Tomac Mountain Bikes have been busy preparing their 2010 line, overhauling their popular Snyper and Automatic models (which are now US$200 cheaper), and introducing a new Vanish 160mm-travel bike and Flint 29er.
BikeRadar spoke with Tomac owner Joel Smith about the Nebraska company's 2010 highlights ahead of their debut at the Interbike show in Las Vegas next week.
Tomac Vanish 160
According to Smith, the US$1,599 Vanish is a frame they've wanted to make for some time, and the single-pivot suspension design continues to make the most sense.
"Well, we wanted to do a 160mm bike. We test a lot in South Mountain, Arizona and it's really rocky and rough," he told BikeRadar. "Most of the time the Snyper is enough, but sometimes...
"So, we began working on a new suspension system for this bike and came up with what we call Instant Active Suspension (IAS).
"I realised that the single pivot design is so simple, light and effective when done right with the Snyper, or the Carbide for that matter. I also realised you can make a bike stiffer with a single pivot design.
"Our bikes are especially good when you do a weight versus stiffness comparison. Bike Mag Germany just confirmed that with their own lab tests."
Smith came up with the IAS system with John Tomac, former world and national championship racer. "It was clear the Snyper and Automatic would also benefit from it," Smith said. "At the same time, we add 20mm to the Automatic."
According to Smith, the Vanish frame with Fox RP23 shock weighs 7.8lb (3,600g) with clearance for tyres up to 26x2.50. Geometry includes a 67-degree head angle and 73.5-degree seat angle, with a 12mm/135mm Maxle Lite rear axle standard.
Smith said other benefits of the Tomac IAS system include a fully triangulated swingarm and short links for a stiffer ride, and a straight seat tube so you can lower your seatpost and use Shimano, SRAM or FSA front derailleurs.
Vanish highlights:
- New Instant Active Suspension system provides improved response time to bump forces and excellent pedalling efficiency
- 160mm rear travel, designed for 160mm travel fork
- 7.8lb/3,600g frame weight with Fox RP23 shock
- 6069 aluminium with custom butted top, down and seat tubes
- CNC-machined seatstay arch, dropouts and yokes
- Takes SRAM, Shimano and FSA front derailleurs
- Full seatpost extension
- ICG05 chain guide mount
- Single water bottle mount
- Up to 26x2.50 tyre clearance
- 12mmx135 Maxle Lite rear axle standard
- 67-degree head angle, 73.5-seat angle, 14.1in bottom bracket height
- Available December 2009
- Frameset or complete bike options available
Tomac Flint 29er
The US$499 Flint 29er frame includes a Bushnell eccentric bottom bracket, and weighs just 3.4lb in a medium. Not bad, when you consider the 26in Tomac Type X carbon hardtail frame weighs 2.2lb.
Flint highlights:
- Lightweight AN6 aluminium with custom butted top, down and seat tubes
- Designed for use with 80 or 100mm travel fork
- 3.4lb frame weight
- Standard head tube uses normal headsets
- Frame standard with Bushnell eccentric bottom bracket for singlespeed or geared capability
- Triple water bottle mounts on all sizes
- Up to 29x2.55 tyre clearance
- Available December 2009
- Frameset or complete bike options available
Tomac Automatic 120
The revised US$1,199 Automatic frame weighs 6.4lb (2,900g) with Fox RP23 shock, uses a standard 1-1/8in headset and relies on a self-aligning pinch bolt for the main pivot.
Automatic 120 highlights:
- New Instant Active Suspension system
- 120mm travel, designed for 120mm fork
- 6.4lb/2,900g frame weight with Fox RP23 shock
- 6069 aluminum with custom butted top, down and seat tubes
- CNC-machined seatstay arch, dropouts and yokes
- Takes SRAM, Shimano and FSA front derailleurs
- Full seatpost extension
- Dual water bottle mounts on all but small size
- Up to 26x2.20 tyre clearance
- 69.5-degree head angle, 73-seat angle, 13.1in bottom bracket height
- Available December 2009
- Frameset or complete bike options available
Tomac Snyper 140
The revised all-mountain US$1,399 Snyper frame is Tomac's best seller and weighs 6.8lb/3,100g with Fox RP23 shock. Now with a 1-1/8in to 1.5in tapered head tube, the 2010 Snyper relies on eight frame bearings for easy serviceability.
The 2010 tomac snyper 140.:
Snyper 140 highlights:
- New Tomac Instant Active Suspension system
- 140mm travel, designed for 140 or 150mm travel fork
- 6.8lb/3100g frame weight with Fox RP23 shock
- 6069 aluminium with custom butted top, down and seat tubes
- CNC-machined seatstay arch, dropouts and yokes
- Takes SRAM, Shimano and FSA front derailleurs
- Full seatpost extension
- Dual water bottle mounts on all but small size
- Up to 26x2.35 tyre clearance
- 68.5-degree head angle, 73-degree seat angle, 13.65in bottom bracket height
- Available December 2009
Check back soon for a first-hand report of the new Tomacs after we get some saddle time in Nevada next week. For more information, visit www.tomac.com.
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