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Submitted by
David Randall
a Cross Country Rider
from Duncan, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mountain, WA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | $700 (frame and fork) | | Strengths: | Light, technical, balanced, amazing, lithe. | | Weaknesses: | Not good for heavy and/or very hard riders. This bike is made to be used with technique. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing comes close | | Bike Setup: | AMP B4 frame with F4BLT fork (no carbon). Mostly XT with Chris King headset. Rhino-lite rims wiyh AMP disks. | | Bottom Line: | LOVED this bicycle. Selling it was one of my "stupider" moves. Nothing ever went wrong with this bike (unlike my B2), I didn't even have to rebuild the shocks (though they could have used an oil change).
Note though that this is not a bike for hard-style riding; it's likes being ridden like a roadbike in the dirt. The F4BLT fork climbs over anything, but does not like "air". Very fast if used properly.
I'm looking for another one... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Best handling & climbing fsb available in it's time | | Weaknesses: | Shocks | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou, Moots, ProFlex, Titus, Trek, Schwinn, and a host of others | | Bike Setup: | Amp disks, Amp b2 front fork, Risse Astro 5 rear shock, XT, Topline cranks | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in '95. Since that time I've put over 10,000 miles on it, 90% off road. I weigh 160 and ride hard but not abusively. I blew the rear shock regulary (used to carry a spare and change it out mid rides). I switched to the Risse which transformed the bike, absolutely no problems with the Risse. The disks eat pads but stop and stop quick w/ good modulation. I'm on my third set of fork/frame pivots.
This bike is a great ride. Amp's customer service has been prompt and fair. Travel is a bit limited by today's standards (2.5 in) but it's all usable. There's zero sticktion, and the suspension is fully active at all times. The bike climbs outstandingly and handles great. The forks are lateraly stiff especially for their weight. Folks who descrive the Amp fork as "flexy" should ride a SID SL down a fast rocky trail - that's not just flexy, it's scarey!
I've ridden many fully suspended bikes, more so recently as new ones show up. The Amp B4 still outperforms most of the stuff on the market today, even much of the high end stuff.
It's a fully suspended bike with many pivots and disk brakes. Maintenance comes with the package, as it does with any bike like this. The shocks were inadequate, Risse fixed that.
I'll probably have to replace my B4 in a year or so as wear and tear and crashes have take their toll. Hopefully I'll find something that comes near to it's ride. I've never regretted buying the Amp, and feel it's given me much more than my money's worth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Shop in Chicago | | Strengths: | Bought mine back in '97.It was very light for the time(23 lbs),3 inches of front and rear travel,and had some interesting design concepts.Too bad none of them worked! | | Weaknesses: | Where do I start?All of AMP's bikes are underbuilt,overpriced garbage.The ride was soggy,and the front triangle was far too flexy.It handled like a motorhome compared to my '95 Fat Chance Wicked(which I still have today)The bushings and linkage were underbuilt and poorly designed,requiring constant maintainance to keep working.The AMP linkage fork was also a joke!Extremely flexy and dived whenever the brakes were touched.I replaced it with a '97 Judy XC before it had a chance to kill me.The AMP disc brakes had terrible stopping power and overheated,no matter what pads I used.I warped 2 sets of rotors on gentle downhills!And my rear caliper DIED,for no apparent reason,leaving me with no rear brake.
