The Orangatang Bees Knees - an all-new massive 90mm wheel from Orangatang that offers more of what you love from the 85mm Caguama without adding the absolute beef of the 105mm Dad Bod.
The Bees Knees also stand alone in the big wheel category for their narrow contact patch and rounded lips. All other wheels this size tend to have sharp lips, which can "chunk" if carved over rough surfaces. It's not a defect, simply a function of having so much soft, unsupported urethane in the lip.
The rounded lips are much less prone to chunking, and also mean that when pushed, the Bees Knees will slide a little smoother than their competitors in that big wheel space. Bear in mind they're still 90mm wheels, so don't expect pure butter, but if you do find yourself wanting to occasionally scrub some speed in a carve then these are an awesome wheel for it.
Having said that, the grip levels are still great - a centreset core keeps weight pushing down into the floor, keeping you grounded and grippy.
Like all Orangatang wheels, the Bees Knees are poured from their "Happy" urethane - which is great for what these are made for: fast, enough grip and high-rebound.
This much urethane takes a while to spin up to speed, but once you're rolling, nothing will stop you!
The Bees Knees are available in two duros:
- The Blue 77A is as soft as it gets from Orangatang. Super plush and the go-to for really rough roads.
- The Orange 80A is a great all-rounder that will roll a little faster over good asphalt.
We do tend to prefer the 80A orange 'thane in the UK. Whether its the ambient temperature or how they make the roads here, the orange Otangs seem to be the sweet spot that roll amazing and slide smoothly.
The Bees Knees may be a struggle under a topmount without worrying about wheelbite. But if you're fine with a few risers and want an absolute monster truck, they'll do the job!
On drop-throughs, drop-downs or bracket boards they should be primo - a fantastic new option from Orangatang that fills a gap for anyone looking to skate far, or simply cruise with less effort.
From Loaded themselves:
Grab your Epi-Pen and say hello to the Orangatang Bee’s Knees, your new go-to wheel for crushing commutes, pumping pavement, and going the distance. This wheel is built for long-haul legends, daily grinders buzzing around town, and anyone using their board as a vehicle (or fitness plan).
With loads of plush pollinated urethane, a centerset core, and big ol’ round lips with chunk-resistant roundovers, this thing rolls smooth, grips hard, and eats up rough roads. At just 10.1 oz per wheel, they’re light and quick: perfect for long-distance pushers, and anyone who treats curb-hopping like cardio. These adept 90mm honeycombs are here to smooth your stoke and take the sting out of rough rides.
IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU IF…
- You want a buttery-smooth ride with dependable grip for pumping through the city, pushing ultramarathon miles, or carving up your daily route.
- You’re looking for a durable, grippy wheel that's fast and light.
- You are in the school of thought that bigger isn’t always better, so you are looking for the perfect sweet spot between the Caguamas at 85mm and the Dad Bods at 105mm.
- You need a wheel for your bracket board, your eskate setup, or you’re not scared of riser pads and some extra ride height.
All wheels sold in packs of four.
