tomac vs tomac

[guertinized]

I have been out of the loop in mountain biking for about 6 years so much is new to me. I am looking at a tomac snyper with 140mm rear and 150mm front travel and a Tomac automatic with 120 mm travel front and rear. I think the automatic is 2-2.5 lbs lighter. both cost about the same and both are specked the same except the snyper has 2.35 tires and the auto has 2.2. Which bike is best for trails in RI like arcadia big river etc (technical but not mountainous terrain)

thanks to all who give input

[Doro]

snipe it up

[bdee]

I have been out of the loop in mountain biking for about 6 years so much is new to me. I am looking at a tomac snyper with 140mm rear and 150mm front travel and a Tomac automatic with 120 mm travel front and rear. I think the automatic is 2-2.5 lbs lighter. both cost about the same and both are specked the same except the snyper has 2.35 tires and the auto has 2.2. Which bike is best for trails in RI like arcadia big river etc (technical but not mountainous terrain)

thanks to all who give input

Hi,

It depends on the kind of riding you'd like to do out in Arcadia and/or Big River. If you see yourself pushing your limits a bit as you progress the longer travel bike isn't a bad idea. If you want a bit more efficient ride with plenty of travel for aggressive XC riding then the 120mm bike might be the ticket. It wasn't too long ago that 120mm, or almost 5 inches, was considered long travel. It'll gobble up anything local aggressive XC can throw at you.

There are so many variables that go into deciding what will work for you (bike handling preferences, riding style and the bike you are coming from). From the limited info above I'd say ride the Automatic, chances are you weren't riding a 6" travel bike 6 years ago and the Automatic will likely feel more familiar.

Bike set up, and learning how to ride a longer travel bike are crucial to enjoying one as a trail bike and something you can grow into. This is why I'm leaning toward a 120mm bike, it'll give you a nice base upon which to progress. Ride it for a season, learn how to really ride it and then moving up to a 6" travel bike will come a bit easier. While plenty of folks ride 150mm (or more) bikes as their all around trail bikes, they usually have years of consistent riding under their belts.

Hope this was at least vaguely helpful. Whatever you get, have fun on it and don't get too wrapped up in how much travel, doodads etc. Just learn to ride it and have a good time.

[ts8169]

Just wondering, how much is the Automatic 120 you're looking at and what components are on it? Looks like a sweet bike! Thanks