Arbor Oso Foundation Review
Inspired by 80’s pool shaped decks with a wider standing platform the Oso Foundation can cruise sidewalks to transition with ease.
My height and weight:
Height 5’9
Weight 180
Conditions/Terrain Tested: cruising around the neighborhood
Simplified Specs from Arbor Collective for the Arbor Oso Foundation Cruiser (complete) See the full specs here
L: 30.00″ | W: 10.00″ | WB: 16.00″
MATERIALS & COMPONENTS
DECK:
- 7 Ply Canadian Hardrock Maple with a Premium Palisander Wood Finish Ply
- Wood material comes from sustainable sources of supply
- Wood by-product is reclaimed for use in other products
TRUCKS
- Paris Street 169mm
- WHEELS
- Arbor Easyrider Series – Bogart
- Size: 61mm // Durometer: 78A
OTHER COMPONENTS
- ABEC 5 Bearings with Spacers
- 1/8″ Hard Risers
- Recycled Glass Re-Grit
Review
The Oso Foundation is a fun shape that is easy to step on to when you want to step out for a quick ride around the neighborhood, it’s very stable and easy to take out for a quick rip whenever you feel the need, or for a short commute to the office. This board is short and wide, you could take it to your local skatepark and carve up the bowls or pools with ease. The 169mm Paris Trucks are great for little curb grinds and the 61mm easy riders roll fast and have a cushioned ride on rough asphalt. As you’d expect from the name they are dreamy on smooth surfaces.
It took me a few days to figure out the correct foot positioning on this board, I keep my front foot a bit further behind the front trucks and my back foot consistently over the back truck bolts. Turn initiation on the Oso is quick and smooth, I did not have to adjust anything it was dialed in right out of the box. I had a hard time trying to ollie the first few days, the tail is steep and you really have to be prepared to initiate an ollie. Remember this is a cruiser, so if you want a board you can flip go with something different. If you’re looking for a stable and fun ride that anyone can hop on and have a good time, from beginners to advance riders, the Oso Foundation pretty much hits all the marks!
The top of the deck with re-grit is very grippy, and as you’d expect from Arbor, it’s a beautiful to look down at the board under your feet. The graphics are minimalistic and tasteful and it’s a timeless board you’ll be able to ride for a long time. I highly recommend this cruiser for pushing around the neighborhood, it’s a bit heavier than your average cruiser, but it’s a blast on most any terrain. By far this is one of the most fun cruisers I’ve ever ridden.
Overall Impressions
The Oso Foundation complete is a great cruiser for beginners to advanced riders looking for a fast rolling and easy maneuvering cruiser that rolls well over rough terrain and is amazing on smooth surfaces. It can transition from your neighborhood to pool or bowl riding if needed, it’s just a fun all around cruiser!
Pros
- turns feel surfy, easy to initiate and the board is very responsive.
- rolls fast
- nimble
- beautiful design (artwork under your feet)
- solid construction/durable
- soft and grippy wheels on all surfaces
Cons
- slightly heavier than your average cruiser
| Price: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.7 / 5) |