The Sunday Forecaster 2023 is a medium quality BMX bike that might not entirely fulfill a BMX rider’s dreams. This bike, weighing in at a comfortable range for beginner riders, falls into the slightly overpriced category with a full MSRP. However, for those lucky enough to find it on sale, it’s a steal at under $500, or even better, under $400. With various versions including the Brock Raiford, Brett Silva, and Aaron Ross models, the Sunday Forecaster offers a range of options for different riders.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the specifics of the Sunday Forecaster, particularly its suitability for beginner riders, those under 150 pounds, and its componentry. Known for its significant quality for novices, the bike does come with some caveats regarding its high tensile steel parts and the potential durability issues for heavier riders. We’ll explore these aspects and more, providing you with an honest, no-holds-barred take on whether the Sunday Forecaster is the right choice for you.
Shop the Sunday Forecaster here.
- Multiple Options
- Full Chromoly Frame
- Slightly Overpriced
- Hi-tensile bars
Fair Price?
Is It Fair to Pay for the Sunday Forecaster?
The first thing everybody wants to know when considering purchasing the Sunday Forecaster is if it is worthwhile. If you can locate it on sale or at a local bike shop for less than $400, it’s a good pick; nevertheless, I think it’s a touch pricey at full MSRP. To be fair, the cost is relative, and there are certain cyclists for whom the Sunday Forecaster is a great option.
Overview
The Sunday Forecaster: Overview
The Sunday Forecaster 2023 model stands out in the BMX market for its versatility and range of options, catering to various rider preferences. With its diverse lineup including the Brock Raiford, Brett Silva, and Aaron Ross versions, it offers something unique for different riding styles and tastes.
- Weight: The Forecaster is designed with a weight that is manageable for beginner riders, striking a balance between sturdiness and maneuverability.
- Price and Value for Money: Priced at full MSRP, the bike leans towards the overpriced spectrum. However, if snagged at a sale price under $500 or $400, it becomes a valuable pick, especially when considering the potential savings for future part replacements.
- Customization and Upgradability: While the Forecaster is commendable for beginners, riders over 150 pounds are advised to consider bikes with more chromoly components. For those fitting the bike’s profile, the Forecaster’s upgradability is a bonus, allowing for gradual enhancements as skills improve.
- Accessories and Notable Mentions: The Forecaster boasts quality components like the Freeze top load stem and Odyssey Twisted PC pedals, but also features some less robust parts like the Sabertooth sprocket.
- Color Options: Sunday’s attention to detail is evident in the varied color options available for each of the Forecaster versions, offering aesthetic appeal alongside its functional attributes.
Overall, the Sunday Forecaster 2023 is a bike that offers significant quality for beginner riders under 150 pounds, but with reservations about its price and component durability for heavier or more advanced riders.
Finding the Right Bike
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You
Choosing the right BMX bike can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. To help with this decision, we offer a free bike recommendation for subscribers. Simply click the link and tell us about your height, skill level, and budget, and we’ll suggest three BMX bikes perfectly suited to your needs.
The Importance of Size: Your first BMX bike should fit you properly. I learned this the hard way with my first bike, which was too small for me. A bike that’s too small or too large can hinder your riding experience and progression in the sport. For instance, the Sunday Forecaster, with its specific design and sizing, is ideal for riders under 150 pounds. It’s crucial to consider both your physical size and your riding ambitions when selecting a BMX bike.
Remember, the right BMX bike can make a significant difference in your riding experience, especially as a beginner. Our personalized recommendation service is here to ensure you make an informed and suitable choice for your BMX journey.
Geometry
Sunday Forecaster Geometry and Sizing
Understanding the geometry and sizing of your BMX bike is crucial for a comfortable and effective riding experience. The Sunday Forecaster offers options that cater to different rider heights and preferences.
Available Toptube Sizes for the Sunday Forecaster
| Toptube Size | Recommended Rider Height |
|---|---|
| 20.5 inches | 5’4″ to 5’8″ |
| 20.75 inches | 5’6″ to 5’10” |
| 21 inches | 5’8″ and up |
Frame Geometry
| Geometry Feature | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 75° | Provides a responsive front end, suitable for technical tricks. |
| Chain Stay Length | 13.2-13.5 inches | Offers a balance between stability and agility for diverse riding styles. |
| BB Height | 11.7 inches | Elevates the center of gravity for better control and trick execution. |
Part Geometries
A detailed examination of the Sunday Forecaster’s part geometries reveals a bike designed for beginner to intermediate riders. The combination of a full chromoly frame with high tensile steel parts in the bars and fork legs offers a mix of durability and cost-effectiveness. This setup makes it an ideal choice for riders under 150 pounds looking to get into BMX without breaking the bank.
