setup eliminates wheelbite in most cases.
We ship worldwide.
Shipping rates and delivery options are automatically calculated at checkout based on your location.
Yes.
Once your order ships, you will receive a confirmation email containing a tracking number so you can follow your package.
Orders can usually be modified or canceled if they have not yet been shipped.
Contact our support team as soon as possible and we will do our best to help.
We accept returns within 14 days of delivery provided the item:
- has not been used
- is in original condition
- includes original packaging
Custom setups or used items are generally not eligible for return.
Yes.
Our products are covered against manufacturing defects. If you experience a problem with your gear under normal use, contact us and we will help resolve the issue.
If your order arrives damaged during shipping:
- Take photos of the damage
- Contact our support team immediately
- Include your order number
We will work quickly to resolve the issue.
Regular maintenance keeps your board safe and smooth.
We recommend:
- Tightening hardware regularly
- Cleaning and lubricating bearings
- Rotating wheels to prevent uneven wear
- Checking bushings for wear or cracks
Simple maintenance can significantly extend the life of your setup.
Bearings should be replaced when they:
- feel rough or noisy
- spin poorly
- no longer hold speed
For most riders, bearings last one to two seasons depending on riding conditions.
We accept:
- Major credit and debit cards
- PayPal
- Local payment gateways where available
- Bank transfers for selected orders
Yes.
All payments are processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways to protect your information.
Absolutely.
If you’re unsure what to choose, our team of riders can help you:
- select the right deck
- match truck width
- choose wheels for your riding style
- pick bushings based on your weight
Just contact us and we’ll help you build the right setup.
If you have questions about products, orders, or setups, you can reach us through:
- social media channels
We’re always happy to help.