The AMP shock was weak too--I went through 5 of them!And their customer service was some of the worst I've ever seen.One of their lovely employees put me on hold for 10 minutes and then disconnected me while I was trying to get them to warranty my rear shock.Some service!I am glad AMP is out of business.They deserved it. | | Similar Products Used: | This is the only FS bike I've owned.After enduring 10 months of problems,you can keep full-suspension as far as I'm concerned.I'm sticking with hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | SOLD.Current bikes are a '95 Fat Chance Wicked(first MTB),a '98 Klein Adroit Race,and my newest bike,a Seven Sola Ti. | | Bottom Line: | Horst Leitner was ahead of his time,but the execution of his designs at AMP was terrible.Need proof?Maintenance record at final count(before I sold it in Oct. '98 for a Klein Adroit Race):5 rear shocks,2 new disk brake rotors,3 sets of pads,1 new rear caliper,1 new fork,and 1 rear "Horst" linkage plus bushings.I easily spent more than the frame's price alone fixing all of this!And customer service from AMP is virtually non-existent.If I knew I would have this much trouble,I would never have bought from AMP to begin with.0 chilies as far as I'm concerned,because no bike costing this much($3500 complete)should ever be this shoddy in quality,and the poor service from the company only serves to amplify my complaints. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John aka Birdman
a Cross Country Rider
from Central NJ
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Round Valley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Rebec & Kroes, Ottawa, ON | | Strengths: | Light weight, enduring design, good performance for a XC MTB, gee-whiz factor | | Weaknesses: | Some part failures, covered by AMP under warranty - shockstay, seat tower, leaking brake calipers. | | Similar Products Used: | My one and only full suspension MTB. I've owned other bikes, but they were all hardtails - Specialized M2FS with Futureshock (Mag 21) air/oil fork, Cannondale CAAD2 with Fatty HeadShock (air/oil), Cannondale M400 rigid (current 'townie' ride). | | Bike Setup: | AMP F-4BLT linkage fork with carbon legs & new AMP dampers, AMP D-1 disk brakes front & rear, Risse Genesis air/oil rear shock, full XT (8 sp), Syncros ti seatpost, Kore elite stem, Easton CT-2 carbon h'bar, Race Face Turbine cranks (180mm), Selle Italia Max Flite cutout saddle, 747 SPD pedals, Mavic 217 rims, IRC Notos tires. | | Bottom Line: | A great lightweight (about 24.5 lbs), consistent performing MTB - 3" travel front & back. I've had it since '96, and I'll probably never sell it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KEITH
a Cross Country Rider
from NORTH CAROLINA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | TSALI | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great ride, great going up or down. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock is the WORST PIECE OF JUNK EVER PUT ON A BIKE. | | Similar Products Used: | giant, specialized, cannondale, | | Bike Setup: | B-4 frame w/astro 5 air rear shock, sid sl front, gthubs ceramic rims, ti bb. cane ck headset, kooka crank, xtr brakes, shifters & der, ritchey ti peddles, flite ti rail seat. | | Bottom Line: | The first amp rear shock lasted about 3 months. BOOM. Over the next 9 months I went through 11 more. YEAH I MEANT 11. I had a terrible time with customer service dept. Finally after they got tired of hearing from me and lieing to me telling me I was thw only one having the problem, They gave me an Astro 5 Reisse. WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I have ridden it for 1 1/2 yrs now without a problem. My F4BLT was a great match for the oil shock (when it worked)but didn't work as well w/air. Great fork for a hardtail or coil over rear suspension but not w/air. I have a lot of light stuff but for some reason my bike isn't as light as what others claim. It weighs 23.7 on a real certified scale. I could find a scale to lie to me but why would I want to do that. In conclusion, it is a great ride especially for the new lower price tag of 700.00 unlike 1100.00 previously. $ for $ it is better than any f/s by far. spring for the air on the rear to start with and save all the frustration of trying to deal w/amp I give it 4 chiles. Oh Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it for a rider over 180 or so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slide
a Cross-Country Rider
from Yuma, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
light weight
looks cool
continuous cable routing | | Weaknesses: |
rear shock
not much travel
rear shock
did I mention rear shock? | | Similar Products Used: |
GT XCR 2000 | | Bike Setup: |
F-3 fork, LX/XT, Sachs PGE shifters, Avid brakes | | Bottom Line: | I bought my first AMP in 1995, and was thrilled with it for a while (having upgraded from a rigid steel bike). I liked it OK until two months ago, when I bought a GT I-drive. Now that's what a FS bike should be! Back to the AMP - yes, it's light, but the rear shock just doesn't cut it. I am on my third one, and it still needs new oil about every 2-3 rides. I had one rebuilt, and it froze on the third ride.I have also had a problem with a cracked frame, and although I got a new one for half price, AMP's customer service/tech support isn't the greatest. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walter Langer
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Birth Control | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light weight
climbs well
fun to ride | | Weaknesses: |
stock rear shock is a piece of *%$#
frame has cracked twice - that's a major weakness | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SX with a Risse rear | | Bottom Line: | It's a good bike in theory but falls short in practicality. The front triangle has not lasted more than four months without cracking at the head tube/down tube junction. It goes without saying that the stock rear shock falls well short of its objective since no shock damps without oil.
