The Sunday Darkwave is a high-quality BMX bike that will help a BMX rider achieve their dreams. This bike weighs under 25 pounds, and costs $1299. It is street specific with 4 pegs, hub guards and a freecoaster. This isn’t just a bike – it’s a two-wheeled machine designed for the tall, street savvy riders who demand the best from their equipment. Join me as we dive into the nuts and bolts of this marvel, and see how it stands up to expectations.
In previous years, the Sunday Darkwave has received a tremendous amount of praise for its premium quality, unique features, and rider-centric design. It was so impressive, in fact, that I found myself purchasing the model last year and building my own complete version. Thus, my expectations for the 2024 model are high, hoping it to carry on the Darkwave legacy of quality and performance.
Overview
The Sunday Darkwave: Overview
The Sunday Darkwave: Overview
One look at the 2024 Sunday Darkwave and you know it’s something special. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill BMX bike; it’s a top-of-the-range ride designed for tall, street riders seeking high quality and robustness. But let’s dive deeper and examine its salient features.
Weight of the Sunday Darkwave
First off, the Darkwave is surprisingly lightweight for a BMX bike of its kind. Despite coming equipped with four pegs and four Hub guards, the bike’s total weight is a mere 24.97 lbs. It’s unusual to find a complete BMX bike under 25 pounds, and the Darkwave earns a green check mark in this area, promising easy handling and maneuverability for the riders.
Price and Value for Money
Now let’s talk about price. The Sunday Darkwave will set you back $1299. It’s on the pricier side, sure. But given the bike’s high-end, aftermarket parts and its full customization and upgradability options, it’s a worthwhile investment for any dedicated BMX rider.
Customization and Upgradability of the Sunday Darkwave
This BMX bike is fully customizable and upgradable. While the Darkwave comes with incredibly high-quality parts, riders may wish to personalize their rides for aesthetics or sizing. Whether you need smaller handlebars or longer cranks, every part on the bike can be replaced or upgraded. This kind of flexibility adds to the overall value of the bike and allows riders to fine-tune it to their preferences.
Accessories and Notable Mentions
The Darkwave comes with four pegs and three Hub guards, providing extra protection for your wheels. An interesting feature is the Odyssey Clutch V2 freecoaster that includes a Hub guard on the non-drive side but lacks one on the drive side. It’s worth noting that while the bike comes with brakes, they are fully removable if you prefer a brakeless ride.
Color Options
When it comes to aesthetics, the Darkwave offers two variants, both in a unique matte dark brown colorway. The difference lies in the top tube size and drive side: the 21.25-inch top tube option comes with left-hand drive, while the 21-inch option has right-hand drive. While this color may not suit everyone’s taste, those who appreciate its distinctiveness will find it very appealing.
Bike Recommendation
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You
If you’re new to the world of BMX or you’re not sure which bike will best meet your needs, don’t worry. I offer a free bike recommendation service for subscribers. All you need to do is click this link and tell me a bit about yourself, and I’ll pick out three BMX bikes that would be a perfect fit for you based on your height, skill level, and budget.
I can’t stress enough the importance of getting a bike that fits you correctly. When I was just starting out in BMX, I made the mistake of riding a bike that was far too small and low-quality for my size and weight. It broke within a few months, leading to a lot of unnecessary hassle and expense.
Getting the right size is not just about comfort—it’s also about performance and safety. If a bike is too small or too big for you, it can be challenging to control and can increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, using a bike that isn’t designed to handle your weight can lead to premature wear and breakage.
With the Sunday Darkwave, there are two sizes available. The 21.25-inch top tube option is perfect for taller riders, while the 21-inch top tube suits those who are slightly shorter. Just keep in mind that the 21.25-inch option has a left-hand drive, and the 21-inch version has a right-hand drive. This distinction can make a significant difference depending on your preferences and riding style.
Size Recommendation
What Height should I be to ride the Sunday Darkwave?
What Height should I be to ride the Sunday Darkwave?
