This time of year is every gear head’s favorite season. It’s the time of year when companies start rolling out their 2011 lines, and with Interbike in just a few weeks, the announcements and new products will be coming fast and furious over the next few weeks. Frame manufacturer Tomac gave us a peak of their very exciting 2011 line, which includes some big additions from last year. Click more to see what Tomac has on tap for next year.
Supermatic
Perhaps the most exciting addition, or at least the one that made us drool the most was the 2011 Supermatic. The 120mm travel full suspension frame just screams cool, and Tomac says it is one of the smoothest rides you can get.
From Tomac:
“The Supermatic starts with a dual triangle design (front triangle and rear triangle), which is the stiffest and lightest way to design a frame. We use custom oversize aluminum shafts through the main pivot, rocker link and rear shock, which eliminates any chance of lateral flex occurring. Stiffening the joints between the front and rear swingarm translates into greater rider control and improved durability (a stiff package means the bearings aren’t being side loaded), but it also results in better suspension action. Isolating the rear shock, and eliminating any loading ensures that the suspension is always ready to absorb bumps. The pivot location is also an important factor of the Supermatic’s performance. We placed the pivot to minimize pedaling forces on the suspension and eliminate brake jack, while at the same time enable the bike to gobble up bumps.”
The claimed weight of the frame comes in right at 5 pounds (2260g) according to Tomac, and comes in 4 sizes; small, medium, large, and XL.
There are two build packages available on the Supermatic, which Tomac simply calls the Supermatic 1 and Supermatic 2. Both come spec’d with 120mm Fox Float Fit RL forks, with the Supermatic 1 getting upgraded parts from the Supermatic 2. The Supermatic 1 features Shimano XTR front and rear derailleurs, Avid XO brakes, Easton EC70 bars attached to a Thompson Elite stem, and Crank Brothers Cobalt wheels to round out the package.
The Supermatic 2 keeps the XTR rear derailleur, but uses an XT front derailleur, Avid Elixr brakes, an Easton EA50 cockpit, and EA70 wheels.
Pricing and availability coming soon…
Flint
Tomac asks a good question. “Does the world need another 29er hardtail?” The company says it does, as long as that 29er is their new 2011 Flint.
After lots of success in 2010, Tomac is continuing with the production of the Flint 29er, although the frame gets a fresh redesigned for 2011. The company claims that the new Flint’s 3.4 pound weight makes it the lightest non-carbon 29er frame on the market. The bike accepts 80-100mm front forks, and interestingly comes standard with a Bushnell Eccentric Bottom Bracket, even if you just buy the frame, so the bike is ready for both single speed and geared setups.
Like the Supermatic, the Flint also comes with two build packages, the Flint 1 and Flint 2. Both get a mix of Shimano XT and SLX components, with the first getting an 80mm Fox Float F29 RL, and the Flint 2 getting a similar sized Rockshox Recon Gold Turn fork. Both get Avid brakes, with Elixr Rs coming standard on the Flint 1 and Juicy 3’s on the Flint 2. Easton EA 50 and EA30 components make up the Flint 1 and 2’s cockpits, respectively.
Pricing and availability were not specified, but Tomac repeatedly billed the Flint as an “excellent value,” so it will probably fall in the low to mid price range.
Diplomat
Tomac expanded it’s 29er offerings for 2011 with the brand new Diplomat, a full suspension 29er weighing in at 6.8 pounds with the Fox RP23 rear shock installed. The Diplomat 1 and Diplomat 2 come with similar specs as the Supermatic 1 and 2. It’s a bit late to the full suspension 29er market, but Tomac says their bike has something to set it apart;
“The Diplomat uses our proprietary IAS suspension system. IAS is a simple yet effective system that improves overall suspension action without sacrificing pedaling efficiency or rear end stiffness. With IAS, a CNC machined link between the rocker pivot and seat stay end, carried by high end full-compliment bearings, allows the rear shock to initiate more quickly and the suspension to be more responsive. IAS suspension makes quick work out of bumps, especially repetitive hits (think braking bumps) where quick suspension action means less transmitted to the rider.”
The Diplomat comes spec’d similar to the Supermatic, but will only come in medium, large, and XL frame sizes.
More from Tomac coming soon, stay tuned!