To top it off Horst apparently does not think he should warranty the frame beyond a year even though the front triangle will only be 3 months old when a year comes around. I'm seeing a lawyer though so we'll see. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FatBob
a weekend warrior
from Albuq, NM
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a B-4 about three years ago. At the time I was about 170 and racing. Since that time I've put on about 20 pounds and its made quite a difference in how the bike feels. If you are light enough this can be a great bike but if you are heavy and go out and thrash them things start to give. The stock shocks suck on a good day. Also because most of my riding involves climbing as much as downhill I've gone back to a hardtail. I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Three flamers for light weight only. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gman
a cross-country rider
from Anchorage
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike with high hopes about two years ago! It hasn't met the standard that I have for a worthy ride. Most folks up here have given up on the horsthit! It may be all right for someone who wants to look cool riding down the bike trail on the beach or a person who doesn’t put many miles on. But, If you are into backcountry, creek crossing, 40 miles out in the middle of nowhere, type riding! You had better pack some good hiking boots! Don't get me wrong, this bike is made up of a bunch of great ideas! You just can’t count on them!
Ingenuity ~~~> 5
Reliability~~> 1 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Birdman
a cross-country rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had an AMP B-4 for about 3 years now, with the D-1 brakes and F-4 BLT fork. The brakes work great, with reasonable modulation and great power. I've just replaced the pads and return springs for the first time ($51 direct). The only other problem I had was leaking calipers, which AMP rebuilt free of charge. They are light, powerful brakes that don't fade or wear fast.The fork is a little loose now, but still performs beautifully. I've only replaced the shock oil once so far, but it's probably due.I've had two problems with the frame - the shockstay and the seat tower broke. Both were replaced by AMP. I've changed the shock oil a few times already, but I've just switched to a Risse Genisis shock. The AMP shock was drawing air, resulting in unpredictable damping action. Overall, I love the bike, and wouldn't think of parting with it.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Angie
a cross-country rider
from utah
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the b4 frame because it was the only frame I could find that was light weight and availible, so far there are no regrets. Sound like everyone has problems with the rear shock, my problem with it is that I weigh about 115#'s. I have ordered a lighter spring so maybe now I can tell if I'm on my hard tail or my B4. I don't understand why everyone thinks it's such a hot looking bike I don't think it looks that great, but then again the way it looks doesn't matter its how it rides. And its a sweet LIGHTWEIGHT ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Farmington, CT.
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm very pleased with my Amp B4, although I went through 5 rear shocks. I replaced it with a the Risse Genesis, and like the bike even better. It excells on steep technial climbs. It feels almost like hardtail, except it takes the edge off the hard hits. If you want plush, this is not the bike for you. If you want a light, fast F.S., this is the bike you want. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gibson Anderson
a cross-country rider
from Saratoga, California
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After 27 months on my AMP B4/F4/D1 I'm still in love! It's a joy to ride, wet, dry, hot or cold. It's a trick looking, elegant, pure function design. If someone stole it, I'd buy another one in a minute. (Well MAYBE a B5!) Yeah, I had some rear shock problems but AMP seems to have that sorted out. AMP Customer Support (Brian LaBelle especially)couldn't be more helpful. Great bike. Great people. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a cross-country rider
from Blandon, PA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm posting a followup to my May 27 review, in which I gave my pre-Risse Genesis B4 five anticipatory chilies. After some three months of riding this bike with its new shock, I can reaffirm those chilies. I came back from a ride recently and said Damn, I love this bike. Why? It's light (mine is about 23# even -- wish I could say that about my other FS bikes), fast, and the suspension is just enough to let me ride comfortably for hours on any terrain, with no detriment to climbing or accelerating performance.The Risse is much more reliable than the stock AMP unit. While I would have expected about three AMP shock rebuilds during that same three-month time frame, the Risse keeps on going. The compression damping is just about right for cross-country riding, and rebound almost right on, maybe a tad slow. That requires only a quick trip back to the factory for readjustment, though. I hear rumors that future AMPs will have Risse shocks OEM! For diehard fans of the AMPhysema of the pre-97 AMP shocks, the Risse air shock makes a similar noise.BTW, AMP sent me gratis Strudels for my D1 discs. NO MORE BRAKE DRAG!Risse is at http://home.earthlink.net/~risse/index.html. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
maxime imbert
a cross-country rider
from ottawa, ontario canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own an amp b4 (the best bike in the world). I love it because it climbs
so well without bobbing and it is very light. It descends very well to.
I reccomend this bike to everybody. the disc brakes work extrremely well too.
