The Sunday Scout is a medium quality BMX bike that may not necessarily help a BMX rider achieve their dreams. This bike weighs 26.8 pounds and costs 499 dollars. Despite its seemingly attractive price, its quality might not justify the cost. Keep reading to discover why we have such strong feelings about this bike.
In the past, this model received mixed reviews and our expectations for this 2024 model are similar, given the minimal changes in its features and price compared to last year’s model. While some riders may be drawn to the Sunday Scout due to its brand name and color options, we recommend considering other factors such as weight, price, and particularly, the quality of materials used.
Overview
The Sunday Scout: Overview
The Sunday Scout: Overview
Weight of the Sunday Scout:
The Sunday Scout is a lightweight BMX bike that weighs in at 26.8 pounds. This reduced weight gives riders an advantage in control and handling, especially in jumps and tricks. However, remember, the weight of a bike doesn’t directly equate to its quality.
Price and value for money:
At a cost of $499, the Sunday Scout falls into the middle price range for BMX bikes. However, the price reduction of $9 from the previous model does not seem to bring about a significant value addition in terms of quality or features. Thus, the bike might not offer the best value for your money, particularly considering other bikes with better quality at a similar or slightly higher price point.
Customization and upgradability of the Sunday Scout:
For those who wish to personalize their rides, the Sunday Scout allows for full customization and upgradability. You can swap out and upgrade parts to suit your specific needs and riding style. This flexibility is a plus, as it enables you to improve the bike’s performance as your skills advance.
Accessories/notable mentions or lack thereof:
Unfortunately, the Sunday Scout does not come with any pegs or Hub guards, limiting some of its functionality. However, it does come with a standard set of U-brakes, offering the option for riders to either keep them for safety or remove them for a brakeless riding style.
Color options:
The Sunday Scout offers four different color options: a 20.75-inch hot pink, a 20.75-inch sage green, a 21-inch matte mustard, and a 21-inch matte black. However, before falling for the attractive color options, consider the bike’s value and suitability for your specific needs.
Bike Buying Advice
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You
How to Choose the Right BMX Bike for You
Finding the perfect BMX bike might seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a free bike recommendation for subscribers. All you need to do is click the link, tell me a bit about yourself, your height, skill level, and price range, and I’ll pick 3 BMX bikes that I think are perfect for you.
Why is this important? Buying a bike that’s the right size for you is crucial. I still remember the early days of my riding adventure when I ended up with a bike that was way too small and low quality for my weight. It broke within just a few months, leaving me bike-less and disappointed.
To avoid this, ensure your bike fits you like a glove. Riding a bike that’s too small or too big can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to accidents or injuries. Not to mention, it can hamper your progression in the sport. So, trust me, a well-fitted bike is worth every penny!
Size and Geometry
Sunday Scout Geometry and Sizing
Sunday Scout Geometry and Sizing
| Toptube Size | Recommended Height (USA) | Recommended Height (Not USA) |
|---|---|---|
| 20.00″ | 4′ 10″ to 5′ 3″ | 1.47m to 1.60m |
| 20.25″ | 5′ 3″ to 5′ 6″ | 1.60m to 1.68m |
| 20.5″ | 5′ 6″ to 5′ 9″ | 1.68m to 1.75m |
| 20.75″ | 5′ 9″ to 6′ | 1.75m to 1.83m |
| 21″ | Over 6′ | Over 1.83m |
| 21.25″ | Way Over 6′ | Way Over 1.83m |
The Sunday Scout is available in two different top tube sizes: 20.75 inches and 21 inches. The 20.75-inch variant is best suited for riders between the heights of 5’9″ and 6′, while the 21-inch model is ideal for those over 6 feet. However, riders taller than 6’4″ may find better comfort with a top tube length of 21.25 inches or more.
