Bikes

Surprise: That's what most riders experience after their first ride on the Tomac Vanish 160. They are a first surprised that a 160mm bike can pedal so well. Then, after they get to the top of the climb and begin to descend, they are surprised at how plush, active and seamless the suspension feels. But for us, it's no surprise. When we set out to design the new Vanish 160mm bike, we wanted a long travel trail bike that could do anything, go anywhere and leave nothing but a smile on your face. And it's been accomplished: The Vanish 160 is a bike that will take you places.

 

At first, I wasn't so sure about making a 160mm bike. I mean, our Snyper 140 is an excellent trail bike. But after one ride, I realized that it's the perfect bike for the kind of rough riding I like to do. It pedals well, so I can get up all the loose and rocky boulders that normally challenge me, but at the same time, just flat out rips the descents. It's one of the most impressive bikes I have ever ridden."
Johnny T

Features

The Vanish 160 is your all-day pedaling and descending bike for extremely rough terrain. The frame is built with durability in mind, but is still light enough to be a capable climber.

• New IAS Instant Active Suspension system provides improved response time to bump forces and excellent pedaling efficiency
• 160mm travel, designed for 160mm travel fork
• 8 pound/3600g frame weight with Fox RP23 shock
• 6069 aluminum with custom butted top, down and seat tubes
• CNC machined seat stay arch, dropouts and yokes
• Fits SRAM, Shimano and FSA front derailleurs
• 1.5 head tube
• Full seat post extension
• ICG05 chain guide mount standard
• Single water bottle mount on all sizes
• Up to 2.50 tire clearance
• 12mmX135 Maxle Lite rear axle standard
• 67.5 degree head angle, 73.5 seat angle, 14.1 inch BB height

Spec

Geometry

Technology

There was a pure moment of clarity for us. We were riding down lower Mormon Trail in South Mountain, Arizona. We were all riding Snyper 140s and having a really good time. Then, we came to a really rough section near the bottom, with rock slabs going different directions and big holes between craggy boulders. We all stopped after the section, and almost simultaneously said, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a little more? Just a little more travel, but not take away from the neutral feel and the good pedaling efficiency?"

Such began the creation of the Vanish 160, a bike that like the rest of the Tomac line came out of a riding experience and a riding need. We quickly decided the bike would need to be relatively lightweight, maybe only a pound more in the frame than a Snyper. But it would need to be burly, able to handle whatever you could throw at it. We wanted it to pedal with the upmost efficiency, but float through the rough like a freeride bike, and really not be bothered by anything.

The first thing we started with was the suspension. We wanted a system that would be simple to enable the frame to be stiff, but also very active so that it would easily absorb anything that got in its way. We designed an entirely new suspension system for the Vanish in the process, one that improves overall suspension action without sacrificing pedalling efficiency or rear end stiffness. The new Instant Active Suspension system met all of our needs. It's quick, consistent and so simple that it allows you to concentrate on your riding rather than what your suspension is doing.

We use a Fox RP23 shock with XY secondary air canister, which fits the needs of this bike perfectly. It's light, highly adjustable and packs a lot of performance in a small package. After we configured suspension layout, we worked hard with Fox ensuring that our custom tuned shock would perfect match the feel of the bikes. In the end, we went through 10 completely different iterations, finally perfecting the settings that we know you will love.

Beside the suspension, you can also see a lot of thought went into the Vanish 160?s design. Just take a look under the chainstay yoke and see the detailed CNC milling work that went into the design. Or check out the Maxle Lite rear axle system: combined with a 20mm through axle fork, this system provides the amount of stiffness you need without any unnecessary bulk. We custom butted the top and down tube to ensure maximum stiffness and lightweight and then capped it off by adding a 1.5 head tube (allowing for a tapered or 1.5 steerer). For you freeriders, there?s even an ISCG-05 mount.

It will take a ride on the Vanish to really recognize just how good this bike is. For every test rider who throws a leg over it, there was that moment of surprise, and then delight. It was the moment when they realized they were riding a 160mm bike that could BOTH climb and descend well. The Vanish is a bike that will thrill you.

Setup Guide - Suspension Setup
For a handy graph of our suggested suspension setup, please click here:

The best way you can maximize the performance of your bicycle is by ensuring correct rear shock sag. To set sag, push the O-ring completely forward on your rear shock (towards the shock seal). Now sit on the bike in a normal riding position near a wall to steady yourself. (Note: If you use a hydration pack, make sure you also have this on. You want your "ride weight" to be as close as it is when you normally ride.) Without bouncing on the saddle or pedals, distribute your weight on the saddle and pedals in a normal riding position while holding the handlebars. Push the O-ring back up towards the shock seal and gently get off (to avoid moving the O-ring)

Recommended Sag Applications
Cross Country (Automatic/Carbide) 25-30% of total shock travel in sag, This should be 9.5mm and 11.5mm between the O-ring and shock seal on the Carbide and 12.5mm to 15mm on the Automatic.