This bike is the best bike I ever rode in my whole life! anybody who wants a light dual suspension should buy this one!!! !! ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
william karnavy
a racer
from california
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a beautiful 16 chrome amp b-4 that is worth its huge ass price. With a softer spring, I get the full 3 inches of travel that doesn't bob when your pedalling your ass off up hill or when your pedaling period. Just enough travel for a secure bomb down a hill. Bike is light as hell. Weighs less than my hardtail. 22.7 pounds is a great weight with only a little xtr here and there. Laterally, it's solid and just seems to float when your on it. I thought that buying a dual suspension would limit my climbing and speed, but it has even increased it. I'm already raced twice on it and it handles beautifully under extreme use. Besides being damn expensive, the bike is superb, but it's worth the 2300 I dished out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Stiles
a cross-country rider
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a 5-star bike with a 2-star shock. Despite some buyer's remorse, I have learned to love my AMP B-4, and basically rebuild the rear shock as soon as there is any sign air has got in, or oil has got out. I wouldn't personally go for the G-Shox replacement shock. The company builds frames for other bicycle, and views the shock business as a hobby with customer service to match. I got my old shock back after several months waiting just so I could ride again. It is interesting to note the complete lack of dealer coverage and local riders with AMPs here, despite being right on the factory's doorstep. However I have found the people at AMP very helpful when you visit to buy parts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a racer
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my AMP B-4 at the start of the 1995 racing season with high hopes for the bike. Almost immediately I had problems with the damn rear shock. I had it replaced in April. Then, while on my 2nd lap of the 24 Hours of Canaan, just as you begin the final descent down the mountain, the shaft of the rear shock broke, at which point I had to carry the damn bike down the mountain. (Thank you Trek for loaning me a bike for the reast of the race.) Replaced shock again at Mt. Snow. Swapped cheesy front fork for a Judy. Bought a hardtail in August so I could race on something realiable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ole Blokhus
a cross-country rider
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had quite a few problems with Amp's rear shocks in the past, and as a result, I
started a primitive mailing list a while back. Chances are, if you have a problem
with your Amp, I might have some useful information that might help you. Feel free
to email me with any questions, and also
to receive the postings to the mailing list so far.Ole.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john jans
a cross-country rider
from princeton, nj
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hmmm... I bought this bike (F4-BLT carbon legged fork and silver B4 frame with disc brakes) based on the AMP name and some good reviews. I've had a few problems already (replaced seat tower, shockstay, and rebuilt brake calipers) but AMP service hasn't been too bad. The parts arrived in a timely manner and the tech support guys actually knew what they were talking about. One caveat... you must like working on your bike to own an AMP. It is finnicky and requires some TLC, but it rewards with a very smooth, precise ride. I've had mine for over 2 years now, riding it about once or twice a week (in very rough terrain) during riding season. I change the oil in the fork shocks only once a year for the front dampers, twice a year for the rear. The rear shock does get a bit noisy, but once rebuilt, is very smooth. There's a company called G-Shox which makes a replacement rear shock (or will rebuild yours to their specs). I'm thinking of getting it, as the rear shock is the only persistent downfall of this design (no oil reserviour, so air gets trapped in the shock). The disc brakes work pretty good once you get used to the feel, and unlike V-brakes... NO FADE on long downhills.To sum it up:
Good - very light weight, good brakes, smooth pogoless ride
Bad - not for the mechanically disadvantaged, hammerhead rider | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a cross-country rider
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike, except for the rear shock. I had it rebuilt under warrenty, and it started leaking shortly after I got it back. I regret my purchase, Amp will never make a decent shock, they've been messing with it for a long time, and it still sucks. I have no use for an unreliably mountain bike, even one that rides as great as the B-4. Anybody want to buy a slightly used frame? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Niemi
a cross-country rider
from Simi Valley, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've ridden the B4 for about 2 years. This bike climbs great and descends pretty well, too.
I eliminated the F3 front shock after 6 months and I have a Zokes Z1 on it now. The Z1 is a great match for the rear suspension. I've rebuilt the rear shock once (blown seals) and had AMP rebuild it once (blown seals). The second build by AMP was a great success; definitely worth the postage.
My major complaint is the left-right sloppiness the B4 has in the rear suspension. Since the rear linkage depends on the tiny shock for it's upper lateral stability, there is a tendency for the rear of the bike to feel like all the spokes on the rear wheel are loose. I've ridden bikes that have a link on the upper pivot (like the GT LTS) and discovered a slop-free ride. Makes you wonder why AMP added that tiny top link to the B5, huh?