The Sunday Darkwave offers an interesting mix in terms of size options and associated drivetrains. Essentially, we have two size variants – the 21.25″ and 21″ toptube models. While this may not seem out of the ordinary at first, it becomes intriguing when you consider the drivetrain options paired with these sizes.
The 21.25″ toptube model, ideally suited for taller riders, features a left-hand drive, whereas the 21″ model has a right-hand drive. This is an unusual configuration, and the reasoning behind it isn’t clear. If you’re between 6’0″ and 6’3″, the 21″ option will feel the best. However, if you’re over 6’2″, the 21.25″ model would provide a more comfortable ride.
Sunday Darkwave Frame Geometries
The geometry of the Sunday Darkwave frame sets it apart in several ways. Let’s dive into some specifics:
| Name of the Geometry | Spec | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 75.25 degrees | A quarter degree steeper than average, lending a snappier and more responsive front-end feel. |
| Standover Height | 9.25 inches | On the taller side, making it easier to grab your seat for tricks like toboggans or when you’re doing a barspin. |
| Chainstay Length | Between 13.2 and 13.5 inches | Slightly longer than average, creating more stability and control at high speeds. |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 11.7 inches | A bit higher than the standard, it provides a more responsive feel by keeping your feet higher off the ground. |
Sunday Darkwave Part Geometries
Not only is the frame of the Sunday Darkwave unique, but the part geometries also contribute to the distinct feel of the bike.
| Part Name | Spec |
|---|---|
| Forks | 28 millimeter offset |
| Handlebars | 9.8 inches tall |
| Cranks | 170 millimeters long |
| Stem | Odyssey Brock stem with a 50 millimeter reach |
| Gear Ratio | 25.9 |
| Sprocket | Has a bash guard |
From these, we can gather that the Sunday Darkwave is designed to balance a responsive feel with stability, especially at higher speeds. Its unique geometry and high-quality parts make it an excellent choice for both amateur and seasoned BMX riders.
Quality
Is the Sunday Darkwave good quality?
Is the Sunday Darkwave good quality?
As a pro-level BMX bike, the Sunday Darkwave truly excels in terms of quality and durability. It has been constructed with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to use high-end components throughout the entire build. It’s essential to examine these components individually to fully understand the bike’s quality and potential longevity.
| Component | Quality |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aftermarket high-quality full chromoly |
| Forks | Sunday Darkway Forks with Odyssey 41 Thermal Lifetime Warranty |
| Handlebars | Aftermarket Odyssey Brock bars with 41 Thermal Lifetime Warranty |
| Cranks | Aftermarket Odyssey Thunderbolt cranks with 41 Thermal Lifetime Warranty |
| Rims | Odyssey Hazard Light Double Wall Rims |
Chromoly is preferred over high tensile steel in the production of BMX bikes due to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Chromoly is an alloy that offers great tensile strength, meaning it can withstand significant stress without failing or deforming. It’s also lightweight, which contributes to a more effortless ride.
Although the Sunday Darkwave’s frame does not come with a lifetime warranty like the Sunday Soundwave, it’s still crafted from full chromoly. This fact alone marks it as a high-quality, durable option. The forks, handlebars, and cranks, all crucial components for a BMX bike’s performance and longevity, do come with the Odyssey 41 Thermal Lifetime Warranty.
Choosing Chromoly over Hi-Tensile steel for your BMX bike would significantly enhance its performance, durability, and overall ride quality.
- Durability: Due to its strength, a Chromoly BMX bike will have a longer lifespan compared to one made from Hi-Tensile steel.
- Lightness: Chromoly is lighter than Hi-Tensile steel, providing a more responsive and maneuverable ride, crucial for advanced BMX maneuvers.
Equipped with the Odyssey Hazard Light Double Wall Rims, known for their perfect balance of weight and strength, the Sunday Darkwave meets the high standards set by BMX enthusiasts. These rims are popular choices when building up custom wheels, so finding them on a complete bike is a major plus.
