ESPN had me answer some really good questions about the upcoming 2010 Sunday Complete Bike line which is scheduled to be in shops next April.  We will be offering 3 different Funday 20″ models along with a complete version of our 24″ Model C.  Look for a more thorough description of the whole line on our site in the next week or so.  In the interview, I talk about the Funday PRO bike which is not shown in the above pictures.  You’ll see it next week!  Tell your shop to check these out too!

This is Jon Faure in the air aboard his Model C.  He just built it up last week and is trying to sell off his other bike as we speak.  I did an interview with him about getting his Model C and the switch to it from his MTB DJ.  Plus there’s a special twist to the story.  Read the interview after the break.

Name Jon Faure

Age 45

Location San Diego California

Tell us about your riding background and history

Loved riding a bike as a kid. I go way back to the Schwinn Stingray days. Raced BMX for one year when I was 12 in the late 70’s. Moved on to racing motocross after that. Raced professionally from age 15 to 18. Quit after too many injuries. Haven’t even owned a motorcycle since. Surfed competitively until my daughter was born at age 27 and my son was born 15 months after that. Life changed at that point and I basically didn’t do anything except get fat and out of shape. Priorities had changed and it was time to invest in my family. When my son was 10 years old, he became interested in BMX. It had been 27 years since I even owned a bike! But, I couldn’t just sit there and watch my son ride so I decided to buy a BMX cruiser and we started racing together. We raced on and off for 3 or so years until my son kind of lost interested in the racing and was moving on to dirt jumping and park riding. Again, not wanting to sit on the sidelines I began to ride with him at the skate parks and the local dirt jumps. Now addicted to riding we have been riding consistently for about 3 years. I love the fact that my son and I have this common bond. My 16-year-old son and I truly love to ride together! It’s something I thank God for everyday!

So, how did you hear about the Model C?

I think it was watching the Interbike videos on vitalbmx and you mentioned it. Then went to your site and saw your promo video. I was so pumped after watching that, I thought, finally someone is thinking of me! Age 45, addicted to riding and trying to figure out how to keep riding and progressing in this sport.

What bike were you riding before this?

I have been searching for a bike that I can feel comfortable on for the last couple of years. Tried riding a 20” but just could never feel very comfortable on it and because of that I would have to ride really conservatively. Riding at age 45 is all about being confident and comfortable with the bike you’re riding. Tried riding a cruiser but the race geometry sucked for riding park. Finally settled for a hardtail MTB that I could set up to ride more like a BMX bike. Felt a little like and outcast hanging with all the BMXers but at least I felt comfortable and was able to push myself to progress. I have never even been mountain biking! I am a BMXer but yet I was stuck on a MTB.

Had you seen a Model C in person before you bought one?

Only saw it on your video but knew instantly that was the bike for me!

When you first built it up and before you rode it, what were your initial thoughts?

Wow! This actually looks cool. Maybe I won’t look like such a dork at the skate park!

Ok, so I imagine you rode it around the driveway when you first got it built, what were your thoughts then?

From my first couple of pedals on the street in front of my house, I knew my searching was over! I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but it is really true. Riding at age 45 is all about confidence. Finally I felt I might have a bike here that will keep me progressing well into my 50’s!

You said you took it to the skate park the first night, how did it feel riding ramps on it?

I have ridden so many different bikes and there has always been a learning curve. From my first manual, launch out of a quarter, riding fake to hitting the box jump, everything felt so good and comfortable. There was no time at all getting used to it.  One week now of riding it and I feel like my riding has already improved.

Did it you constantly compare the differences between your MTB DJ and the Model C every time you took a run on it?

I stopped thinking about my MTB completely on day one. Posted it on craigslist after my first night at the skate park. Still haven’t found a buyer. Know anyone interested? Haha…

To you is it more MTB or more BMX?

Jim, I truly loved my MTB because it allowed me to progress in the sport. But, it was a MTB and not a BMX. The Model C is all BMX!

What were people’s reactions when you showed up on a Model C?

Not that this really matters to me at age 45 but everyone instantly loved it and made comments on how awesome it looked. Suddenly I felt cool and not so much like an outcast.

Did everyone want to try it out right away? Or were people somewhat hesitant and reluctant?

Funny you should ask. Everyone wanted to try it!!! Being the friendly guy I am, much of my first night riding was spent watching all the little guys kill it on my bike.

You said your son rode it and did ever trick he knows on it right away.  What was his initial response to it?  Then response after he rode it?

My son loved it! It was like the bike had an “Easy Button”.  Everything he does on his 20 was almost easier on my bike. No warm up time, no getting used to it, so easy to ride.

When I give people my bike to ride and they start to realize that it does work like a 20″ BMX they usually get this smile that almost grows.  You can actually see the understanding and realization.  Could you see that on anyone who rode it?

