140mm rear travel, designed for 140mm travel fork and custom tuned Fox RP23 rear shock
6.8 pound (3084g) frame weight with Fox RP23 shock, medium size
6061 T6 aluminum front triangle and rear end with forged aluminum links and dropouts
Optimized wheel path to provide minimal chain growth and linear action
Low stand over height with plenty of seat post adjustability
Three sets of bearings for frame means easy service
Single under-down-tube water bottle mounts
Available in small, medium, large and extra large
The Snyper 140 frame comes equipped with the Fox RP23 shock and is anodized black only.
Price listed is for frame only, also available as a complete bike
Pretty inexpensive. FSA cranks, Elixir R brakes, X9 drivetrain, Fox Float 32rlc fork
Bottom Line:
Over the last few years I've been on some pricey US fabricated full suspension machines from Turner and Intense. Definitely good stuff. With the Snyper, I wanted to try to acheive a bike that rode just as well (if not better) for several bucks less. Having just come off of an Intense Tracer VP, I noticed the following immediately - with the same fork, wheelset and Gravity Dropper post from the Tracer VP (full XTR build), the Tomac was within .1lbs with MUCH less expensive componentry. Thumbs up.
My initial rides on the Tomac were fast and sweeping terrain in Crested Butte. We hit some awfully fast swoopy stuff, but nothing that would really qualify as really technical. The bike was super stable, predictable, and I forgot that I was riding a brand new to me bike. It was that good. I was especially impressed.
Later, back on the homefront, I got to become more familiar with the bike in the steep and tech. Handling wise, the Snyper is more similar to the 5 Spot than the Tracer. The Snyper has a slack-ish head angle, long wheelbase and long stays. It's really stable, but favors an aggressive riding posture to maintain weight over the front. Full on rewards await those that learn to ride in this manner, though, as the bike handles beautifully in any terrain.
Just a couple of tweaks and this bike would be the bees knees. On the drive side, since the bike uses full housing on the rear der, you have to put a zip tie in the middle of the stay keep the der housing from flexing onto the tire. Also, I ride with a heels in style and sometimes ride with a hiking boot style shoe. With that shoe (and not my racerboy shoes) my heal can bump the seatstay. It was a small ajustment in my pedal stroke, though, and all was fine.
All in all, the Snyper is a fantastic bike. I'd say if you're looking for an affordable 5.5" bike from a small company that cares about their customers, this is the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: December 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lair
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Treads - Lakewood
Strengths:
Feels like I'm cheating.
Weaknesses:
Ummm...
Similar Products Used:
Tomac 98 Comp, GT hardtail
Bike Setup:
Built up the white frame from new and old components, weighing in at 32 Lbs built.
Fox Vanilla (coil not air), Chris King, older Mavic rims, XT derailers, old Truvite cranks, old Avid mechanical disk, Monkey riser bar, Thompson post, Times...
Bottom Line:
My disclaimer is that I haven't been on too many other bikes, and I'm sure there are other great bikes out there.. But I LOVE this bike!
I got this frame after I cracked the frame on my piece of junk Tomac 98 Comp.. I hated that bike from the get go. It was made by American, this frame is by a "new" Tomac. I should mention here how cool the new group of guys as well as the guys at Treads were in giving me a good deal when the old 98 Comp broke.
The Snyper is fantastic. And has a cool name. It has proven itself in plenty of situations, including downhill at Keystone, most of the great Front Range singletracks, and Moab.. Porcupine and Sovereign so far. I am a better rider on this in EVERY way than on my old bikes, even though mine is a heavier bike. I'm faster, I climb like a goat, I clear the technical stuff with ease (I was always pretty good at that, but now even better!) I decend faster, I corner with more confidence, I feel more refreshed, and I smile a LOT more!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lemuelb
a Weekend Warrior
from Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3699.00
Purchased At:
Ciclomundo
Strengths:
Super stiff, great in corners,getting busy down the trail and going over roots and bumps.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Fox RL 32, Fox Float RP23,XTR, Avid Carbon,Kenda/Tomac 2.35 tires, FSA wheels, Noir Crankset, Crank Brothers Mallet pedals
Bottom Line:
This is the best ride for your money, period!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
capn chris
a Racer
from CA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
HOLY CRAP THIS BIKE IS SICK! Not only is it exotic as hell, it frikkin' WORKS! I have FOUR TOMAC BIKES NOW, and they rock. All of them. Under 30lbs with a very sweet suspension set up, I bought the frame and built it up. I am a large man, and this bike feels bottomless. Light, supple, and laterally stiff...certainly my choice for trail bike of the year.
