Sunday Forecaster BMX Bike Review

The Sunday Forecaster is a high-quality BMX bike that will help a BMX rider achieve their dreams. This bike weighs 26.78 pounds and costs around $600. The small changes and lowered price made to this year’s model have significantly improved its overall value, setting a high expectation for its performance. Stay tuned as we delve into a comprehensive review of this bike.

The Sunday Forecaster: Overview

The Sunday Forecaster is a BMX bike that has been designed keeping in mind the needs of both beginners and intermediate riders. It’s all about customization, performance, and value for money.

Weight of the Sunday Forecaster

Lightweight yet robust, the Sunday Forecaster weighs a mere 26.78 pounds. This light weight ensures ease of maneuverability without compromising on its strength and durability.

Price and value for money

One notable aspect of the Sunday Forecaster is its competitive price. While the exact price is not specified in the transcript, it’s clear that the improvements in quality over its predecessor have increased its value-for-money quotient.

Customization and upgradability of the Sunday Forecaster

One of the Sunday Forecaster’s biggest strengths is its full customization and upgradability. From handlebars to cranks, pedals to stems, everything on this bike can be swapped out to make it more suitable for your riding style. This adaptability gives you the freedom to create a bike that feels uniquely yours.

Accessories/Notable mentions

While the bike doesn’t come with any pegs, it does include a hub guard on the drive side for versions equipped with a Clutch V2 freecoaster. Also, this bike is equipped with U-brakes, offering you the option to ride with or without brakes, as they are fully removable.

Color options

The Sunday Forecaster comes in a choice of vibrant colors to match your style: Aaron Ross White (20.5″), Matte Maroon (20.75″), Fire Engine Red (20.75″ Brett Silva), and Black (21″ Broc Raiford). Do note that the Black variant offers a choice between left-hand drive and right-hand drive, a rare feature in bikes of this price range.

Size and Fit

The Sunday Forecaster offers a range of sizes to fit different rider heights:

• 20.5″ Aaron Ross White option is best for riders between 5’6″ and 5’9″.
• 20.75″ options (Matte Maroon and Fire Engine Red) are best suited for riders between 5’9″ and 6′.
• 21″ Broc Raiford Black is ideal for riders over 6′. However, if you’re significantly taller, like 6’3″ or 6’4″, it’s recommended to opt for a 21.25″ size.

How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You

Choosing the right BMX bike is about more than just picking your favorite color, it’s about finding a bike that fits you properly and meets your riding needs. If you’re a first-time rider or unsure about what to look for, we have an exclusive offer for our readers – a free bike recommendation! All you have to do is click this link and tell us a bit about yourself. Based on your height, skill level, and budget, we’ll select three BMX bikes that we believe would be perfect for you.

One crucial factor to consider when choosing a bike is its size. A bike that is too small or too large for your physique can be difficult to control and may result in an uncomfortable ride or even injuries. A lesson learned from my own experience when I got my first BMX – it was way too small and low in quality for my weight. Within a few months, it broke. That’s why it is essential to find a bike that is the right fit for you.

Sunday Forecaster Geometry and Sizing

For the Sunday Forecaster, we recommend the following sizing options based on rider height:

• 20.5-inch Aaron Ross White option: Ideal for riders who are between 5’6″ and 5’9″
• 20.75-inch Matte Maroon or Brett Silva Fire Engine Red option: Suitable for riders between 5’9″ and 6’0″
• 21-inch Broc Raiford Black option: Best for riders who are over 6’0″. If you are significantly over 6’0″, such as 6’3″ or 6’4″, consider a 21.25-inch size.

If you’re considering the Sunday Forecaster, it’s crucial to understand the geometry and sizing options. With variations in size that cater to different rider heights, the bike has a range of options to ensure optimal comfort and performance.

Available Top Tube Sizes for the Sunday Forecaster

• 20.5 inch: Aaron Ross White Option
• 20.75 inch: Matte Maroon & Brett Silva Fire Engine Red
• 21 inch: Broc Raiford Black (left-hand drive or right-hand drive option)

Ideal Rider Height for Each Size

• 20.5 inch: Best for riders between 5’6″ and 5’9″
• 20.75 inch: Best for riders between 5’9″ and 6′
• 21 inch: Best for riders over 6′. If you’re significantly over 6′ (like 6’3″ or 6’4″), consider a 21.25″ top tube bike instead.