In terms of quality, the Sunday Darkwave may rank just slightly under the Sunday Soundwave due to the lack of a lifetime frame warranty. However, this should not detract from the fact that it’s an incredibly high-quality BMX bike. It closely matches the quality of the Sunday Wavelength and is undoubtedly a pro-level BMX bike in its own right.
Pros and Cons
Highlights and Lowlights of the Sunday Darkwave
Highlights and Lowlights of the Sunday Darkwave
Any BMX bike on the market comes with its set of highlights and lowlights, and the Sunday Darkwave is no exception. In this section, we delve into some of the noteworthy features of the bike and areas where the bike may fall short or require potential upgrades. Also, we’ll evaluate the quality score and weight limit of the Darkwave and provide some advice for riders who surpass this weight limit.
Noteworthy Features of the Sunday Darkwave
- Weight: The Darkwave surprises us by being a lightweight bike, weighing in at just under 25 pounds. Considering it comes equipped with four pegs and four hub guards, its weight is impressively low.
- Quality and Customizability: This bike is top-tier in terms of quality, boasting fully customizable and upgradeable parts. The bike comes stocked with high-quality, aftermarket parts, so the need for immediate upgrades is minimal unless for sizing or cosmetic preferences.
- Drive options: An unusual, but intriguing, feature of the Darkwave is the option between a left-hand drive for the 21.25 inch top tube and a right-hand drive for the 21 inch top tube option. This gives riders the flexibility to choose based on their preference or riding style.
- Frame Geometry: The unique frame geometry caters to a responsive and snappy ride, with a steeper-than-average head tube angle and higher bottom bracket height. The longer chain stay length provides stability and control at high speeds, while the taller standover height makes tricks like toboggans and barspins easier.
Areas of Disappointment and Potential Upgrades Needed
- Color Options: The Darkwave comes only in a matte dark brown colorway, which may not appeal to all riders. If aesthetics are a concern, you might need to consider custom paintwork or look for other models.
- Hub Guard: Although the bike is equipped with four hub guards, there’s an oddity: the Odyssey Clutch V2 freecoaster has a hub guard only on the non-drive side, but not on the drive side. Riders may need to purchase an additional hub guard.
- Frame Warranty: Although the Darkwave ranks high in terms of quality, the lack of a lifetime warranty on the frame – unlike the Sunday Soundwave – is a potential downside.
Quality Score and Weight Limit of the Sunday Darkwave
The Darkwave is a high-end, pro-level BMX bike. Despite the lack of a lifetime warranty on the frame, the quality is undeniable. However, the weight limit isn’t specified in the video review. Typically, high-quality BMX bikes can accommodate heavier riders, but if you’re a rider who exceeds the average weight limit, consider the following advice.
Street, Park or Dirt?
Sunday Darkwave Riding Style
Sunday Darkwave Riding Style
The Sunday Darkwave is crafted with a specific rider in mind. Boasting of high-end components and a sturdy build, it suits one particular riding style over others – Street Riding. This BMX bike is not a jack of all trades; instead, it masters the concrete jungle where street riders thrive. Let’s delve into why this bike excels in this category and how it fares in others.
The Sunday Darkwave is designed to meet the demands of street riding. The intricate geometry of this bike, such as the 75.25-degree head tube angle, the 9.25-inch standover height, and the chainstay length that can be adjusted between 13.2 and 13.5 inches, gives the bike a responsive feel. This geometry, coupled with the bike’s light weight of under 25 pounds, makes it perfect for tackling tight city corners, grinding on rails, and performing advanced tricks.
While it might not be specifically designed for park or dirt riding, its high-quality build and customizable features mean it’s still a competent companion in these terrains. If you find yourself transitioning from street to park or dirt, the Darkwave won’t let you down. However, you may need to tweak some of its components to get the most out of these other riding styles.
The bike’s high bottom bracket and taller standover height might prove to be advantageous in park riding, aiding in agility and control during aerial maneuvers. For dirt riding, you might want to leverage its longer chainstay length for better stability and control at high speeds, especially over rough terrains. However, these are not its primary terrains, and for dedicated park or dirt riders, there might be other models that are more purpose-built.