For x-country and some moderate downhill riding, the B4 is a great bike. When it's time to buy another bike, I know that it won't be a hardtail. The few times I needed help from AMP, they came through for me, although it took a few phone calls before I actually talked to someone. Do not expect a call back if you leave a message!
Favorite feature - the rear pivots do not squeak! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a cross-country rider
from Grantham, NH
Date Reviewed: March 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just an update on my earlier review.
I took off the Amp fork (junk) and replaced it with a Manitou FS-TI.
I'm also still trying to sort out the rear shock problem. Getting parts from Amp is lis like getting blood from a stone. Although the bike rides very well (when it works) it's just not worth the aggrovation. I might get a good hardtail frame to replace it.On no account even think of getting one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a cross-country rider
from Grantham, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had an Amp B4 since the spring. I bought it as a frameset with their F3 fork. Like everyone else, I've had problems with the rear shock. I would not advise anyone to buy the bike until Amp sort it out.
Other than the shock the bike is great and rides really well. The Amp linkage fork is obviously not as good as some of the latest telescopic ones but it's well light and works well enough for most rides. I might upgrade to a Judy SL for the bike at some point though.Come on Amp!! sort out the shock and you'll have the best bike on the market. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barney Mueller
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The best cross country bike on the market. Excellent for the all around rider. Rear shock needs a little help, but AMP Research has taken care of any problems I have had with the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Russell
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent all around cross country bike. A little stiff on the downhills, but climbs great. The F4 fork linkage fork is the best fork that I have ridden. It takes a little time to get use to, but beats any telescopic fork. The brakes can't be beat, Wet or dry. Only downside is pad wear. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fabrizio
a racer
from Alba, Italy
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
First, I purchased my B4 only two months ago, so this is not a long term review.
But honestly, this is the best bike I have ever ridden. After 4 hard races and around 50 training miles the rear shock started leaking, sure, but I cant notice any difference in rebound, only a slight hissing sound. The AMP shock may be the world's worst, but have a look at the RS DeLuxe and White reviews!
I dont think the frame is underengineered, at least not for me (150 lbs).
Of course, the chainstay/compression strut assembly is a little more flexy than the average oversize hardtail, but again, other lightweight suspension frames are not better.
The point is: a rigid frame (such as cannondale, specialized, GT) is from one to to two pounds heavier than the b4. How much would you spend to drop the weight of an XTR specialized FSR from 26 to 24 pounds? My XTR/Cook/kore B4 weights 21.6 pounds with bar ends, bottle cage and mavic 217s. So THINK! I was not a weight freak, but its funny when the other guys pick up your bike and discover that is lighter than their hardtail!
Now the ride: in a word, fantastic!The f4 fork is incredibly plush and rigid, and extremely active even under hard braking.The bike is very quick at low speed, very responsive and the suspension makes you confident in rocky downhills. The rear travel is right for XC; again, with a better (Noleen?)rear shock the ride could be plusher.
In technical downhill the ultra low standover height is very handy, your wife will thank.
Under hard cornering I can't notice any abnormal flex, nor during out of the saddle hammering. The best thing, however, is the lack of weight: on long, steep hills you KNOW that you should climb faster, and you REALLY climb faster. Just like a power gel...
SO! 5 chilies for the frame, 5 chilies for the fork, 0 for the shock, 10 because it's still the coolest out there.
I will update this spring | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a cross-country rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Disregard my former review of the B-4. I was young and unexperienced...and caught up in the hype. I gave it a 5 but am hereby rescending 3 of them to make it a 2. Had many problems with rear shock and slop in the F-3. Amp ignores the problem. They don't respond to e-mails, etc. The bike would be amazing if they would just fix that rear shock! Will someone please make an aftermarket shock that lasts at least 1 season????? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tommy goggia
a cross-country rider
from maui, hawaii
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
With over 3000 miles on my AMP B5, its time relook at the some of the problems
that resulted in my giving this bike a previous, poor review. First of all, the
green organic disc pads do wear out too fast. Get the gold metallic types. I've
put twice the miles on them with very little wear. They squeek a little but
by sanding the pads a bit, cleaning the rotors or reversing them, all is quiet,
at least for a while. Other than the disc pad thing, the brakes are fine.
