Searching for an honest Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX review because $1,449 is a LOT of money for a complete bike?
Yeah, I get it.
Most complete BMX bikes are built to hit a price point.
This one is different.
The Sunday Darkwave Authentic is Broc Raiford’s signature complete, and it’s built with 100% aftermarket parts.
Hey, not “aftermarket-inspired” parts! Actual Sunday and Odyssey aftermarket parts.
That’s why the price is so high. But you still save A TON of cash.
You get the Sunday Darkwave frame, Darkwave fork, Odyssey BROC bars, BROC v2 stem, Thunderbolt cranks, Clutch Pro freecoaster, Big Boyd rims, Broc tires, four pegs and brakes included in the box.
In other words, this isn’t a beginner BMX with a few nicer parts sprinkled on.
It’s a ready-to-ride, pro-level street BMX bike for riders who want Broc’s setup without having to build everything from scratch.
But that also means it’s not for everyone.
Particularly because of the 21.25” top tube. This bike is ideal for tall BMX riders.
If you’re a newer rider, casual cruiser or someone who just wants a simple BMX to mess around on, this is probably way more bike than you need. In that case, I would go with the Sunday Forecaster Broc Raiford BMX bike instead.
But if you are ready to take your BMX shredding to the next level and want a bike that will last you a long time, this bike starts to look really interesting.
So the real question is:
Is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX worth $1,449, or are you better off building your own setup?
This post covers:
- Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX Review
- What Makes The Darkwave Authentic A Pro-Level Complete?
- Sunday Darkwave Authentic Specs, Weight & Price
- Sunday Darkwave Authentic Frame & Bar Geometry
- How The Sunday Darkwave Authentic Rides
- Sunday Darkwave Authentic Pros
- Sunday Darkwave Authentic Cons
- Who Should Get The Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX?
- Who Should Skip It?
- Conclusion: Is The Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX Bike Worth $1,449?
- FAQs About The Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX
Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX Review
Before we continue, I just want to mention that this is, in my opinion, the best brakeless BMX bike right now.
1. What Makes The Darkwave Authentic A Pro-Level Complete?
The biggest thing that sets the Sunday Darkwave Authentic apart from most complete BMX bikes is its parts list.
Hey, this is an actual Broc Raiford bike. To see it in action, don’t miss checking my latest Broc Raiford bike check.
It’s built with 100% aftermarket Sunday and Odyssey parts, which is why it feels much closer to a custom build than a normal complete.
In fact, it is a custom BMX bike in a box!
Besides Broc’s signature parts and the ones mentioned above, you also get the Odyssey Vandero Pro front hub, Odyssey Bluebird half-link chain, Odyssey La Guardia sprocket, and Odyssey Pro Conical headset, to name a few.
That’s a serious build.
As you can see, nope, it’s not just random premium parts thrown together.
The bike is based around Broc Raiford’s setup.
And because of that, it’s a proper street setup straight out of the box.
The bike comes with an LHD freecoaster hub, four Sunday Seeley pegs, 2.4” tires and brakes included if you want to run them. But you’ll probably want to go brakeless with this one.
That already tells you who this bike is for.
Street riders.
Freecoaster riders.
Riders who want a premium complete that doesn’t need a pile of upgrades right away.
To me, that’s what makes the Darkwave Authentic pro-level.
It’s not pro-level because it has a cool name.
It’s pro-level because every part on it is something riders would actually buy for a custom build.
GET YOUR SUNDAY DARKWAVE AUTHENTIC BMX BIKE NOW!2. Sunday Darkwave Authentic Specs, Weight & Price
- Frame: Sunday Darkwave frame, 21.25″ top tube
- Fork: Sunday Darkwave fork, 28mm offset
- Headset: Odyssey Pro Conical headset (1-1/8″)
- Stem: Odyssey Broc V2 top load stem, 50mm reach
- Bars: Odyssey Broc bar, 9.8″ rise
- Grips: Odyssey Broc grips
- Cranks: Odyssey Thunderbolt cranks, 170mm
- Bottom bracket: Sealed mid BB, 22mm
- Pedals: Odyssey Twisted PC Pro pedals
- Sprocket: Odyssey La Guardia sprocket, 28T
- Chain: Odyssey Bluebird half-link chain
- Front hub: Odyssey Vandero Pro front hub
- Rear hub: Odyssey Clutch Pro freecoaster, LHD
- Rims: Odyssey Big Boyd rims, 36H
- Tires: Odyssey Broc tires, 20 x 2.4″
- Seat: Odyssey Broc pivotal seat
- Brakes: Odyssey Springfield brake lever with Springfield U-brake & Linear Quik Slic cable
- Color: Matte Pine Green
- Weight: 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) – without brakes.
