With Stadler, the largest two-wheel centre in Germany, the US cult brand Tomac has found a new home in Germany. The bikes designed by bike legend John Tomac himself are sold exclusively at eight locations across Germany. Over 20 years of a top-class cycling career - starting with several BMX titles, the CC World Championship title and victory in the legendary Kamikaze Downhill in 2005 - pulsate in the genes of every single Tomac bike.
This is also the case with the "Snyper 140". With a full 140 millimetres of Fox suspension travel at the front and rear, the do-it-all bike opens up a wide range of applications. Two equipment variants - the cheaper one is priced at 2899 euros - and a total of four different frame heights are available. After just a few metres in the saddle, it becomes clear that the "Snyper" is hungry for speed. Equipped with a good amount of smoothness and a wide cockpit, the Tomac always feels confident even on fast, rough sections and willingly makes its suspension travel available. Only for really big hits could the rear suspension, damped by a Fox "RP23", use more bottom-out protection. The spring curve is very flat.
While the good-natured handling is predestined for fast descents, the "Snyper" has to be cornered with a little more physical effort on winding trails. As the Fox "Float" fork cannot be lowered at the front, long and steep climbs are best done with the saddle pushed far forwards, which also mitigates the slack 72° seat angle.
The functional equipment mix of Shimano, SRAM, Thomson, FSA and Easton shows its diverse side, but comes at the expense of a clear look. Otherwise, there is little to criticise about the solid aluminium chassis with carbon seat stays (2730 grams without shock, stiffness 61.8 Nm/degree, STW 20.2). Only the lack of a bottle cage option in the frame triangle makes it impossible to securely attach drinks. If you have your sights set on longer tours, you should swap the Kenda "Nevegal" tyres, which offer good grip but moderate rolling resistance, for faster models.
CONCLUSIONS: The Gary Fisher "Superfly" presents itself as a lively 29er hardtail with a beautifully crafted, stiff carbon frame and powerful propulsion.
Photo: Markus Greber
