Name: Karl Quentin Poynter
Age: 22
Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 147 lbs
Location: New Castle, IN
Sponsors: Eastern Bikes, The Shadow Conspiracy, Duffs Footwear, The Last People, Hardcore Sportz
All photos by Fat.
Frame: Eastern Journey (20.75″ top tube)
Fork: Eastern Hawkeye
Bars: Eastern Wonder Years (8.25″ rise)
Stem: Shadow Strike (51 mm reach)
Grips: Shadow Thirteen (flangeless)
Barends: Shadow Nylon
Headset: Eastern integrated
Clamp: Built in on the Eastern frame.
Seatpost: Shadow Pivotal
Seat: Shadow 2010 Karl Poynter edition
Cranks: Shadow Torrid V2 (175 mm)
Sprocket: Shadow Ravager, 25t
Chain: Shadow v2 Interlock
Front Tire: Shadow Overtaker, 2.25″
Front Wheel: Shadow Raptor hub, Shadow Orbis rim, Shadow spokes and nipples.
Rear Tire: Shadow Overtaker, 2.25″
Rear Wheel: Shadow The Definitive Karl Poynter prototype freecoaster (9t driver), Shadow Orbis rim, Shadow spokes and nipples.
Pedals: Shadow Ravager plastic
Hub Guard: Shadow front hub guard on the right.
Chain Tensioner: Built in on the Eastern Journey frame.
Pegs: Shadow Little Ones
Modifications/Other/Extras: Bars cut down 3/4″ off each side, Shadow carbon fiber headset spacers.
Which parts do you go through the most?
Grips, front tires, and pedals.
Describe your bike setup and how you like your bike to feel…
I’ve been running the same setup for several years now with four pegs, no brakes, and a freecoaster. I run four pegs and a freecoaster because I believe it gives me the options to further the creativity with what I want to do with my riding. I’ve been riding brakeless since the end of 2000. I try to keep my bike rolling and feeling as smooth as possible. The better my bike feels, the more enjoyment I’m going to get out of riding it.
What part are you most particular about or do you feel makes the biggest difference on your bike?
Honestly, it’s hard to say what I’m most particular about on my bike. I’m real picky with all the parts I run, how they’re set up, and even how my sticker placement is.
Do you remember your first “real” BMX bike?
Yes, I do. It was a black Robinson Rebel racing bike. Soon after I got the bike I stepped it up and added some aftermarket parts like red tires. I wish I still had that bike, or at least the frame for all the memories I have from riding it.
What’s the status on your signature freecoaster hub from Shadow? I know you’ve been working on it for a while…
Shadow and I have had my signature freecoaster “The Definitive” in the works for sometime now. We’re putting a lot of time into our design and the testing to make sure everything is 100%. We’ve also ran into a couple setbacks with the manufacturer, which has also pushed back the release date a little. I would like to say thanks to everyone who’s been interested in my freecoaster and has been patient. I’m really excited about it and it’s at the final stages of refinement. I think all of you will be pleased with the final product. Look for it droppin’ sometime in 2010! More details soon!
How much did you help with the design patterns on your signature seat and what does “Silentium vel Mortis” mean (that is written on the seat)?
My signature seat from Shadow has a pattern design that’s inspired from some of the existing designs in Shadow’s apparel collection. Silentium means “silence, stillness, quiet, obscurity.” Vel means “or”. Mortis means “death”.
The tires you are riding are prototype, how are they working out for you and do you like testing out new parts for your sponsors?
The Shadow Overtaker tires will be available soon. They’re basically a revised version from the current Shadow Undertaker tires. The Overtakers have a slimmer tread pattern, higher sidewalls, and are much lighter in weight. I’ve been riding these for several months now and I have no complaints yet. Testing out new parts for the brands I ride for is really enjoyable for me. I try to be involved and give my feedback as much as possible.
TAGS: Bike Check, Eastern, Karl Poynter, Shadow