Available Top Tube Sizes for the Sunday Scout
| Top Tube Size | Recommended Height |
|---|---|
| 20.75″ | 5’9″ to 6′ |
| 21″ | 6′ and above |
Frame Geometry of the Sunday Scout
The Sunday Scout boasts a series of unique geometries that give it a distinct feel on the course. This includes a slightly steeper head tube angle of 75.5 degrees, which offers quicker steering responses, particularly useful for nose manuals. The chainstay length ranges from 13.2 to 13.5 inches, leaning towards the longer side, which provides increased stability and control. Lastly, the bottom bracket height sits at a marginally lower-than-average 11.5 inches, which contributes to an overall more grounded riding experience.
Part Geometry of the Sunday Scout
From handlebars to the stem, each part of the Sunday Scout contributes to its unique riding experience. The handlebars are 9 inches tall and 28.5 inches wide — an optimal balance between stability and ease of executing tricks such as bar spins. The bike also includes a Sunday Freeze top load stem with a reach of 48 millimeters. The gear ratio is 25:9, with a 25-tooth sprocket and a 9-tooth driver located on the right-hand side of the bike.
Detailed Examination of the Sunday Scout’s Part Geometries
The Sunday Scout’s part geometries contribute to its overall performance, and understanding these geometries can help riders understand the bike’s unique feel. The handlebars, with their optimal balance of stability and trick execution, play a key role in the bike’s agility. In contrast, the bike’s stem offers a combination of lightness and durability, providing a reliable connection between the handlebars and the rest of the bike. Finally, the 25:9 gear ratio is common in BMX, offering a good blend of speed and control for a variety of riding styles.
Quality
Quality and Durability of the Sunday Scout
Quality and Durability of the Sunday Scout
When it comes to the quality and durability of the Sunday Scout, several critical aspects stand out. Understanding the quality of each part can greatly help in gauging the bike’s potential longevity. Let’s look at these in more detail.
| Part | Quality |
|---|---|
| Frame | High Tensile Steel (with Chromoly downtube) |
| Forks | High Tensile Steel |
| Handlebars | High Tensile Steel |
| Cranks | High Tensile Steel |
| Rims | Aluminum |
When it comes to the bike’s construction materials, the Sunday Scout falls somewhat short of expectations for its price point. The frame, forks, handlebars, and cranks are primarily made from high tensile steel, a material that, while cheaper, is notably weaker than chromoly. Only the downtube and the dropouts are full chromoly, which makes it stronger and more resilient to heavy impacts.
Understanding Chromoly Vs. High Tensile Steel
In the BMX world, the material debate usually boils down to Chromoly versus High Tensile Steel (Hi-Ten Steel). Chromoly, an alloy steel, is significantly stronger, more durable, and lighter than high tensile steel. Thus, Chromoly frames and components offer better performance and longevity. High tensile steel, on the other hand, is cheaper to produce, resulting in lower-cost bikes. Unfortunately, Hi-Ten Steel is also about four times weaker than Chromoly, meaning it won’t stand up as well to the stresses of BMX riding.
In the case of the 2024 Sunday Scout, the bike has a largely high tensile steel construction, with the only exception being the Chromoly downtube. This decision helps to add some strength where it’s most needed but doesn’t entirely compensate for the overall weaker construction. To put it bluntly, for the bike’s price point, it’s a bit disappointing not to see more chromoly in the frame and components.
Pros and Cons
Highlights and Lowlights of the Sunday Scout
Highlights and Lowlights of the Sunday Scout
Noteworthy features of the Sunday Scout
- The Sunday Scout comes with a distinctive 75.5-degree head tube angle, making the bike highly responsive and conducive to maneuvers such as nose manuals. The steering is quick, giving the rider better control.
- It is available in different color options – hot pink, sage green, matte mustard, and matte black, giving buyers an opportunity to pick a bike that resonates with their personal style.
- The Sunday Scout offers two different sizes based on the rider’s height, 20.75 inches for those between 5’9″ and 6’0″, and 21 inches for riders over 6’0″, providing an option for the comfort of different riders.
