2022 Sunday Forecaster Review – Chromoly BMX Bike


The 2022 Sunday Forecaster is a low to mid-level BMX bike. It is medium/low quality and designed for new riders who are quickly progressing and learning new tricks. This bike comes at a $559.99 or $579.99 price point and 4 different color options! Beginner riders will enjoy progressing in BMX on this 26.78lb responsive bike.

Here’s how it stacks up against my TOP 5 Picks…

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Skip right to the good stuff where I give the bike a Dougsterbob Score based on 20 different aspects that determine how good the bike is overall.

Review Video

Overview

The 2022 Sunday Forecaster BMX Bike is the Aaron Ross signature model, and has the component list to run with the pros. Sunday Lightning rims, Odyssey Clutch v2 freecoaster, and the Odyssey brake system with removable mounts are just a few of the aftermarket parts that can be found on this model. Every bearing is sealed meaning less maintenance and smooth rolling. Speaking of rolling, the freecoaster that comes stock on this bike allows you to concentrate on the next trick while in a fakie instead of being worried about what position your pedals are in. The Sunday Forecaster proves through and through that it deserves Aaron Ross’ signature.

from: DanscompOpens in a new tab.

Highlights

  • Mainly beginner-level quality
  • Several Size choices
  • Many Color options

Specs

Price

The 2022 Sunday Forecaster costs either $559 or $579.99 depending on the version that you get.

Colors

2022 Sunday Forecaster Part List

Specifications:
Frame: Sunday Forecaster, 100% Chromoly, Integrated Headtube
Fork: Sunday Forecaster, 2-Piece Chromoly Steerer Tube, Welded Preload
Bars: Sunday, 2-Piece (28.5″ Width) (9″ Rise) (12° Backsweep) (4° Upsweep)
Stem: Sunday Freeze Top Load (48mm)
Headset: FSA Integrated Conical (1-1/8″)
Top Cap: Sunday M16, Aluminum
Grips: Odyssey Broc Raiford
Cranks: 3-Piece, Chromoly (170mm Length)
Bottom Bracket: Sealed Mid (19mm)
Pedals: Odyssey Twisted PC Pro
Chain: KMC Z1 Wide
Sprocket: Sunday Sabertooth v2, Steel (25 Tooth)
Front Hub: Sunday Low-Flange Sealed (3/8″ Female Axle)
Rear Hub: Odyssey Clutch V2 Freecoaster (14mm Female Axle)
Driver: 9 Tooth (Right Hand Drive)
Spokes: Steel, Black (14 Gauge)
Front Rim: Sunday Lightning (20″) (36 Hole)
Rear Rim: Sunday Lightning (20″) (36 Hole)
Front Tire: Odyssey Path Pro OEM (20 x 2.4″)
Rear Tire: Odyssey Path Pro OEM (20 x 2.4″)
Seat: Odyssey Broc Raiford Signature (Pivotal) -Alternate- Odyssey Big Stitch (Pivotal)
Seat Post: Sunday (Pivotal)
Seat Clamp: Sunday
Lever: Odyssey Springfield
Brake Cable: Odyssey Quik Slic
Brakes: Odyssey Springfield U-Brake
Brake Mounts: Removable
Gyro Tabs: Drilled
Extras: Non-Drive Side Plastic Hub Guard
Color: Matte Black/Grey Fade
Weight: 26.78 lbs

Frame Geometry

A: Top Tube Length: 20.5″, 20.75”, 21”

Check the size guide to see if it’s right for you..

Getting a top tube that is taller than suggested will make the bike feel more controlled and less responsive

Getting a top tube size that is smaller than normal will make the bike feel a lot more snappy and responsive.

B: Chain Stay Length: 13.2″-13.5”

This is a long chainstay.

A short chain stay makes the bike feel twitchy. Spins will be easy, but airing and jumping might feel hard to control.

A long chain stay will make the bike feel really controlled. Spins will feel sluggish, but manuals and air tricks will feel nice because it will be more stable.

C: Head Tube Angle: 75.5°

Steep head tube angles make the bike “snappy” meaning more responsive to fast turns. 

A less steep head tube gives you more control.

D: Seat Tube Angle: 71°

E: Bottom Bracket Height: 11.7″

F: Stand over height: 9″

This is a medium standover. 

A medium standover will make tailwhips easier, but barspins harder. You get less control with a lower standover.

Bar Geometry – Learn more hereOpens in a new tab.

G: Rise: 9″

This is an average rise.

Riding a tall rise, will give you more leverage on the bike. Making it easier to pull back and lift the front wheel up.

H: Width: 28.5”

This is a narrow width

Narrow bars make barspins easier.

Wide bars give you more control and stability when steering.

I: Backsweep:  12

What does backsweep do?

As far as I know, there is a sweet spot for backsweep. Too much will make the bike feel weird, and too little will make the bike unstable. It seems like the sweet spot is around 11º to 12º. If you need something a little more aggressive and straight feeling, go for 10º, but only do this if 11º is uncomfortable.

J: Upsweep: 4

What does upsweep do?

There is a lot of discussion about 1º upsweep vs. 4º upsweep. Some people are running experiments and testing if the greater upsweep will make drops feel better. It seems like a lot of street riders run 4º to 5º upsweep. This helps with wrist pain and lessens the impact of big drops.

Other 2022 Sunday Bikes

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Dougsterbob Score

Now everything above the line is pretty basic info. I break down the specs, geometry and some highlights. But that doesn’t really help you find the right bike. So I created the Dougsterbob Score.

What is it?

The Dougsterbob Score is taken from Doug Demaro’s “Doug Score” (He already had the name so I had to get creative with mine haha) Anyway, this assigns a score to the bike based on 20 different aspects. This way you will know exactly what this bike is good for and how it holds up.