It’s important to note that while the frame offers robust support, the high tensile steel components may require upgrading for heavier riders or those advancing in skill level. This consideration is key when assessing the Sunday Forecaster’s suitability for your BMX journey.
Quality
Quality and Durability of the Sunday Forecaster
The Sunday Forecaster’s quality and durability are key factors in determining its value and longevity. Here, we break down the components to assess the bike’s overall quality and suitability for various riders.
Component Quality Table
| Component | Material | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Full Chromoly | High |
| Forks | Chromoly Steer Tube, High Tensile Steel Legs | Medium |
| Handlebars | High Tensile Steel | Medium |
| Rims | Single Wall | Medium |
Discussion on Chromoly vs. High Tensile Steel: The Forecaster’s use of a full chromoly frame is a significant positive, offering robustness and durability. However, the inclusion of high tensile steel in the forks and handlebars is a point of consideration, especially for riders over 150 pounds. Chromoly is preferred for its strength and resilience, making it a better option for those who are heavier or engage in more aggressive riding.
Quality Score and Weight Limit: Overall, the Sunday Forecaster scores well in terms of quality for beginner riders, especially those under 150 pounds. The weight limit is a crucial factor, as the bike’s high tensile steel components may not withstand the rigors of heavier riders or advanced tricks.
Advice for Heavier Riders: For riders over the weight limit, it’s important to consider bikes with higher quality materials and parts. While the upfront cost may be higher, investing in a bike with more chromoly components can save money in the long run, as it will likely require fewer replacements and upgrades.
Ultimately, the Sunday Forecaster is a solid choice for beginner riders who fit within the weight limit and are not planning to engage in highly demanding BMX activities. Its mix of quality components offers a good starting point, with room for upgrades as skills and needs evolve.
Pros and Cons
Highlights and Lowlights of the Sunday Forecaster
The Sunday Forecaster, like any BMX bike, has its strengths and weaknesses. Below is a list of its noteworthy features and areas that may require upgrades or present as disappointments to some riders.
Highlights
- Variety of Models: With options like the Brock Raiford, Brett Silva, and Aaron Ross versions, the Forecaster caters to diverse preferences and styles.
- Quality Frame: The full chromoly frame is a standout feature, providing durability and a solid foundation for beginner riders.
- Good Attention to Detail: Sunday’s focus on detail is evident in the bike’s design, including aesthetic aspects like color options and component choices.
- Notable Components: The Forecaster is equipped with quality parts like the Freeze top load stem and Odyssey Twisted PC pedals, enhancing its performance and value.
Lowlights
- High Tensile Steel Parts: The use of high tensile steel in the handlebars and fork legs may limit durability, especially for heavier riders or those engaging in aggressive riding.
- Single Wall Rims: The single wall rims, while adequate for beginners, might not withstand more advanced riding techniques and could be a potential upgrade point.
- Price Concerns: At full MSRP, the Forecaster might feel overpriced, especially when considering the need for potential part replacements and upgrades for some riders.
- Weight Limitation: The recommended weight limit of around 150 pounds restricts the bike’s suitability for a wider range of riders, particularly those heavier or more advanced in BMX.
Overall, the Sunday Forecaster shines in its diversity and foundational quality for new riders, but its component choices and price point may require careful consideration, particularly for those who are heavier or looking to rapidly progress in the sport.
Street, Park or Dirt
Sunday Forecaster Riding Style
The versatility of a BMX bike in different riding environments is a crucial factor for many riders. The Sunday Forecaster, with its unique features and design, has distinct performances in park, street, and dirt riding.
Park Riding
The Forecaster’s responsive front end and balanced geometry make it a competent choice for park riding. Its full chromoly frame provides the necessary strength for various park tricks, though the high tensile steel components might limit its potential for more advanced riders.
Street Riding
In street riding, the Forecaster offers a good mix of agility and stability, thanks to its well-thought-out geometry. The bike’s durability in urban environments is suitable for beginners, but again, heavier riders or those performing more demanding tricks might need to consider upgrades.