The latest AMP rear shock (shiny shaft and internal valve) is holding up well.
It does give a more supple ride. I've gone through 8 rear shocks and 2 front.
AMP has been paying the postage and I've received refunds for all the replacements. Rebuilding them should be no big deal.
The rest of the bike has worked flawlessly. It is an excellent trail bike,
but I do admit, I carry a spare rear shock in my Camelback. Hopefully the
shock failure problems have been resolved.
An awesome looking steed. Get the polished, unpainted version. When it gets scratched, just buff/rub it out. It still looks like new. I can't say that for
my other painted bikes.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theo Smit
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my B4/F3 in May 1996. So far I've got about 1500 miles on it - most of it on hardpack singletrack, some rocky climbing and descents, and a couple of races, and it's got to be the most maintenance free full suspension bike combination you can put together. In the two seasons I've rebuilt the front shock about 5 times and the rear 3 times, and had no serious problems with oil blowing out or other malfunctions that were due to the shock design. I blew an O-ring out of the front shock once immediately after rebuilding it, but I then (carefully) re-did things again and have had no problems since. The chainstay bushings finally needed replacing about two months ago.
Other than the above items, my regular maintenance consists of:
- Hose the bike down if it's muddy after riding
- Clean and lube the chain and derailleur stuff as required
- Polish it when I can't stand the waterspots, fingerprints, and scratches anymore.I know half a dozen other riders in this area who ride Amp B-4 or B-5 bikes, and NONE of them have experienced the range or severity of problems that are described below. Everyone knows that the Amp shocks are minimalist designs, and that hurts Amp's reputation because unlike other suspension and fork designs, the AMP bike suspensions actually work and actually keep working when a little dust or mud gets on the bike. Therefore, when the shock quits it's really noticeable.
The only thing I will be upgrading on my bike is to get the new shock when it comes out, and maybe some lighter components. Currently the bike weighs in at 21.9 lbs with LX/XT component group except for a Syncros Ti bottom bracket, Victor VP103 pedals, and a wheelset consisting of Syncros rims, aluminum nipples, Ritchey Logic spokes, TNT XLS hubs, and Specialized Ground Control/Master tires. An excellent tire set, by the way, for the other reviewer that was asking about tires. Not quite as grippy as the Team Control/Master set that the bike came with, but the team edition Ground C/M tires are each about 140g less than the standard (Kevlar bead) Team C/M tires - over half a pound of rotating weight saved.To Brendan who believes everything he reads: Get out there and try a bike before you decide what to buy. It sounds to me like a lot of the people posting here are victim of poor bike preparation by the dealer or just plain abuse their stuff. To the guy (see the F3 fork review) that had to pound it back together with a rock - get a life, and a real mechanic.5 chilies for the design, -1 for the shock performance. But it's a great bike. 5 chilies anyway. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron
a cross-country rider
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
B4. Having ridden this bike for 2 1/2 years I have to say I love the ride. I only weigh 150 lbs so flex has not been a problem. That is the plus. The negative, as with everyone else, has been the rear shock. I average a rebuild every 3-5 rides. I have 2 of the old shocks (nonadjustable) and have replaced the shafts on both and tried all of the hop ups without any luck. I am currently using a G-Shox (the only aftermarket shock for the B4. I am still trying to get the damping dialed in but the shock has been reliable so far (about 1 month). N2 charged with wave washers. Requuires sending it in for changes which is the only drag. If I can get it dialed, it may be the answer.I talked to AMP. They will have a new shock out in the next 1-2 weeks that has a pressure relief valve that they claim will keep the seals from blowing. I will not be the first to buy it, i can tell you, but would be interested in other peoples experience with it.Ride:5
Shock:0
Company:3 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philippe
a cross-country rider
from Brussels - BELGIUM
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the AMP B4/F4/D1 combination.
Well, it looks great, it's very light, it's defenatly the best bike to show off at a race.
The fork works well on little and big bumps, no worries here !
The D1 brakes are fabulous if you use it with XT/ XTR V-brakes levers for great modulation and power. If you use it with standard levers, they are just pieces of shit.
As far as the frame is concerned, the shock must be the worst one on the market (fixed 3 times in 60 days) and the rear is mush too flexy to handle right.