- Price: $1,449.99
3. Sunday Darkwave Authentic Frame & Bar Geometry
3.1. Sunday Darkwave Frame Geo:
- Top tube length: 21.25″
- Head tube angle: 75.25°
- Seat tube angle: 71°
- Chainstay length: 13.25″ – 13.5″
- Bottom bracket height: 11.75″
- Standover: 9.25”
- Ideal rider size: 6’+
3.2. Odyssey Broc Bar Geo:
- Rise: 9.8″
- Width: 29″
- Backsweep: 10°
- Upsweep: 2°
4. How The Sunday Darkwave Authentic Rides
The Sunday Darkwave Authentic is built for street first.
That’s clear from the setup.
You get a 21.25” top tube length, 13.25”–13.5” chainstay length, 75.25° head tube angle, Odyssey Clutch Pro freecoaster, four pegs and wide 2.4” Odyssey Broc tires.
So while it’s not super twitchy, you must understand that this bike is meant for taller riders.
And taller riders will find this frame geometry responsive and ready for technical shredding.
The longer top tube gives bigger riders more space over the bike, while the 13.25”–13.5” rear end keeps it from feeling too stretched out in the back.
That’s a nice balance for a tall street rider who still wants the bike to respond quickly enough for spins, hops, manuals and lines.
The Clutch Pro freecoaster is a huge part of the ride, too.
If you like fakies, backward manuals, and freecoaster street lines, this bike fits you perfectly.
But if you’re coming from a cassette, it will take some time to adjust.
Moreover, the bike also comes ready for grinding.
Four Sunday Seeley pegs are included, with hub guards and a guarded sprocket, so you can hit ledges and rails immediately.
Hub, spoke, and drivetrain protection – sorted!
Then there are the 2.4” Broc tires that add grip and cushion, which help on rough street spots, bigger drops, and sketchy run-ups. You can ride these at high and low PSI, whatever you prefer.
And because the frame, fork, bars, and cranks are all high-end Sunday/Odyssey parts, this bike should feel much more solid than a regular complete.
Plus, it will last you a long time.
Sure, it’s not the lightest-feeling setup.
But that’s not really the point of this bike.
The Darkwave Authentic is made to feel strong and ready for real street riding.
GET YOUR SUNDAY DARKWAVE AUTHENTIC BMX BIKE NOW!5. Sunday Darkwave Authentic Pros
- 100% aftermarket build: This is the main reason the price is high. You’re getting real Sunday and Odyssey aftermarket parts, not watered-down complete bike parts.
- True Broc Raiford setup: The Darkwave frame, Darkwave fork, Broc bars, Broc seat, Broc stem and Broc tires give the bike a very real signature-build feel.
- Premium drivetrain: Odyssey Thunderbolt cranks, a Bluebird half-link chain and the Clutch Pro freecoaster make this a serious setup right away.
- Street-ready out of the box: You get four pegs and hub guards, so the bike doesn’t need much before hitting spots.
6. Sunday Darkwave Authentic Cons
- Expensive: At $1,449, this is a serious buy. It only really works if you want a premium street setup and understand the value of the parts.
- Not beginner-friendly: The 21.25” top tube, freecoaster, pegs and pro-level parts are overkill for most new riders.
- Very street-specific: This isn’t the bike I’d pick first for park, trails or casual cruising. It’s built around Broc’s street setup.
- Freecoaster won’t suit everyone: The Odyssey Clutch Pro is awesome if you like freecoasters. But cassette riders may need time to adjust.
- LHD may be wrong for some riders: LHD is great if you grind on the right side. But if you grind on the left, RHD would make more sense. (But with hub guards and a guarded sprocket, this becomes less of an issue.)