Weaknesses:
It doesn't come with a stripper?
Similar Products Used:
Conejo AP/5, Titus MotoLite2, Trek EX8, many more
Bike Setup:
Custom spec, sorry, top secret!
Bottom Line:
Sweet Mary Mother O' God I love this bike..and the other TOMAC's in my stable...have been so good and so dependable I will likely never again buy a mountain bike. I would trade the affections of my wife (and she is frikkin hot) for another night ride on my super-bad-ass TOMAC SNYPER. I ride that thing from Cali to Colorado to Kentucky, and it's perfect. If you want a bike that works amazingly well from a company steeped in the tradition of American dirt riding, it gets no better than this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alexwing
a Downhiller
from Bozeman, MT Date Reviewed: September 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
you'll never find it so i wont say
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
FAST! Solid, no bob with rp23, Climbs extremely well and without much wandering, stable in rocks and roots
Stable and controlled descending anything, smooth to gnarly.
Flawless build quality
*Joel Smith is great and helpful.. not too many bike companies out there that you talk to an owner when you call or e-mail.
Weaknesses:
Paint (I've got the white one)chips and scratches easily
Similar Products Used:
Lots, mainly Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
Bike Setup:
White XL frame, set up a little heavier than most for big rocks and roots i.e. coiled Pike 454, Sun str8 track wheels,knobby 2.3 tires etc. oh and AVID JUICY'S ARE WAY TOO LOUD!
Bottom Line:
This bike sees many miles of aggressive trail riding, including unforgiving Montana speed descents into rocks and roots. Im a bigger rider (6'4, 2hundo lbs)and have yet to find a flaw.
This bike is fast and fun as hell, rides light and swift uphill,then bombs and mashes downhill leaving the rider with a sense of control the whole time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GreatLife
a Weekend Warrior
from Great Falls, MT Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mount Helena Ridge/Show Me the Horse, Helena, MT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
MTBR forums
Strengths:
I have been so totally impressed by this bike. When I got it, my biggest weakness was going downhill. I have since improved by leaps and bounds (which I credit entirely to the Snyper). The geometry feels natural for going downhill, but with a flick of the propedal, the bike climbs just as well as it descends.
I've taken it on cross country rides, all mountain rides and shuttled downhill rides. It performs great everywhere.
I bought my bike from Joel Smith (yep, that Joel Smith), and he has been really good to work with.
The Snyper's a very nice looking bike. The black matte finish makes it look stealthy, which goes well with the name. It's a small thing, but Tomac's house-brand seat post clamp is a nice added touch. It looks really slick.
Weaknesses:
I haven't found one.
Similar Products Used:
Felt Virtue
Bike Setup:
I bought my bike as a used demo bike from Tomac.
It came decked out with:
-XT brakes
-XT dereilleurs and shifters
-XT cranks
-Fox Float 32 fork
-Fox RP23 rear shock
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike!
If you're looking for an all-around bike, the Snyper would be hard to beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Englewood, CO Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lair of the Bear
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3650.00
Purchased At:
Treads Bicycles, Lakewood, CO
Strengths:
First, thanks to Treads in Lakewood, CO for setting me up with my new sweet ride! Those guys over there are great to work with.
Now, onto the bike. What a fantastic climber and descender! This bike does it all well. This bike inspires confidence in all that ride it! It is light enough to ride all day, but beefy enough to handle the descends. The frame is laterally very stiff so it just rails corners. You point it where you want to go, and the bike instinctively follows. Its like ESP. I have actually found myself purposly aiming at rocks just to let the well designed, single pivot, suspension soak up everything. This bike rocks! Great job Tomac!
Weaknesses:
I'm not a big fan of the Avid Juicy brakes. They work great, but not my style.
Similar Products Used:
1998 Gary Fisher Big Sur. 2001 Trek Fuel 98. 2007 Gary Fisher HiFi Pro.
Bike Setup:
All stock. XT shifters and f. der. XTR R. Der. Truvativ Noir Crankset. Fox 32 Float RL 140, Fox RP23, FSA Wheels, Kenda Nevegals (excellent tires), Easton Monkeylight bar, Thomson Stem & Post.