In essence, the Sunday Darkwave is primarily a street warrior. While it can hold its own in park and dirt environments, it truly shines in an urban setting. It’s the perfect bike for taller riders who want a high-quality and reliable BMX for street riding.
Suggested Upgrades
Which Upgrades Should I Buy for The Sunday Darkwave?
Sunday Darkwave Upgrades
If you’ve decided to invest in the Sunday Darkwave, you’re already getting an outstanding BMX bike that’s built for high performance and durability. Nonetheless, as with any bike, there’s always room for enhancements to suit your unique riding style or preferences. After careful analysis of the bike’s features and performance, we recommend three upgrades to further improve your riding experience.
1. Drive Side Hub Guard
While the Sunday Darkwave comes with three hub guards, it surprisingly lacks a drive side hub guard. This omission could lead to potential damage to the drivetrain during grind-heavy rides. For riders who love grinding on both sides, it would be worth investing in an aftermarket drive side hub guard to offer the additional protection needed to keep your drivetrain intact.
2. Alternative Colorway
At present, the Sunday Darkwave comes in a matte dark brown color. Though this shade might appeal to some, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If the color isn’t your style, a fresh paint job could be the way to go. Adding a personal touch to your bike’s appearance will not only make you stand out in the crowd, but it will also ensure that you feel completely at home on your ride.
3. Spline Drive Sprocket/Cranks
The Sunday Darkwave comes equipped with an Odyssey Thunderbolt crankset, which is a two and a half piece, not 48 spline, and it has a bash guard sprocket. However, for riders who prefer spline drive sprockets for their superior power transfer and reliability, you might consider swapping out the standard sprocket with a 48-spline drive version. Doing so can provide a small, but potentially noticeable, performance boost.
Remember, the Sunday Darkwave is already an excellent high-end BMX bike straight out of the box. These upgrades are optional and mainly depend on your specific needs and preferences. Always ride the bike for a while before deciding on what changes, if any, need to be made. Happy riding!
Other Options
Sunday Darkwave Comparisons
Sunday Darkwave Comparisons
Having given the Sunday Darkwave a thorough analysis, it’s also vital to consider some other BMX bikes on the market that might catch your interest. There are a plethora of options out there, and each BMX bike offers a unique blend of qualities, just like the Darkwave. We’ll focus on bikes that are comparable in terms of quality, rider experience, and, of course, pricing.
Street Specific
For Tall Riders
Ugly Color
High-Quality Parts
Lifetime Warranty
Ugly Color
No Pegs
Sunday Soundwave
The most direct competitor to the Sunday Darkwave is the Sunday Soundwave. This BMX bike is almost identical in terms of quality and performance, with high-end components and an emphasis on street riding. However, the key difference is that the Sunday Soundwave frame comes with a lifetime warranty. This warranty might be a game-changer for many riders as it guarantees the durability of the frame. However, the price for the Soundwave is generally higher, which may sway some riders back towards the Darkwave.
Sunday Wavelength
Another interesting comparison would be the Sunday Wavelength. While also a high-end BMX bike, the Wavelength tends to differ in terms of purpose and the rider it aims to serve. The Wavelength has a different geometry and setup, favoring riders who are looking for something different in their BMX experience. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth checking out if you want to explore all your options.
In the end, the choice between the Sunday Darkwave and its counterparts will largely depend on your personal preference and needs. If you’re looking for a bike that offers exceptional quality and performance but doesn’t break the bank, the Sunday Darkwave remains a superb choice. However, if a lifetime warranty on the frame is a must-have for you, you might want to consider spending a little extra for the Sunday Soundwave.
Keep in mind, if the Sunday Darkwave doesn’t seem like the perfect fit for you, don’t worry. There’s a BMX bike out there that’s a perfect match for your needs. If you need help finding it, remember that I’m here to help. Simply click on this link to get a personalized bike recommendation. Let’s make sure your ride is perfect for you!
Warranty
Does the Sunday Darkwave have a Warranty?
Does the Sunday Darkwave have a Warranty?