Sunday Forecaster Frame Geometries

Here’s a detailed examination of the Sunday Forecaster’s part geometries. It’s essential to grasp these numbers as they have a direct impact on the bike’s handling:

Part Geometries

The Sunday Forecaster also boasts an impressive part geometries:

Note that all Sunday Forecaster bikes come with the Odyssey Clutch V2 free coaster unless you choose the Brett Silva version, which has a cassette.

Quality and Durability of the Sunday Forecaster

Let’s delve into the heart of the matter—the overall quality and durability of the Sunday Forecaster. As we know, the longevity and performance of a BMX bike rely heavily on its construction and materials. So, let’s break down the critical components of the Sunday Forecaster and evaluate its potential lifespan.

The Sunday Forecaster scores high marks for its full chromoly frame, outpacing bikes like the Sunday Scout which only features one chromoly down tube. This fully chromoly frame ensures better durability and responsiveness, accommodating more advanced tricks and providing a longer-lasting ride.

However, the forks and handlebars are made of high tensile steel. While this might not be a deal-breaker, the fork legs can be prone to bending or even breaking, especially when executing more aggressive tricks that put significant strain on these components.

The cranks, being full chromoly and designed with an eight spline three-piece setup, offer solid durability. The Odyssey Stage One single wall rims, though still susceptible to dings and bends, have an extra-thick sidewall for added resistance.

Chromoly vs High Tensile Steel

At this point, you might be wondering about the difference between chromoly and high tensile steel. Well, let’s break it down.

Chromoly, a blend of Chromium and Molybdenum, is lighter and more durable than high tensile steel, making it a preferred material for BMX frames and parts. Bikes with chromoly frames, forks, and handlebars will generally last longer and withstand more abuse.

High tensile steel, while cheaper, is heavier and less resilient under high stress scenarios. In other words, parts made from high tensile steel, like the forks and handlebars of the Sunday Forecaster, may bend or break under extreme strain. However, for the beginner rider, or those not executing heavy-duty tricks, high tensile steel components may suffice.

Keep in mind, however, that the bike’s durability doesn’t solely depend on its frame and component materials. The rider’s weight and the intensity of their riding style also play a vital role. For instance, this bike isn’t recommended for anyone over 150 pounds. If you fall into this category, it’s better to consider a higher quality bike to ensure durability and longevity.

Highlights and Lowlights of the Sunday Forecaster

Let’s dive deep into the particulars of the Sunday Forecaster, highlighting its standout features and noting areas that could benefit from an upgrade.

Noteworthy Features of the Sunday Forecaster

• Fully Customizable and Upgradable: The Sunday Forecaster offers complete customization and upgradability. You have the freedom to replace bars, change the cranks, pedals, stem and so forth, allowing you to mold the bike to your preference.
• Weight: Weighing 26.78 pounds, the Forecaster stands as a fairly light bike.
• Size and Color Options: You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to sizes and colors, with options like the 20.5-inch Aaron Ross white, 20.75-inch matte maroon, 20.75 Brett Silva fire engine red, and the 21-inch Broc Raiford black.
• Removable Breaks: The Forecaster comes with removable U-breaks, offering flexibility based on your riding style and preferences.

Areas of Disappointment and Potential Upgrades Needed

• No Pegs: Unfortunately, the bike doesn’t come with any pegs. It’s a minor detail but worth noting for those who value them.
• Quality of Certain Parts: The forks and handlebars are made of high tensile steel, which could potentially bend or break under intense use.
• Single Wall Rims: The bike comes with Odyssey Stage One single wall rims which, while boasting an extra thick sidewall, still possess a weak rim structure.

The Sunday Forecaster gets a quality score of 3.5 out of 5 and is suitable for riders up to 150 pounds.

For riders who are over this weight limit, it’s essential to consider investing in a higher-quality bike. Not only do such bikes come with longer-lasting part upgrades and higher quality materials, they’re more durable and will stand the test of time. This translates into spending more on one high-quality bike, as opposed to constantly replacing parts on a lower-quality one, thereby saving you money in the long run.

Sunday Forecaster Riding Style: Park, Street, or Dirt?

The Sunday Forecaster shines with its versatility. Due to its adaptable nature and full customization capabilities, this bike could potentially be a fantastic choice for various riding styles, including park, street, and dirt. Whether you’re looking to nail tricks in the park, ride smooth on the streets, or get muddy on the trails, this bike offers a platform that can be adjusted to suit these riding styles.