- The bike is fully customizable and upgradable, meaning riders can enhance it over time to match their evolving preferences and skill levels.
Areas of disappointment and potential upgrades needed
- The Sunday Scout does not come with any pegs or hub guards, which might necessitate extra purchases for some riders.
- The price tag of $499, according to the review, does not correspond with the quality offered. As such, the bike may not offer value for money.
- Except for the downtube and the dropouts, the rest of the frame is made from high tensile steel, which is significantly weaker than chromoly. This may affect the bike’s overall durability.
Advice for riders over the weight limit
If you exceed the weight limit (140 lbs), it’s crucial to consider higher quality bikes. They not only have longer-lasting part upgrades but are also made of superior quality materials. This way, you save money in the long run since you won’t have to spend multiple times on frequent upgrades or replacements.
Street, Park, or Dirt
Sunday Scout Riding Style: Park, Street, or Dirt?
Sunday Scout Riding Style: Park, Street, or Dirt?
The Sunday Scout, while not boasting exceptional quality, still holds a unique place in terms of riding styles. It’s essential to understand that not all BMX bikes are created equal, and each bike is designed with a particular riding style in mind. Let’s delve into how the Scout fares in different terrains.
Park Riding Score
Despite its shortcomings, the Scout manages to shine in certain areas, park riding being one of them. With its 75.5-degree head tube angle, it allows quick steering response, favoring riders who enjoy technical park tricks. The bike’s responsive nature ensures better maneuverability, making it a decent choice for riders who frequent the park.
Street Riding Score
Street riding can be tough on a bike, demanding high durability and strength. Unfortunately, with the Sunday Scout’s high tensile steel frame (except for the down tube which is chromoly), it might not withstand the rigors of street riding for an extended period. However, the Scout does allow customization and upgrades, which can potentially improve its street performance.
Dirt Riding Score
The Scout’s chainstay length leans on the longer side, leading to more stability and control, essential characteristics for dirt riding. If you are a rider who enjoys dirt trails more than grinding rails, you might appreciate the control the Sunday Scout provides in these settings.
Customizing the Sunday Scout
One of the strong points of the Sunday Scout is its customizability. All parts of this bike are fully upgradeable, which means you can tailor it to suit your preferred riding style. For instance, if street riding is your thing, you can choose to upgrade parts to make it more durable and street-ready. However, remember that while customization is a possibility, the cost of upgrades can add up, potentially surpassing the cost of a higher-quality bike.
Top Upgrades
Top Three Upgrades for the Sunday Scout
Top Three Upgrades for the Sunday Scout
Upgrading a BMX bike is a fantastic way to enhance its performance and make it feel more personalized. Here are the top three upgrades I recommend for the Sunday Scout to improve its overall performance and feel.
- Frame Upgrade: While the Scout comes with a chromoly downtube, it’s worth considering a frame upgrade. A full chromoly frame provides superior strength and durability, particularly important for those engaging in more aggressive riding styles. BMX bikes with high tensile steel components, like the majority of the Scout’s frame, can be much weaker compared to full chromoly frames.
- Handlebar Upgrade: The Scout comes with 9″ tall handlebars. However, depending on your height and preferred riding style, you may want to opt for taller or shorter handlebars. A different set of bars can greatly affect your bike control and comfort level.
- Pegs and Hub Guards: The Sunday Scout doesn’t come with any pegs or hub guards. If you’re into grinding or street riding, adding these can expand your trick repertoire and protect your bike’s components in the process. Remember, the absence of these accessories doesn’t limit the bike’s potential. It’s merely a starting point for customization.
Remember, these are just suggestions. BMX is a highly individual sport, and the best bike setup is the one that suits your unique riding style. Consider what aspects of the Scout you’d like to improve, and start there. Whether it’s increased strength, custom fit, or expanded trick capabilities, these upgrades can help transform the Sunday Scout into your ideal ride.