Yes the Sunday Darkwave has a warranty. The Darkwave is covered under Sunday’s complete bike warranty, and many parts are covered under Sunday’s 41-thermal lifetime warranty.
It’s important to understand the complete warranty of the bike that you are buying. Since the Darkwave is a “pro-level” bike it will have many parts that are covered by different aspects of the warranty.
COMPONENT WARRANTY: Most non-proprietary components have a limited warranty offered by the component manufacturer directly. Please contact your authorized dealer for additional information on making a warranty claim on such a part. All other parts except Normal Wear Parts are guaranteed against a defect in materials or workmanship for a period of (90) days from the date of original purchase, subject to the terms and conditions of this limited warranty.
41-Thermal Warranty: Sunday will replace its 41-Thermal processed products at no additional cost if it bends, cracks or breaks under normal riding conditions. Normal riding conditions are defined as “using the bicycle in a controlled fashion that is within your own capabilities.” This warranty does not include damage that is caused by external forces such as cars, tornadoes, sledgehammers, etc.
Learn More About Sunday’s Warranty
No matter what bike you buy, it’s crucial that you purchase it from a trusted shop. I buy all of my stuff from Danscomp. Dan’s has a history of doing everything in their power to make sure that their customer is happy and taken care of at the end of the day. Even if there is an issue with something.
Honest Thoughts
Conclusion
Conclusion
After a detailed examination of the Sunday Darkwave, it’s safe to say that this BMX bike is an outstanding choice for taller street riders seeking top-tier quality. The bike’s high-end components, fully customizable nature, and excellent weight to durability ratio set it apart from its competitors. But the decision to invest in this machine doesn’t come lightly—it will cost you a hefty $1,299.
As I dove deep into the specifics of the Sunday Darkwave, it became apparent that this bike is built to last and deliver exceptional performance. This sentiment is echoed by my personal experience. After raving about this bike in last year’s review, I was motivated to purchase the Sunday Darkwave frame and construct my own version of this complete BMX bike. The results were nothing short of impressive.
The Darkwave’s key strength lies in its excellent weight. Weighing less than 25 pounds, this bike is a rare find in the world of complete bikes, ensuring nimble maneuverability without compromising on robustness. With four pegs, three hub guards, and a customizable setup, this bike is designed to cater to your unique riding style.
The only possible point of contention I have with this bike is its color. The matte dark brown doesn’t quite do it for me—however, color preference is highly subjective, so don’t let that deter you if it speaks to your aesthetics.
The Darkwave’s versatile frame sizes cater to riders of varying heights. However, the decision to provide left-hand drive for the 21.25-inch model and right-hand drive for the 21-inch one is a bit puzzling. Despite this minor quirk, both options ensure a comfortable ride, particularly for taller riders.
One crucial aspect that puts the Darkwave slightly behind the Sunday Soundwave is the absence of a lifetime warranty on the frame. Although the Darkwave frame is incredibly high quality, the peace of mind that a lifetime warranty offers is a bonus that riders can’t overlook.
In summary, the Sunday Darkwave is a well-rounded, high-quality BMX bike that’s worth considering, despite its premium price tag. Its unique blend of lightweight construction, robustness, and customization options make it a top-tier bike for seasoned riders.
Lastly, if you’re still uncertain, remember that you can reach out to me for a tailored bike recommendation. All you need to do is click on this link (free bike recommendation) and share your preferences. Moreover, if you have any queries, feel free to ask on the BMX Nerds Discord or the Community Page.
Previous Versions
Changes Throughout the Years
Changes Throughout the Years
Each year, the brand may or may not introduce new changes to the model year. The most common change is new color options or a new color way. It is very rare that they have significant changes… but if they do, I’ll note them here.
2022 Sunday Darkwave
The 2022 Darkwave was very similar to the 2022 version.
2022 Sunday Darkwave Vs. Current
- Matte Trans Red Color Option
- Only 21.25″ toptube size (the 2023 has 21″ and 21.25″)
- Only LHD drive side (2023 has LHD 21.25 and RHD 21″)