Park Riding

The Forecaster is equipped with an 11.7-inch bottom bracket height, a feature that can make your bike feel more responsive. This heightened responsiveness, paired with a 75.5-degree head tube angle for quicker steering, makes this bike a suitable choice for park riding, where quick cornering and nose manuals are often required.

Street Riding

The bike’s responsive head tube angle also benefits street riders. The Sunday Forecaster allows for more snappy steering and quick maneuvers. However, it’s essential to note that the 13.2 to 13.5-inch chainstay might make the bike a little harder to control during more dynamic street riding, especially for shorter riders.

Dirt Riding

If you’re aiming to hit the dirt trails, the Sunday Forecaster‘s long chainstay length provides added stability, beneficial for dirt riding. Although it might make pulling back for manuals or bunny hops a tad challenging, the overall controlled feel could be a plus on the unpredictable terrain of dirt trails.

Remember, the Sunday Forecaster is fully customizable. Riders are encouraged to tailor the bike to their needs, further enhancing its suitability for different riding styles.

Top Three Upgrades for the Sunday Forecaster

1. Forks

The forks on the Forecaster are only 50% chromoly and are prone to bending.

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2. Handlebars

Get some full chromoly bars to prevent bending and breaking.

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3. Double Wall Rims

New rims are essential if you plan to learn spins or do drops. Get double wall rims.

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Every bike, no matter its initial quality, can be enhanced with a few key upgrades. The Sunday Forecaster, being a fully customizable and upgradable bike, allows riders to tweak its performance to their liking. Here are our top three recommendations for enhancing the Sunday Forecaster’s performance and feel.

1. Forks

While the Sunday Forecaster’s frame boasts full chromoly, its forks come with high tensile steel legs. This blend of materials could potentially pose durability concerns, especially for riders who indulge in nose casing jumps or tricks that stretch out the fork legs. Upgrading to full chromoly forks will provide better resilience and longevity.

2. Handlebars

The handlebars on the Sunday Forecaster are made of high tensile steel. While these will suffice for beginners, as riders advance in skill level and start performing more strenuous tricks, they might find the need for full chromoly handlebars. More robust and durable, chromoly handlebars can significantly enhance the bike’s performance.

3. Rims

The Sunday Forecaster comes with Odyssey stage one single wall rims, which, although better than basic aluminum single wall rims, are not as resilient as double wall rims. If you’re planning to ride intensely or if you weigh over 150 pounds, investing in double wall rims would be a wise move to ensure wheel durability and stability.“`html

Sunday Forecaster Comparisons

Pros

Cons

Premium Option

1

WTP Justice

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Pros

Bash Guard on Sprocket
Light Weight
Premium Feel

Cons

Only one size option
No Pegs

2

Cult Devotion

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Pros

2x pegs included
Full chromoly

Cons

Long geometry
Only one size option

3

Fly Proton

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Pros

Clean Look
Pegs included
Full Chromoly

Cons

Extra with brakes
Hard to find in stock

When considering the Sunday Forecaster, it’s crucial to note that this isn’t the only BMX bike available on the market. There are plenty of other bikes out there that can suit your riding style, level, and budget. While the Forecaster is impressive in its own right, it’s worth exploring how it measures up against some comparable alternatives.

If you’re interested in a bike with a similar price range and specs, you might want to check out bikes like the Wethepeople Justice or the Cult Devotion. Both bikes are geared towards intermediate riders and offer a good balance between quality and cost, much like the Sunday Forecaster.

The Wethepeople Justice features full chromoly construction and a higher quality sealed front hub compared to the Forecaster. It also comes in a larger 21″ top tube size, ideal for taller riders. However, unlike the Forecaster, the Justice does not come in a free coaster option, which could be a downside if you are keen on this feature.

On the other hand, the Cult Devotion boasts a slightly better parts package than the Forecaster, including a 100% chromoly frame, forks, and bars. The Devotion also features a 2.4″ Cult x Vans tire set, offering extra grip on the streets and in the park. But, it’s worth noting that the Devotion is slightly heavier than the Forecaster, which could affect the bike’s agility and responsiveness.

Each of these alternatives offers unique advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, it’s important to understand your personal preferences and riding needs before making a purchase decision. And remember, the perfect BMX bike for you is the one that makes you want to get out and ride every day!