Brakes : 5
Fork : 4
Frame : 1
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Chennisi
a cross-country rider
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
95 AMP-B4
What can I say. I've ridden my share of bikes the past 10 years and I've ridden hard tails, front suspension and now full suspension. I've recently started racing and have been on my B4 for 3 years.Over all no complaints. I've put it through the test with every range of riding from New England to Pennsylvania. My one complaint. The rear shock. I've spent a fair amount of time on the phone with the people at AMP and after many conversations they finally acknowledge that the blow out is a major problem. Why they haven't addressed it prior, who's to say. They told me that they are speaking with company's like Noleen and Stratos to design a quality shock for the bike. They told me it should be ready in about 3 months.(Let's cross our fingers) and they are going to have a no cost exchange program. (Speak to Cody)The only other thing I should forewarn all of you about is the current replacement shock. It is wider than the original one and will require you to ship AMP back the seat housing. (Otherwise it will rub surfaces) Make certain that you tell them to send all the necessary bushings as they did not ship them to me twice.Other than that I love the bike. I know tires are personal taste but have any of you found tires that seem to work better on this bike rather than others? Specifically the front because of the unique action on the front fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
utterly disgusted
a racer
from
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm back to update my previous review that's posted a few down from this one.
I was straddling the fence previously, but I'm now sure that the B4 is a piece
of garbage. The rear shock is unreliable and the damping is crappy. I've wanted an AMP since the original B1, and regretfully, I finally got one. I've previously owned a Cannondale M500, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Y-22, Klein Adroit, Kona Hei Hei, and even a Supergo version of the B2. The AMP has been the worst of the bunch. Unreliable, flexy, and poor handling. To top it off, the company knows about all of these problems but refuses to do anything about it. It just keeps shipping new seals for the blown shocks until the warranty runs out. Maybe they should start selling the bikes with extra seals?! Anyway, if you're reading this because you're thinking of buying one, take my advice and look elsewhere. If you like the design, go buy a Specialized FSR. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a cross-country rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for the B5 and Amp's tech crew. The B5 is a really light bike and rides awesome. However, it is not an option to get an aftermarket shock. I have a 2 Risse Racing Genesis shocks that are awesome. I am impartial to air/oil anyways. The tech service though will not get back to me on anything I Email them. Sure,I can call them be put on hold for 20 minutes and have a high phone bill when simple Email should suffice. If you need tech support don't bother asking if aftermarket or non Amp parts will work cause they'll tell you it is not recommended always. Well the rear shock is recommended and the tech support sucks. I would look elsewhere for a bike as there are plenty of others and the support cant be worse. -5 chiles for support/ 2chiles for overall quality and reliability. But, 4 chiles for lightweight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gibson Anderson
a cross-country rider
from Saratoga, CA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Although I did a review in October, 1996, after reading some of the recent highly negative reviews I wanted to address AMP reliability and service as I've experienced it. I've been riding my AMP B4/F4/D1 for 14 months. According to my Avocet 50 bike computer, I've put on 1,560 miles while climbing (and descending) 242,000 vertical feet. I don't race but I ride hard year round through mud, water and dust on a mix of fast fireroads and technical single track in Soquel Demonstration Forest, Wilder Ranch, El Corte De Madera Open Space Preserve and a couple of places I can't talk about. I weigh 195 pounds. I don't get big air (on purpose) but I routinely do one to two foot dropoffs while descending. I really try not to but have had several crashes requiring wheel work and minor medical attention. During all of this, I've had to rebuild one front shock ($8 worth of parts and a ten minute job) and have a disk brake assembly repaired. I've had no problems with the rear shock and have broken nothing on the bike. Since I don't have a local dealer who stocks parts, I purchased rebuild kits for the shocks ($8 each), shock rebuild tools and a spare brake assembly and do my own work. Nothing takes more than 10 minutes and a hex wrench, vise and screwdriver. AMP customer support people are wonderful. When I order something, they ask how fast I want it. When my brake assembly went out, they got me a new assembly the next day and I had it on and dialed in in ten minutes. I couldn't be happier with my AMP B4/F4/D1 after 14 months, 1,560 miles and 242,000 feet of climbing and 242,000 feet of descending. It's a GREAT bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob
a cross-country rider
from san diego, ca
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Having just gotten off a Wicked Fat Chance I was leary about paying so much for a bike I had never ridden, only read about. I must say I have been very pleased with the performance. It is quick and nimble, light(24lbs), climbs like ther is no tomorrow. I've read the other reviews as to how these bikes are self distructing. I weigh in at 190lbs and have had nothing break in 2 1/2 yrs. My bike was one of the second lot ever built. I have been happy, except!!! as with everyone else, the shocks. I am on my 3rd rear shock though this one has lasted me almost 2 yrs. I rebuild once every 6 months. It's too easy not to keep it working at its peak. I will admit if anyone comes up with a Noleen quality shock I will be in line. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Rios
a cross-country rider
from Brownsville,TX
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know if I can speak for all AMP owners out there, but my bike has more shipping miles on it than actual riding miles. I've never raced the thing, and I've been careful with it, but The damn thing can't seem to stay together. Here's the list of things replaced or repaired by AMP:
1) Disk brakes rebuilt 8 times in two months(count 'em, 8 TIMES!). They finally found seals that worked, and have had no problems since. Have since rode a bike with V-brakes and found that they stop just as well as the disks but at one third of the cost (AT LEAST).