Bottom Line:
The magazines are right! This bike rocks. It will immediatly instill a sense of confidence you have never experienced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade Washburn
a
from Denver Colorado USA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Two Elks
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$3699.00
Purchased At:
Treads Bicycle Outfitters
Strengths:
Overall, I am stoked the 2008 Tomac Synper. A well thought out suspension design and geometry from a Jedi Master, you know this bike is a winner. Treads in Lakewood Colorado set me up with a great demo ride. I decided I'd give it a lengthy ride for the review, so I wanted to put over 20 in the cockpit. I suceeded at that by riding Shingle Mill to the Colorado Trail for a 27 mile lollipop. Impressive climbing ability, Agile geometry, Weight (27.5 no pedals), & Lateral stiffness made for a great ride. I could attack uphill rooted, rocky climbs and hold my line with ease. The properly tuned Fox suspension climbed great with the propedal off, let alone with it on. The Synper responds to out of the saddle sprints and feels very well balanced in the air. With a more linear spring curve it seems to have bottomless travel. Point it downhill and it will positively hold its line. You'll be looking to boost off every Rock and Root. With all that said, I can honestly say the best aspects of the bike for me was the trail carving and railing that could be done. I found myself hooting and howlering in the woods as I darted down the buff single track. Do yourself a favor and check out the Tomac Synper 140.
Weaknesses:
Umm, A+ after my 27 mile demo ride. Best Trail Bike (5") I have ridden thus far. I was ready for more at the end of my long ride. Low weight and efficient power transfer made for great energy savings. Ask me at the end of the year
Tomac is back with an impressive bike. The Synper 140 1 Trail Bike is solid contender for all bikes in this travel range. Look out, it wants to challenge for the win. Perfect Super D race bike, Trail Bike Rider, weekend warrior, and even would work well for the occasional XC race. The perfect bike to rail on. Uphill or downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: April 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
With a frame designed around the Fox RP23 rear shock, this bikes suspension is amazing. With pro pedal on, the bike climbs like a champ with little bob on the hard/steep climbs. The frame also allows for a nice long seat post for those who like to climb. Going downhill, the bike is easy to maneuver and loves anything from tight technical trails to full on high speed downhill trails. The bike has a low stand over so you car really control it when you need to. If you are looking for a GREAT all around bike, this is exactly what you are looking for.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler, SWD 6-Gun, Iron Horse MKIII
Bike Setup:
-2008 Tomac Snyper 140 (Large) -2008 Fox Float RP2 -2008 Fox 32 Float R -XT rear derailer -Avid Juicy Fives -Sun Ringle Disc Jockey with Ringle hubs -FSA XC-280 Riser bars -FSA Gravity Light cranks -FSA Gravity single ring bash/guide -Diamondback magnesium pedals
My build weighs 30lbs complete.
Bottom Line:
I have been riding this bike since December 2007. I have done everything from cross country to full on downhill on this bike and it loves it all. The bottom line on this bike is that its my do-all bike. It can really take everything I can give it (with me being 210 lbs - take that carbon haters haha). This was the best bike purchase I have made in the last 2 years. Period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Roff
a Downhiller
from Highlands Ranch, CO Date Reviewed: November 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek-Big ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Tomac Snyper was well designed.. Its a single pivot, which means less bearings to maintain, A great geometry which makes it easy to tackle tough climbs and also allows you to be very aggressive on the descents. The bike is very well ballanced and I felt very comfortable jumping high speed into Rock gardens on my first ride. The Snyper comes stock Avid Juicy's and 8" rotors front and rear which slows the bike quickly with a squeeze of the index finger.The rest of the parts packeage is fantastic and ready for abuse right out of the box..
Weaknesses:
I havnt found a weakness yet
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro Trek Fuel EX 9.0
Bottom Line:
This bike kick butt.. and if your looking for a 5" travel bike that can handle whatever you throw at it, then do yourself a favor and checkout the NEW Tomac lineup... I was a little concerned because of the Tomac bikes of the past, but this is a completlely new company, from the ground up. This bike relly delivers...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a
from Orange County, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Solid ride that flows through bumps and is rigid on climbs.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Tomac 98 Special
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RL 140
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike after my Tomac 98 Special frame broke. I have to say that at first I was weary of Tomac, since I was not pleased with the defects on the 98 Special frame. But I found out through various friends in the know how that Tomac is trying to recreate its image and are focused on producing top quality performing bikes similar to their grass root days.
This bike is a bit heavier and more suspension than I was used too, but surprisingly the bike climbed well, (thanks in part to the lockout on the front shock). I have ridden the bike five times so far on various trails from all out cross country to all mountain. I am pleased with the performance, the bike was solid on climbs and ate up the downhill sections. I would definitely reccomend this frame for anyone out there that has a mediocre bike that is ready to invest in the next level, the performance is outstanding and definitely worth the investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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