Other Choices
Sunday Scout Other Options
Sunday Scout Other Options
Many size and color options
No Pegs
If you’re on the fence about the Sunday Scout, let’s consider some alternatives. As we’ve discussed, the Sunday Scout can be a bit pricey for the quality it delivers. But not to worry, there are options aplenty in the BMX bike market that could provide better value for your money.
Sunday Forecaster
The Sunday Forecaster might be a worthwhile alternative. Although it costs around $80 more than the Sunday Scout, it offers a significant boost in quality. This bike is a higher tier in the Sunday line, meaning you’ll get more for your investment. It’s an excellent consideration if you’re already leaning towards the Sunday brand and have a bit more to spend.
Kink Gap
Another strong contender is the Kink Gap. This bike is priced similarly to the Sunday Scout, but it outshines the Scout in terms of quality and value. If you’re looking to make the most of your budget without compromising on the bike’s durability and performance, the Kink Gap is definitely worth a look.
When shopping for a BMX bike, remember that the goal is to find a bike that suits your individual needs, preferences, and budget. It’s not about getting the cheapest or most expensive bike, but rather, finding a bike that offers the best quality and value for your money. If you need personalized recommendations, consider requesting a free bike recommendation to find the best fit for you.
In the end, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision. If you’re still unsure or have further questions, feel free to join the BMX Nerds Discord or check out the Community Page for more insights and advice from seasoned BMX riders.
Warranty
Does the Sunday Scout Have a Warranty?
Does the Sunday Scout Have a Warranty?
Yes, the Sunday Scout has a warranty that covers the frame for 6 months against manufacture defects, and covers the components for 90 days against workmanship issues. It’s important to know all of the details about your warranty but that’s the gist of it.
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
Where to Buy your BMX Bike?
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.
Final Thoughts
Conclusion
Conclusion
After an in-depth examination of the Sunday Scout 2024 model, it’s evident that this BMX bike may not be the best value for your money. Although the price has slightly decreased from the previous year’s model, this change isn’t significant enough to justify the bike’s quality in comparison to other options in the market. The BMX bike retains its weight, which is a positive aspect, but it lacks improvements in overall quality and durability.
By investing a bit more, you can acquire the Sunday Forecaster, an excellent alternative with superior features and performance. Or, for the same price range as the Scout, the Kink Gap is another strong competitor, offering better value for money. This isn’t to discourage fans of the Scout, as those who enjoy its aesthetics and brand may still find it suitable. However, keep in mind the other cost-effective and quality alternatives available.
Remember, the goal here isn’t to push you towards a particular product but to provide you with the necessary information to make an informed choice based on your needs and budget. The ultimate decision lies with you, the rider. Should you have any questions or need further assistance in choosing the right bike, feel free to reach out on our BMX Nerds Discord or visit our Community Page.
Additionally, don’t forget about the free bike recommendation for subscribers. All you need to do is provide some information about yourself, and I’ll send you three bike recommendations perfectly suited to your height, skill level, and budget. This could save you time and ensure you get the best value for your money.
This Year vs. Last Year
Sunday Scout Model Year Updates
Sunday Scout Model Year Updates
The Sunday Scout has undergone a few minor modifications in its transition from the 2022 model to the 2024 model. The most noticeable difference is a slight price reduction – dropping from $509 in 2022 to $499 in 2024. Despite the marginal price drop, the bike still doesn’t strike me as a particularly good deal. The quality hasn’t seen any marked improvements, which leaves it feeling overpriced.
Here’s the crux of the matter: I don’t recommend the Sunday Scout. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can purchase the Sunday Forecaster, which offers significantly better value for just an additional $80. Alternatively, the Kink Gap offers comparable quality at the same price point as the Sunday Scout. In short, you have a variety of options available that are more worthwhile than the Sunday Scout.
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 Scout
- $509
- LHD or RHD Option
2023 Scout
- $499
- New Color Options
The only differences in the 2022 and 2023 Sunday Scout is the price and the color options.