Trail (Snyper/Vanish): 25-35% of total shock travel in sag. This should be 14mm and 20mm between the O-ring and shock seal on the Snyper and 16mm to 22mm on the Vanish.

Spring Adjustment-Air Shocks
To install air pressure in the main air spring, remove the air cap from the Schrader valve located above the large air spring canister. Attach the pump to the Schrader valve. The hiss you hear when unscrewing the pump is only the air left in the pump itself and not from the shock. This does not affect your pressure setting in the shock. Likewise, when you install the pump, the shock will fill the pump and reduces the registered pressure previously installed in the shock. This usually is a 10-15 psi difference between what was in the shock and what the pump is reading. This is all normal procedure when adjusting the air spring pressure. After removing the pump, be sure to reinstall the Schrader valve cap.

Rebound Damping Adjustment
The rebound damping controls the return rate of the shock after it has been compressed to absorb a bump. Rebound damping can be adjusted for different spring rates, terrain, and rider preferences. Rebound on shocks can be adjusted by the red knob on Fox shock and the blue knob on Manitou shocks, which is located on the shaft eyelet mount on coil shocks and the air canister eyelet mount on air shocks. As a general rule, rebound that is adjusted too fast will exhibit a springy ride that has excessive pedaling movement and kick up the rear end on multiple bumps and big hits. Rebound that is adjusted too slow will exhibit a packing of the rear wheel that is identified by a low ride height, stiff feeling on multiple bumps and the rear wheel drifting to one side on stutter (braking) bumps. A good rebound starting point is to set the shock to achieve a return movement that is just short of "snapping back".

FAQ

Which Bike is Right for Me?
We love bikes and would love to hear from you, so if there'’s even a question about which bike is right for you, please contact us via e- mail or phone so we can talk bikes.

Why the Short Shock Link?
The reason for the low, forward link-mount is that it allows you to make the front triangle very tight and thus increase front-end stiffness; the longer the link, the longer the lever arm and the greater reduction in stiffness.

Why does the Vanish have full Derailleur Housing to the Front Derailleur?
Simply put, we want to keep the muck away from the front derailleur cable so shifting remains precise over the long haul. There is no better way to do this than enclosing the cable completely, especially in grimy areas like under the down tube.

Can I Get a New Derailleur Hanger?
The derailleur hanger is made out of 7075 aircraft grade aluminum, and is mounted with stainless steel bolts, should it should be more stout than most derailleur hangers. Should a mishap cause damage to it, simply contact the reseller in your country to purchase another one.

What if My Bike Creaks?
Sometimes after repetitive washings or extensive riding in the elements, the main pivot and link bolts will become dry and can cause creaking. Simple removing, cleaning, relubricating and reinstalling the bolts will eliminate any creaking. If creaking continues, you may need to replace the bearings. Remember to inspect the frame for any damage before each ride.

Where Do You Test the Bikes?
In the winter, we spend the majority of our test time at South Mountain outside of Phoenix. In the summer months, we test near Salida, Colorado. Between seasons, we ride at Platte River State Park about an hour from Omaha, Nebraska.

Why and How Did You Choose the Spec on the Complete Bikes?
When we set out to spec the complete bikes, we wanted to accomplish three major goals. 1) Use all high quality parts from brand name manufacturers including complete wheel sets, folding bead John Tomac Signature Kenda tires, FSA headsets, Thomson stems, etc) We didn'’t want to have cheap hidden parts on the frames. In the bike industry, it'’s common to spec low end stuff in places when you wouldn'’t easily see it (for example the cassette and bottom bracket). 3) We wanted to use parts that we had ridden and knew would provide high performance and high durability.

What'’s the Service Life on the Bearings?
The service life of the bearings is determined by the amount and conditions that you ride in. That said, we focused extensively on maximizing bearing life. Not only did we use full compliment bearings throughout, but we made sure that all the bearing surfaces are tucked away from contaminants like dirt and grit. Lastly, the design of the frame inherently puts little stress on the bearings themselves. Keeping them clean and under minimal load means longer service intervals on the bearings.

How Can I Tell If I Need New Bearings?
Remove the rear wheel and the rear shock from the frame. Cycle the bike through its travel by pulling up and down on the rear end. Do you notice any grittiness or binding? Put your hand over all of the pivots and move the rear end again. Does it seem notchy? If so, you will need to contact the authorized Tomac retailer in your country. Go to www.tomac.com for more information.

Who is the Greatest Mountain Biker of All Time?
John Tomac, of course! No single rider has been more competitive in all disciplines of our sport, including XC, Dual Slalom and DH. A former World Champion, National Champion in both XC and DH, and one of the icons of our sports, there'’s no denying John Tomac'’s impact on mountain biking.

How Involved in Johnny with Tomac?
Johnny is still heavily involved with the company. Not only does participate in the R&D and ride testing of all the bikes, but Johnny the businessman also helps determine the strategic direction of the company.

I Can'’t Find the Answer to My Question
Please let us know we can improve our FAQS section by e-mailing or calling us.

Owners Manual

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Warranty

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