We provide a new and simple system of equations for the normal sub-Riemannian geodesics. These use a partial connection that we show is canonically available, given a choice of complement to the distribution. We also describe conditions which, if satisfied, mean that even this choice of complement is determined canonically, and that this determines a distinguished connection on the tangent bundle.Our approach applies to sub-Riemannian geometry the point of view of nonholonomic mechanics. The geodesic equations obtained split into mutually driving horizontal and complementary parts, and the method allows for particular choices of nice coframes. We illustrate this feature on examples of contact models with non-constant symbols.