7. Who Should Get The Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX?
- Street riders: This bike is built for street first, with a freecoaster, four pegs, strong wheels, and wide tires.
- Broc Raiford fans: If you like Broc’s riding and want a bike that closely follows his setup, this is the complete to look at.
- Riders who want aftermarket parts: The Darkwave Authentic is for riders who don’t want cheap complete-bike parts. You’re getting real Sunday and Odyssey aftermarket parts throughout.
- Freecoaster riders: The Odyssey Clutch Pro makes a lot of sense if you like technical street lines.
- Taller riders: The 21.25” top tube gives more space, so this bike should suit taller riders better.
- Riders who don’t want to build from scratch: If you want a premium bike without choosing every single part yourself, this is a very easy way to get there.
8. Who Should Skip It?
- Beginners: This is way too much bike for most new riders. A cheaper complete will do the job just fine if you’re still learning the basics. I recommend getting the Kink Whip BMX bike.
- Riders on a tight budget: At $1,449, the Darkwave Authentic only works if you truly want the premium parts package. If price is the main concern, skip it.
- Trail riders: This is not the bike I’d buy for dirt jumps or trails. A cassette bike with a different setup would be a better fit.
- Shorter riders: The 21.25” top tube is roomy. If you prefer smaller bikes or quick-feeling setups, this may feel too long. (If 21″ fits you better, check out the amazing Sunday Soundwave Special complete bike.)
Conclusion: Is The Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX Bike Worth $1,449?
Yes, the Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX bike is worth $1,449 if you want a true pro-level street complete with epic parts.
This is not a normal complete bike.
It’s a ready-built Sunday/Odyssey setup with a bunch of Broc Raiford signature parts that make it truly impressive.
But hey, you’re not paying this much because the bike has Broc Raiford’s name on it.
You’re paying because it’s a custom-level street build ready to ride.
But I’d only recommend it to the right rider.
If you’re a beginner, casual rider, or someone who doesn’t know whether they even like freecoasters, this is probably too much bike and too much money.
But if you ride street, like freecoasters, need a roomy 21.25” setup and want premium Sunday/Odyssey parts without building everything from scratch, the Darkwave Authentic is seriously dialed.
So yes, I recommend it!
GET YOUR SUNDAY DARKWAVE AUTHENTIC BMX BIKE NOW!FAQs About The Sunday Darkwave Authentic BMX
Is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic worth it?
Yes, the Sunday Darkwave Authentic is worth it if you want a premium street BMX with real aftermarket Sunday and Odyssey parts.
Is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic good for beginners?
No, not really. It’s way more bike than most beginners need. New riders are usually better off with a cheaper complete first.
What size is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic?
The Sunday Darkwave Authentic has a 21.25” top tube. That makes it a better fit for taller riders or riders who like a roomier street setup.
Is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic full chromoly?
Yes. Frame, forks, bar and cranks are full chromoly.
Does the Sunday Darkwave Authentic have aftermarket parts?
Yes. That’s the main point of this bike. It’s built with 100% aftermarket Sunday and Odyssey parts.
Does the Sunday Darkwave Authentic have a cassette or freecoaster?
The Sunday Darkwave Authentic comes with an Odyssey Clutch Pro freecoaster.
Does the Sunday Darkwave Authentic come with pegs?
Yes. It comes with four Sunday Seeley pegs, so it’s ready for grinding right out of the box.
Does the Sunday Darkwave Authentic come with brakes?
Yes. The bike is shown brakeless, but the Odyssey Springfield brake, lever and Quik-Slick cable are included.
How much does the Sunday Darkwave Authentic weigh?
Sunday lists the bike at around 24.9 lbs brakeless.
Is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic good for street riding?
Yes. This is exactly where the bike makes the most sense. It has a freecoaster, four pegs, strong wheels and Broc Raiford’s street-focused parts.
Is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic good for park riding?
You can ride it at the park, but it wouldn’t be my first pick for a park-focused bike. Unless you ride street-like at the skatepark.
Who is the Sunday Darkwave Authentic best for?
It’s best for serious street riders, Broc Raiford fans, taller riders, freecoaster riders and anyone who wants a complete BMX with a custom-build parts list.
GET YOUR SUNDAY DARKWAVE AUTHENTIC BMX BIKE NOW!