Dirt Riding
While the Sunday Forecaster can handle basic dirt riding, its design is more tuned towards park and street styles. Riders interested in more intense dirt riding might find the need for modifications to enhance its performance in rugged conditions.
Customization Recommendations: To suit different riding styles, the Forecaster can be customized. For park riding, consider upgrading to double wall rims for added durability. Street riders might benefit from sturdier bars and forks, especially if engaging in more demanding tricks. For dirt enthusiasts, wider tires and perhaps a different gear ratio could improve the bike’s handling on varied terrain.
Overall, the Sunday Forecaster scores decently in park and street settings, with moderate capability in dirt. It’s a versatile bike that can be tailored to different styles, making it a flexible choice for riders looking to explore various aspects of BMX riding.
Best Upgrades
Top Three Upgrades for the Sunday Forecaster
Enhancing your BMX bike with the right upgrades can significantly improve its performance and feel. Here are the top three recommended upgrades for the Sunday Forecaster, tailored to boost its capabilities and rider experience.
1. Double Wall Rims
Importance: Upgrading to double wall rims is crucial for increasing the bike’s durability and ability to withstand more advanced tricks and heavier riders. This upgrade enhances the bike’s strength and reliability, especially in demanding park and street riding scenarios.
2. Full Chromoly Bars and Forks
Importance: Replacing the high tensile steel bars and forks with full chromoly versions significantly improves the bike’s overall strength and resilience. This is particularly important for riders over 150 pounds or those advancing to more aggressive riding styles. Full chromoly components offer better longevity and performance under stress.
3. Sturdier Tires
Importance: Upgrading to sturdier tires can provide better grip and control in various riding conditions, particularly for street and dirt riding. This upgrade ensures better handling and safety, especially when the bike is pushed to its limits in different terrains.
These upgrades, while adding to the initial investment, bring the Sunday Forecaster closer to a higher-end BMX bike in terms of performance and durability. They are particularly advisable for riders looking to evolve their skills and tackle more challenging BMX disciplines.
Warranty
Does the Sunday Forecaster have a Warranty?
One of the key considerations when purchasing a BMX bike is the warranty coverage. For potential buyers of the Sunday Forecaster, it’s important to ask, “Does the Sunday Forecaster have a warranty?”
While specific warranty details for the Sunday Forecaster were not provided in the transcript, it’s generally advisable to purchase BMX bikes from trusted shops that offer reliable warranty and customer support. A good warranty can provide peace of mind, covering any manufacturing defects or issues that may arise.
For instance, I always recommend buying from Danscomp because of their commitment to customer satisfaction and their excellent track record in handling issues with the products they sell. Choosing a retailer with a strong warranty and support system ensures that you are taken care of in case any problems occur with your bike.
Always make sure to check the warranty terms and conditions before making your purchase to understand what is covered and for how long. This step is crucial in ensuring that you get not only a quality BMX bike but also the support you need should any issues arise.
Conclusion
After a thorough examination of the 2023 Sunday Forecaster, it’s time to share some final honest thoughts on this BMX bike and its place in the current market.
The Sunday Forecaster stands out as a solid choice for beginner riders, particularly those under 150 pounds. Its blend of significant quality, especially evident in the full chromoly frame, and the attention to detail in design and components, like the Freeze top load stem and Odyssey Twisted PC pedals, make it an appealing option. However, the use of high tensile steel in certain parts and its pricing at full MSRP raise questions about its overall value, especially for heavier riders or those looking to advance quickly in BMX.
In the broader BMX market, the Forecaster competes against a variety of other models and brands. While it holds its own in terms of quality and style, the potential need for upgrades and the price point could sway some riders towards other options. It’s important for potential buyers to consider these factors and compare the Forecaster with other bikes in the same category.
For those still deciding, remember that our free bike recommendation service is available to help you find the perfect BMX bike for your needs. And if you have any questions about the Forecaster or BMX in general, feel free to join the BMX Nerds Discord or visit the Community Page for more insights and discussions.
In conclusion, the 2023 Sunday Forecaster offers a good starting point for new riders, but its appeal might be limited for those seeking a more robust bike or a better value at its price point. As always, weigh your options and choose a bike that not only fits your current skill level and weight but also aligns with your BMX aspirations.
