Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light, long and low for climbing. Cahin and seatstay yokes allow for large tyres. V and disc brake compatible - but needs hydro guides.
Weaknesses:
I had to buy hydro line guides - it's set up for cable brakes - no big deal.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pinnacle, Mongoose NX7.5, Balance AL450, various GT's
Bike Setup:
Reba SL 100mm, SRAM X9, Truvativ Stylo, Deore hyrdros, Easton flat bar, Titec post, WTB Ti rainl saddle, Mavic 317 28 hole rims with DT Onyx hubs and blade spokes. 2.0 Spiders.
Bottom Line:
I had been wanting to build a bike for a while, and when this showed up on ebay for $350 AUD with an XTR front mech and WTB headset, near new, I pounced. I gradually bought parts over a couple of months off ebay and Torpedo 7, for a light but strong build. It's a small frame (16X22.5 inch) Been riding it for a month.
It built up nice and light, but with no stupid unreliable components.
The bike feels fast, and on every ride I've been a gear higher on the climbs. It encourages you to hammer. It's stiff and responsive, but the fat Spiders and WTB Ti rail seat soak up the sharp hits. The seat / chainstay yokes let you run as big a tyres as you'd care for trail riding - the 2.0 Spiders (measure 2.2) fit in easily, with half an inch either side and an inch at the crown. 2.4's would be an easy fit. The frame has a shortish head tube, so a few spacers might be needed to get the bar height right - I'm told it's designed for a riser bar - whatever that means, but I'm running an EA50 flat bar. I've also heard it is designed for an 80mm fork - mine runs a 100mm Reba no problems - I think a 100mm is the go for trail riding.
These frames can be found for cheap online, and although Tomac is currently dead (until the new Tomac gets going) I think it's worth a look for the right price.
I'd lke to get my hands on the Omen freeride hardtail frame next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guillaume Gaucher
a Cross Country Rider
from Qc best place in the world Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
la cordée
Strengths:
Climb like a goat un red bull. I mean wow. Come fully equiped. Weight only 23lbs with pedals. Dual control +++
For the price I never saw better product. Everebody should buy it but you wont be able because Tomac is dead :( But still suport full warranty. Maybe this bike will became a collectible item. :)
Enjoy the ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roberto Mayorga
a Cross Country Rider
from El Salvador Date Reviewed: December 10, 2005
This is an awesome frame! Although it is very stiff, it still soaks up the little stuff with no problem. I'm told it has something to do with the square chainstays and seatstays. Fastest and most nimble hardtail I've ever been on, have never seen a production bike like this before one of the best frames I have ever seen, super stiff bottom bracket great for sprinting and climbing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JEFF BURL
a Cross Country Rider
from ALBANY NY USA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Big climbs fast single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
preowned bikes ebay
Strengths:
Fast, quick, rigid, great climber
Weaknesses:
Made in taiwan sticker on the bottom of the bottom bracket
Similar Products Used:
Tomac Buckshot
Bike Setup:
ML 18" with XT and FSA cranks. XTR hubs with mavic 139 rims (WIDE) with wtb weirwolf 2.5 tires. Fox fork 80mm rlt
Bottom Line:
I owned a 03 buckshot prior in a size large. Top tube was a little to long at 24+ inches. I set this bike up totaly different. The M/L frame(23.3" TT) is very stiff which I like. It seems to allow for complete forward momentum with every pedal stroke. The wheels I built with xtr hubs and wide Mavic 139 rims which allow for bigger tires 2.5. I run them at 28LBS and it feels like i have a 2" suspension rear. It really helps the bike roll faster and hooks up really well on hard climbs. There is not much clearance for the tires and i can not use the small chain ring because the derailer rubs on the tires. I really do not need the small ring anyway. I set i up with wide 28" bars and 90mm stem to allow for out of the saddle power climbs. Lots of leverage. If you love climbing this is a great frame. Drop three rings, stand on the pedals and watch me go. The harder you pedal the faster you go. It is very rewarding. The frame is stiff but thats what HARDtails are about. I also like the "I'm ready to ride when you are". attitude of this bike. LOW MAINTENANCE. My other bike is a blur which I spend most of my time working on. Blown shocks Trying to dail in and don't be fooled it doesn't pedal like a hardtail. I will give this 5 star for value. I purchased from american bicycle group with a three year warranty and it came with a fantastic fork. overall rating will be 5 also because this bike is what i was looking for. A fast climber that responds when i want it to. I purchased this as a back up bike to the blur and I have found that when i put the main bike in the truck it has been the TOMAC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chewy Nava
a Racer
from Pacoima, CA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Looks great, plenty of mud clearance.
Weaknesses:
Heavy for a balls-out race frame, and VERY rigid. Also...oh yeah...IT BROKE IN TWO PLACES. That blows.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Supergo Weyless
Bike Setup:
Full SRAM/FSA Carbon
Bottom Line:
These hard tail bikes are fast, but rigid and unforgiving. They are a bit weighty, compared to other bikes in this price range, and dealers are few and far between. Mine broke right in the middle, top and down tubes. That being said, I would have to rate it low. Sorry, it was great until I hit the ground!
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