Does the Sunday Forecaster Have a Warranty?

The Sunday Forecaster has a warranty that covers the frame for 6 months against manufacture defects and covers the components for 90 days against workmanship defects.

Where to Buy your BMX Bike From?

It’s important to buy your next bmx bike from a trusted BMX shop. Buying from a trusted shop or online retailer ensures that you have somewhere to go for help if you occur any issues. I buy all of my stuff from Dan’s Comp because they always take care of their customers. If you run into any issues, their friendly staff will help you out.

Conclusion

The Sunday Forecaster has genuinely improved since its last iteration. This year’s version strikes a commendable balance between value and performance, offering riders a reliable, customizable, and well-rounded bike. As the old saying goes, a tool is only as good as the user, so it’s essential to remember that even the highest quality BMX bike will not automatically transform a beginner into a pro rider. However, the Sunday Forecaster could certainly be a valuable asset in any rider’s progression journey.

Despite my overall positive impressions, the Sunday Forecaster isn’t without its drawbacks. The lack of pegs, the cassette version not having a hub guard, and the usage of high tensile steel for forks and handlebars are some aspects I found lacking. Also, make sure to double-check your chosen model to avoid surprises, as different versions come with either a free coaster or cassette.

Yet, one of the most commendable aspects of this bike is its full chromoly frame, offering more durability and longevity than many of its competitors in this price range. However, it’s worth noting that despite this high-quality frame, the bike might not be the best choice for riders over 150 pounds due to the rest of its components.

There is always room for evolution in the BMX market, and other brands may soon introduce bikes that pose stiff competition to the Sunday Forecaster. It’s a competitive world out there, but that only benefits us, the riders, as we get to enjoy the fruits of this constant innovation and improvement.

Remember that if you’re struggling to choose the perfect bike, I offer a free bike recommendation service for my subscribers. Just follow this link, tell me a bit about yourself, and I’ll suggest three BMX bikes that perfectly fit your height, skill level, and budget. Click here for the free bike recommendation.

Lastly, if you have any questions about the Sunday Forecaster or BMX in general, head over to the BMX Nerds Discord here or our Community Page here. The community is always eager to share their knowledge and experience with fellow enthusiasts.

Current Year Updates

In line with its mission to continuously innovate, Sunday has made some strategic changes to the 2024 Forecaster, further enhancing its appeal and performance. The past year’s model was not unanimously loved, but this year’s model reflects a clear intention to refine the offering and ensure a better value proposition. Let’s delve into these exciting changes.

The Sunday Forecaster, which now weighs 26.78 pounds, comes across as a relatively light bike. The prior year’s model was a bit heavier, and this reduction in weight will certainly be appreciated by riders who crave nimble, responsive bikes for executing their favorite stunts.

The price point has been strategically revised to make the bike more accessible. This change was necessary to solidify the Forecaster’s position as a value-for-money bike in a highly competitive market. Of course, pricing always involves a balancing act with quality and features, but this year’s model strikes a compelling balance.

In terms of design and aesthetics, the 2024 Sunday Forecaster remains versatile. You can now select from several sizes and color options, ensuring that your bike suits not just your physical requirements, but also your visual tastes. You can choose from a 20.5-inch Aaron Ross white, a 20.75-inch matte maroon, a 20.75 Brett Silva fire engine red, and a 21-inch Broc Raiford black. Plus, the Broc Raiford black version now comes with the option to choose between left and right-hand drive, a feature usually only found on bikes over $1,000.

On the whole, these changes have helped the 2024 Sunday Forecaster to significantly improve upon its predecessor. The updates reflect a commitment to delivering a BMX bike that blends style, performance, and value, ensuring an appealing option for riders of various levels and preferences.

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 Forecaster

• Cassette or Freecoaster Option
• Multiple Size Options
• Park Version
• Old Color Options

2023 Forecaster

• Cassette or Freecoaster Option
• Multiple Size Options
• Park Version
• Updated Color Options

The main differences in the 2023 Forecaster and the 2022 Forecaster are they new color options that Sunday has introduced.

Sunday Forecaster BMX Bike Review

• 1Important Info
• 2Buying Advice
• 3Size Guide
• 4Quality
• 5Pros and Cons
• 6Street, Park, or Dirt?
• 7Top 3 Upgrades
• 8Other Similar Bikes
• 9Warranty
• 10Final Thoughts
• 11Current Year vs. Last Year

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