Read how I score the bikes hereOpens in a new tab.

2022 Sunday Forecaster Rankings

CategoryPoints
Dougsterbob Score4.6/10
Street Score3.75/10
Park Score3.67/10
Dirt Score2.33/10
Quality Score3.5/10

This is for the 2022 Forecaster with the freecoaster. The freecoaster versions include Siemon, Ross, and Raiford. Read about the Silve (cassette) version here.

Dougsterbob Score

Dougsterbob Score: 4.6

The 2022 Sunday Forecaster scored a 4.6 Dougsterbob Score.

I like that the Forecaster has 4 different color/style options. Giving you the chance to get a bike option that you really like.

Is the Sunday Forecaster a good bike?

Aside from the full chromoly frame, the Forecaster is really low quality. It has hi-tensile steel forks, bars, and single wall rims.

Street Score

Street Score: 3.75

The Sunday forecaster scored a 3.75/10 in the Street Section. This bike has the quality to withstand SOME street riding. It also comes with the freecoaster… street riders love to roll backward without pedaling.

The lower quality parts (especially rims) will also cause some problems since street riding consists of big drops and gnarly grinds. I really wish that they included some pegs with this bike.

Is the Sunday Forecaster for Street riding?

The Sunday Forecaster is not a street-specific bike. If you plan to progress and become a really good street rider, you will need to purchase some upgrades or get a more street-specific bike with higher quality.

Park Score

Park Score: 3.67

The Sunday Forecaster only scored a 3.67. There is a lot of room for improvement. This is a low score, mostly because this bike does not have any park-specific parts on it.

There are a lot of things that need to be added to the Forecaster to make it a park machine. Consider some park-specific tires, steeper 25mm forks, and a gyro brake system.

Is the Sunday Forecaster for riding Skateparks?

The Forecaster is a bad choice if you want to use it as a “park only” bike.

Dirt Score

Dirt Score: 2.33

The Forecaster scored a 2.33 in Dirt. This is VERY low. Sadly, this is a terrible option if dirt is your calling.

This bike has a somewhat responsive 75.5º headtube angle which will make it responsive on the dirt.
The freecoaster also causes some issues when trying to ride dirt on a consistent basis.

Is the Sunday Forecaster good for riding dirt jumps?

Do not buy the Forecaster if you plan to focus on dirt. Look for a more dirt-specific bike.

Quality Score

Quality Score: 3.5

I’m still going to have to classify the Forecaster as a beginner bike. We need to see full chromoly and double wall rims for a bike to get the “mid-level” classification.

Now, having a full chromoly frame is a huge plus, and this makes the forecaster a much better choice over the Sunday Scout. However, it doesn’t have much else going for it.

Is the Sunday Forecaster a good BMX bike?

If you are new to the sport, this quality will be ok for you. Just know that as you get better, the parts will start to break. Overall, it is an OK bike, not the best, but definitely not the worst.

Style

The Sunday Forecaster is a very nice-looking bike. This bike, while not pro quality, looks just like a bike that the pros ride. Each color option is appealing to the eye.

The Forecaster has 4 different color options and is fully customizable. Even if the bike is not the right style for you, you will be able to change and upgrade parts.

Value

DISCLAIMER FOR 2022 BMX BIKES: DUE TO THE SHORTAGE FACED EARLIER IN 2020, MOST 2022 MODEL BMX BIKES ARE MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE 2021 VERSION.

The 2022 Sunday Forecaster FC is $579.99. I really think that the value of this bike is low. Keep in mind that this opinion may change as more 2022 models are released. But as of right now, this is a lot of money for a beginner BMX bike that only has a chromoly frame.

In 2021 you could spend $550 and find a full chromoly bike with one or two double-wall rims. If you can spend a little bit more, you can get a much better bike that will last.

Should you get it?

The Sunday Forecaster is for someone who is shopping for their first real BMX bike. This person plans to ride street, park, and dirt since the Forecaster is pretty well-rounded. They only have a $600 budget but want to have run riding and progress quickly. This is a good bike to get if you are upgrading from a really low-end bike.

I think it is a little overpriced, but there are not many similar options. If you fit the description, this will be a good choice for you. But if you plan to progress past the “beginner” level… get a better bike.

Would I recommend it?

I would recommend the Forecaster if the Sunday EX or the Kink Switch are over your budget. But keep in mind that the forecaster is still “beginner” quality. And if you are progressing to a mid-level, you NEED a bike that will last.

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Common Questions

What is the Price?

The 2022 Sunday Forecaster FC is $579.99. The Brett Silva version is $559.99.

How Much Does it Weigh?

The 2022 Sunday Forecaster weighs 26.78 pounds.

Where to buy it?

You can get the Sunday Forecaster from Danscomp. I found it in stock here: https://bit.ly/2U2zcW2Opens in a new tab.

Buy if you are learning:

Click the trick you want to learn, to see the BIKE SCHOOL lesson

Don’t buy if you are learning:

  • big 360
  • drops
  • grinding
  • backflip
  • tailwhip

Conclusion

The Forecaster is a better choice than some of Sunday’s lower models. However, I really really recommend that anyone who plans to ride for a while gets a mid-level bike instead of a beginner-level bike like this. The amount of money that you will spend on upgrades might quickly add up to the cost of a better, more expensive bike.

Douglas Laird

My parents bought me my first BMX bike in 2011 and it changed my life. This bike has taken me all over the world and introduced me to cool places and cooler people. My goal is to help get 1,000,000 people into BMX so they can experience the joy and freedom that comes from a progression based sport.

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