So far the reaction has been the same with everyone. Everyone that has ridden it wants one. Realistically these kids will probably stay on their 20’s. But, it was amazing for me to watch these kids ride my bike. Tail whips, bar spins, 3’s, it’s all been done on my bike. It didn’t take any time at all for these kids to jump on my bike, chuck their favorite trick and pull it first time.

Any wrecks on it the first night?  Where’s the first scratch?

Because I am 45, I don’t like to crash. Mainly because I really suck at it. I see kids falling left and right and getting right back up and they keep riding. Me, I don’t even have any scratches on my bar ends. Haha…But, my bike has more than a first scratch. One of the kids that I let ride my bike had a head on collision with another rider. Bent my front wheel and broke a spoke. Even though my front wheel is wobbling, I still feel more comfortable on this bike than any other bike I have ridden.

So before you mentioned that you could really see yourself riding into your 50′s, that is amazing!  The first image of a BMXer is a teenager not a 50 year old man.  How far into your 50′s do you think you can ride?

To be quite honest, I really don’t know. I have seen some really good riders in their early fortys. I haven’t yet run into anyone older than me that still rides park and dirt. All I know is, here I am at 45 years old, still improving and trying more each time I ride. I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon. And, this Model C of yours has me more pumped than ever!

Do you think having older people riding will change how BMX is viewed?

I don’t know. I just really want to see more dads out there getting to experience the fun I have riding with my son. I have a blast riding but riding with my son I have twice the fun. Sure its fun to ride but when you get to experience seeing your own flesh and blood learning something new, doing well in a contest or pulling something you know is really hard, brings me a joy that I don’t think I would comprehend as much unless I rode myself.

Chris Hilbrich, lettin' the hands fly on the Model D.

Austin’s own Chris Hilbrich graced the July 2009 Model D Sunday ad in Ride BMX.  Chris is almost fully recovered from the broken thumb he got a month ago.  He cut his cast off last Sunday and is back at it.  In the ad, he had supporting help from myself riding the Model C.  These photos were taken on the first day the Model C’s were built up.  Not too bad for the first day riding a cruiser!

Here are two more photos of my Model C with green and gold colorway in action!  The barspin between the van and the U-Haul isn’t that crazy, but 180ing between the two is much different.  The photo of me holding the bike up to show how little room there was lost, but I’d say it was about an inch on either side.  You can sort of tell from the photo that there wasn’t much room.  Thanks to Zak Taylor for shooting these two photos.  Look for more Model C stuff coming soon!

Here’s  a random Eric Lichtenberger shot from the Up, Up and Away premiere trip we did in May.  Eric’s actually tailwhip foot jamming a Sunday Model C.  He has spent little time on a 24″, but he easily adapted the bike to the trick in just a few tries.  In other Eric news, he became an uncle two weeks ago and has been on the east coast being just that.  Ride BMX has a Woodward West web video up that he has a bunch of clips in.  Check out how well his tailwhip is caught!  Also, check out Woodward West’s BLOG and see Eric handing out prizes while he was there.

Here’s a photo of me barspinning the local jersey barrier in Buffalo aboard the Sunday Plus 4 Model C that I’ve been riding since last fall.  The photo was shot by Zak Taylor when Jake Seeley and the Garden team was here filming awhile back.  I’m trying to make some Sunday Wallpapers so you might see this photo along with some from the rest of the Sunday team.

Here’s a picture of Mike from Dan’s Comp‘s built up olive green Model C with matching Morning 24.1 forks and 24umph bars.  I’m digging the red chain and the green stem!  It’s really neat to see other creative colorways of the Model C.  Mike’s being a man and running brakeless!  There’s a lot of people doing that with this bike.  I’d like to see some web videos pop up of guys riding these.  Anyone????

Here’s a photo of DJ Greyboy‘s Silver Model C built up with silver Morning 24.1 forks and 24umph bars.  He’s got quite a collection of rare and unique bikes including this bike, a sidehack and some vintage bikes that I had no idea existed.  His house is a BMX historians dream!  I think it’s time for him to do a slideshow of all his bikes.

Sunday has some good stuff in Dig issue 71.  You can see Lee Dennis featured in the New Day Rising article.  Check out this link to see some clips from Lee’s interview.  There’s a good photo of Alex Magallan in the Leland Thurman article.  Chris Hilbrich and I are featured in the Sunday ad.  He’s showcasing Sunday’s trail frame the Model D while I have a few little photos of myself riding the Model C.  This issue is a great read especially the Leland article!

Check out Paul de Groot‘s Model C which I believe is the first international one built up!  He said the bike changed a bunch since this photo had been taken.  He went with the Morning 24.1 forks, but opted away from the 24umphs to try the much taller Roseanne Bars from Solid.  The reason why is that he happens to be 6’6″ tall.   He had this to say about the Model C,  “The bike is insane!! It works exactly like you predicted, agile, lightweight, comfortable…..everything! I LOVE IT!!!”   Paul owns a small BMX shop in Holland coincidentally named Paul’s which does a good job promoting the scene there.  Check out his shop’s website at HERE!

