Over the past few years, there has been quite a bit of talk about a freecoaster that Karl Poynter had been working on. The project has been through it all with sponsor changes and design changes, but it has slowly come together and it becoming available is near. The other day, I spotted news that Karl’s freecoaster would finally be available in the next few months which is a good sign. I figured it was a perfect opportunity to catch up with him to find out what’s new and try to get a few words about the hub out of him since he’s been pretty tight lipped about it from the start. Let’s see what he had to say!
Name: Karl Q. Poynter
Location: Currently in my living room in Noblesville, IN
Sponsors: Eastern Bikes, EZRA, Hardcore Sportz
Years riding: 15
How are things going with Eastern these days?
It’s going really well. Lots of new products coming out and in the works. That’s one of my favorite things about EB. They’re always working on something new. They focus on producing a wide range of parts/accessories and complete bikes that cater to every level of rider. Not a lot of companies do that to the extent that Eastern does.
Does Leigh and the rest of the crew have anything cooking with you that you are getting excited about?
I have a new version of my signature bars coming out soon, as well as a signature tee. I’m sure some trips will be popping up shortly. Right now, there’s a lot of attention going into the Eastern Friday Flicks. Visit EasternBikes.com every Friday to see a new video.
How about EZRA? Anything going on with them that you can tell us about?
EZRA is good and steady. There are some new products that are being worked on including my signature freecoaster and pivotal seat. I’m really excited about those two products. Also, some filming trips are being sorted out that should be happening soon. So expect some new video stuff and more in the near future.
So your freecoaster from EZRA is finally due out this summer, right? Do you know when it will be out? Care to share some info about it for the people who don’t know what it’s all about?
We’re shooting for late summer. My signature freecoaster is something I’ve been working on getting out for quite some time now and I’m very excited about how close it is to finally being released. The design is final and everything is on point. I’m not going to give away too much detail, but it’s an all-new design with a hub shell that is small and as light as a cassette hub. There are going to be some features with the hub that will set this freecoaster apart from all the others for sure. For everyone who has been waiting…I want to thank you for your patience. This is a project that I wanted to make sure every angle was 100% and did not want to rush. Please stay tuned.
You recently took a trip to Japan. How was that for you? What was your favorite part of the trip?
My Japan trip was an experience of a lifetime that I’ll never forget. I flew over to meet with Eastern’s Japanese distributor and riders. I was a little concerned with how the communication was going to be, but I had my own translator and that definitely helped. Even with the language barrier, I was still able to connect with all the people I met and hung out with during my stay. Everyone was very accommodating and made me feel welcome. I started the trip out at a contest/jam, which was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had on my bike. We weren’t riding any crazy ramps or obstacles either. It was just that all the riders were very positive and in high spirits to be out riding their bikes with everyone. That was awesome to see and be a part of. The rest of the trip was full days of being up early and back in late from exploring different cities throughout the Southern part of Japan. I made a lot of good friends during that trip. I’m definitely looking forward to going back. Check out this video that will give you a good insight into my trip.
What are your plans for the summer travel wise? Anywhere you want to get to?
There’s always places I’d like to go. I will definitely be spending some time in North Carolina to ride with my friends there and hang out at Eastern. Some other trips are being worked on, so I should know more about that soon. I have some paintball trips coming up as well.
Have you been filming much for anything? When can we expect to see some more footage from you?
I’ve mainly been filming for the Eastern Friday Flicks and an EZRA street edit. You should be seeing some of those clips by the end of summer, if not sooner.
Where have you been getting most of your riding time in these days? Any spots that you have been really stoked on in particular?
When I’m home, you can usually find me at the local parks, a curb island, or just pedaling around town hopping over whatever I come across.
What have you been up to when you aren’t riding these days? Any new hobbies you have been getting into?
If I’m not on my BMX, then I will either be doing work for Hardcore Sportz, out shooting photos, out shooting people (paintball), searching for new music, making delicious food, or in the woods riding some trails on my Eastern 26″.
How have things with your shop Hardcore Sportz been going? Do you have any jams or events coming up?
My brother and I recently announced some changes we’ve decided to make with HS. Currently we do not have a walk-in store front, but will still be continuing to take care of all our friends and customers. A web store is coming soon and an extended line of our HS soft goods, along with a site that will be focused on a lot more than usual with the documentation of our travels, projects, competitions, and everything else we’re involved in. We’ve been doing the shop and having a store front for 13 years now. This is an exciting change for us. It’s going to allow my bro and I to focus on other things, while still paying close attention and doing what we want with HS. Check out our official press release for more. Also, you can find us at HardcoreSportz.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/HardcoreSportz, and on Twitter @HardcoreSportz.
What’s the last song you heard, movie you watched and website you visited?
Song: Front Row by Metric, movie: Drive website: HardcoreSportz.com (Been spending some time on it since our new plans with HS.)
What’s one thing you need more of and one thing you need less of right now?
More time in the day and less drugs being plastered all over the place.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
My family and friends, especially my brother, Kyle, and girlfriend Katelyn, Eastern Bikes, EZRA, all the ones who have been behind what my shop has been about over the years, everyone who has given me support in what I do, and of course The Union for having me a part of the site. Thanks!
Anything else you want to say?
Have fun and be kind.
