I’ve known Karl for quite a few years now, and one thing I have come to know with him is that his bikes are always DIALED. Recently, he made some sponsor changes and found himself a home on DECO and even got some help with parts from Profile Racing. Now his bike is looking and running better than ever. We figured now would be a good time to catch up and take a closer look at this free coasting machine and get a little update on what’s new! Let’s take a peek! You can find the full bike check below, with larger photos right here
Name: Karl Poynter
Age: 26
Location: New Castle, IN
Sponsors: Deco, HK Army, Hardcore Sportz and getting support from Profile.
Years riding: 17
Frame: Deco Self Titled 21″ toptube
Fork: Deco FuFork
Bars: Deco Lifted 9″ rise
Grips: Deco Logo
Stem: Profile Push
Headset: Deco
Pedals: Deco Plastic
Cranks: Profile No Boss
Sprocket: Profile Spline Drive 25t
Chain: half-link
Seat / Post / Clamp: Deco Black Denim, Deco Pivotal, old prototype clamp I’ve had for years
Front Wheel / Tire: Profile Mini hub, silver double-wall rim, old sample tan wall 2.30 tire
Rear Wheel / Tire: An old prototype freecoaster of mine (9t driver), silver double-wall rim, old sample tan wall 2.30 tire
Pegs: Deco Action Bars
Hub guards: Profile both sides for front, Profile drive-side on back
Brakes? Nope. Last time I had those on was in 2000.
Modifications: Fortunately Deco and Profile have parts that are dialed to my preferences right out of the box. The only thing I’ve done is cut the flanges off the grips and added some grenade valve stem caps for extra style points.
What’s the newest part on your bike?
Grips. I actually put them on right before I shot the photos.
What’s the oldest?
Pretty much everything is new except the prototype seat post clamp I’ve had laying in the garage for a few years now.
What do you usually go through the fastest?
Grips and plastic peg sleeves.
Are you particular with the way your bike is setup? Do your bars have to be in an exact spot or anything like that?
Definitely. My bike must be silent so I can keep the ninja status going and easily sneak up behind people when cruising the streets. I can’t stand any rattling what so ever. I keep my chain tight, bars just slightly forward, 75-80 psi in both tires, and the stickers are always looking nice and clean.
Does your setup change up much? Pegs, seat height, etc. or are you pretty consistent with how you like your bike?
I’m open to trying out new things on my bike, but it’s been pretty consistent for the most part these past few years. I’ve been riding a freecoaster for a long time along with four pegs, tall front end, and a lower seat.
So you started riding for Chad DeGroot’s brand, Deco, shortly after parting ways with Eastern and EZRA. How has things been going so far? Are you working with Chad on any signature parts, going on any trips or filming for anything at all?
It’s going great! I’ve been good friends with Chad for a while. This started back in the UGP days when Chad was my TM. I’ve always been a fan of Chad and his riding. It just felt right to start reppin’ and being a part of what Chad is doing with Deco in anyway I can. It’s been fun and I’m proud to have Deco underneath me when I’m riding. There’s a lot in store for Deco, so keep your eyes peeled in 2014.
I know you have been getting the hook up from Profile Racing for a while now. How’s that going? Do you have anything cooking with Matt at all? Have you convinced them to let you try their prototype freecoaster out yet?
I’ve been really stoked on riding Profile parts. Profile is a legendary company and it’s all US. You can’t beat that. I really appreciate the support they’ve been giving me. And yes I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come with the Profile freecoaster. I believe you should be seeing more news with that project soon.
Speaking of freecoasters, after you parted ways with your old sponsors, you left behind a signature freecoaster hub. What are your thoughts on the other options that have become available over the last 2 years or so?
Honestly, I haven’t kept a real close eye on all the freecoasters that have been coming out or that are in the works. I will say that it did surprise me with the amount of brands and established pro riders who started to show a lot of interest in them all of a sudden. I’ve been riding with a freecoaster for a lot of years now and think it’s great to see more riders choosing to use and incorporate them within their riding. There’s no doubt that freecoasters are fun!
Are there any in particular hubs you are really impressed with or hoping to get your hands on?
I look forward to the Profile freecoaster.
I know Indiana doesn’t see the best weather this time of year. How have you been passing the winter months? Where have you been getting most of your sessions in?
This winter has been pretty brutal with a ton of snow storms which has meant almost no riding happening outdoors. I’ve been doing a lot of riding indoors at some of my favorite parks around my area. A new park opened up about two hours north from me called New Republic. It has that true old school indoor park vibe which I love and it’s ran by nice people. I also ride a park in Muncie, IN about 30 minutes from me and have been taking trips down to Florence, KY to ride the Ollie’s Park. Although I’ve had a ton of good sessions this winter, I’m ready to get outside and ride in comfortable weather!
What are your plans once the weather warms up? Any trips you’re trying to make happen?
Yeah, I plan to make a trip over to Charlotte, NC to see and ride with some of my close friends such as Zach Rogers, Phil Jones, and the rest of the crew there. My good friend Johnny Devlin and I have been talking about making a trip happen as well.
Have you been filming at all? I feel like it’s been a minute since we’ve seen a fresh video out of you?
Winter has made it a little difficult to film any street stuff locally, but I have been getting some clips in and stored away for my next all street edit. I filmed quite a bit of indoor stuff and have released two Deco edits this winter as well.
What have you been getting into outside of BMX these days? I know I always see paintball and photography stuff on Facebook? Any other new hobbies?
Aside from riding as much as I can, I’ve been staying real busy with competing in paintball and shooting photos. I’ve been doing a lot of work with photography and also quite a bit of graphic design for various companies and projects. It’s been fun. I actually have an all new portfolio site launching in the next few weeks that will showcase a little of everything I do. Stay tuned for that.
How can people keep up with you these days?
Social media is a good place to keep up to date with what I have going on and stay in contact with me. I always answer my messages there.
Facebook: Facebook.com/KarlPoynter
Instagram: @KarlQPoynter
Twitter: @KarlQPoynter
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
The Union for featuring me on the site, my bro Kyle, girlfriend Katelyn, all my family and friends, Chad D at Deco, Matt at Profile, Steve and the rest of the crew at HK Army, everyone who is still supporting Hardcore Sportz and what we do there, and finally thanks to anyone who has ever supported or been a fan of what I do. You guys are very much appreciated!
Anything else you want to say?
Do what you like, not what others like.
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