Bobby Parker from Blackout Distribution sent us some pics today of his Model C! This green machine is built with our Plus 4 line in full effect, complete with Morning 24.1 forks and 24umph bars. For past Model C action, visit our archives!

“Here are a couple shots of my Model C I built up yesterday. Color scheme inspiration comes from the Ninja Turtles.”

Yep, our much anticipate Model C 24″ frame and our first ever trail frame the Model D have left the building.  They are currently in transit with arrival time some time mid to late next week!  So you could see them in your shop in less than 10 days!  Get them ordered quick!  There has been much talk with a lot of prebooking taking place already!  Both are coming in olive green and silver!  Morning 24.1 forks and 24umph bars are currently available!  More photos of them at the warehouse below!

Model D box awaiting shipping!

It does exist! Model D

Still in the wrapper!

Plus 4 box!

Download: MP4 | iPOD

Check out the video above to learn more about the Sunday Model C 24″ frame and Plus 4 24umph bars and Morning 24.1 forks that will be fully available real soon.  Currently, the bars and forks are available with the frames coming available by the middle of April.  The first few minutes are of me talking about the reason for the bike’s design and its features.  Then there’s a video part shot sporadically over the past month and a half on my particular bike setup.  Hope you enjoy it!  And if I sound like a jerk during the bike check, it’s because it was 32 degrees outside when we shot it.

Sunday Plus 4 Morning 24.1 forks and 24umph bars are now available at all of our distributors!  You can start piecing together your Model C right now.  Don’t worry the Model C is in transit to the US right now and should arrive in about 10 days!  So look for it in stores by the middle of April!  Check out below for complete part info!

Sunday 24umph Bars

All Sunday! Bars are multi-butted, 41-Thermal processed and
backed by a lifetime guarantee against bending or breaking.

• Rise              7.25 inch
  
• Width              28 inch
• Back Sweep     12 degrees
• Up Sweep          4 degrees
• Colors             Olive and Silver
• Weight             1 lb 12.4 oz (uncut)
  

The Morning 24.1 fork is light and strong like the Morning 2.1 model with an improved pre-load bolt design that allows for simplified brake cable and headset adjustments, compatible with 6 and 8mm hexes. The legs are butted from .049 to .035″ and have multi-directional tapered tubing with end notching for improved rail clearance. The dropouts have optimal peg mounting clearance and rounded edges to help during grinds.  A built in headset race is added to simplify putting the bike together.  No need to pound on a separate headset race just place the bearing on and go!

Colors    Olive and Silver

Weight 2 lb 3.7 oz (uncut with preload bolt)

So The Come Up leaked this info awhile ago and I’ll confirm it now.  Karl Poynter has decided to leave the Sunday team.  I’ve been a fan of Karl’s unique view on riding ever since he was that 13 year old kid at the Four Seasons contest in Milwaukee back in 2001.  This explains why he was selected to be one of the first guys on Sunday when it was started almost 4 years ago.  Its been a great 4 years and I’m definitely going to miss him.  Wish you luck Karl!  Check out Karl’s words about moving on from the team after the jump.

I will be no longer riding for Sunday Bikes, but will still be supporting the brand and selling Sunday’s innovative product through my shop, Hardcore Sportz. I definitely want to make note that I had a good time riding and working with Sunday, from brain storming on new ideas, to the road trips, and everything inbetween. I really appreciate what everything Sunday has done for me. It’s been a fun 5 years and I wish Jim and Sunday the best!

-Karl Poynter

A bunch of us sitting at the rollers in Barcelona! January 2007

This is the best trick Karl did while on Sunday. Manual up the double kink to backwards manual down. Too bad the footage was lost. Sorry!

Karl set up a Model C and got to ride it just a few times before moving on.

Rock abubaca on a random rock in North Carolina!

RideBMX has a really good Sunday Model C 24″ bike check and mini interview with me on their website.  In the interview, I discuss some of the similarities and differences between riding a 20′ and 24″ BMX bike.  Some Model C progress has been made, Odyssey Hazard Lite rims showed up at their warehouse today along with Morning 24.1 forks and 24umph bars.  We won’t be releasing them yet for quality control reasons and we are still waiting on the frame arrivals which should be within a month.  All of these photos were shot while I was California a few weeks ago.  Look for some clips of the Model C in action sometime in the next few days.  Probably sooner once I find a song I like!

A few days ago, I was riding back from watching the Sabres game when I happened upon this random construction pile of mess. These spots are the best because they only last for a short period so you have to make use of them right away. It was cold as hell outside, not sure how that works cause hell is generally thought of as hot. Either way the cold alleviated my tendinitis long enough for my friend Jay to shoot a couple of random shots. The pile might be there tonight, I’ve got my fingers crossed.