2) Shock mount broke at the right shock tab on the frame. Poor heat treating the culprit. Frame replaced.
3) Shock rebuilt 5 times. On one occasion, the OEM rebuilder overtightened the clamp that holds the shock for assembly. I don't ride this bike anymore and am trying to sell it to get a new FSR.
4) Chainstay broke three times at the shock mount.Three replacements later, they redesigned it and hasn't broken-yet!!.
5) Front fork epoxy bond broke, resulting in a noisy and flexy front fork. Fork blades replaced.
6) Seat tower gave out. Replaced by AMP
7) Chainstay/swingarm cracked on the drive side. Am currently waiting for a replacement so I can reassemble the thing and consign it at a local bike shop. Will probably get what I paid for it since this area is known for its people (read; Mexican drug dealers) who have more money than sense and enjoy the exclusivity of expensive, fragile things.
This bike has been an albatross around my neck for a year and a half now. I'll be glad when it's gone. If anyone you know is thinking about buying an AMP, do anything in your power to talk them out of it. If you want something to pose with and impress your non-riding friends, go ahead and get it. But if you want a bike you can be happy with and enjoy on a regular basis, buy something else.
As for the handling, it's a little slow on singletrack as this bike is designed for California rides (fire roads). STAY AWAY FROM THIS BIKE!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick D-T
a weekend warrior
from Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought B4 frame. Lasted about a month before the rear shock packed in. Shock rebuilt twice, replaced with ,97 shock, still really knocky. Drive side Horst Link wore after 150 miles and it had been assembled without the top shock bush. Very flexy rear end and generally poor rear scock. After sales service well below average so I returned it afer 3 months having only being able to do about 200 miles in that time. Totally unimpressed.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tommy goggia
a cross-country rider
from maui, hawaii
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for AMP's B5 model. If you want an awesome looking bike to hang
on your wall or pose with, then this is your bike. If you looking for a high end
race ready steed, look elsewhere. I've had a B5 for 2 months now and have had
3 rear shock failures. This is not just my bad luck but a common occurance with
this bike. Amp admitted to me that these shocks are failing but that doesn't
make things any better that, once again, my bike is down awaiting parts.
Since my last rating of this bike (a 2), the front disc brake has been not just squeeking but loudy shrieking. This happen as soon as the rotor heats up a bit.
All the XTR parts on the bike have worked flawlessly. It seems that the parts
made by AMP are its weakness.
Looking at the bright side, the leaking shocks have kept the front derailleur
and bottom bracket lubed. Plus the shrieking brakes serves as warning to other
bikers to get the hell out of my way as I might not be in full control of the bike due to impending shock failure.
I could have bought a fleet of 50 Huffys for what this bike costs. Sometimes
I think that might have been a better choice. Anyways, until AMP comes up with
a rear shock that lasts, DON'T BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mildly Disappointed
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a B4(frame only) about 4 weeks ago. I've put a good amount of mileage on it now so I think I can comment with some confidence. First of all, the workmanship is top notch. The paint could be a little nicer, but I just got off a Klein Adroit(Klein paint jobs are the best). In regards to the ride, I had a really tall fork on there initially and it handled like a hog. I'm sure it would have been ok for downhilling, but the majority of my riding is done cross-country so I'm switching to a Z2. I'll update later on how that affects the handling. As it is right now, it is NOT a singletrack machine. A nice OCLV hardtail kicks this things ass in the tight stuff, but again it might be due tot my poor choice in forks. The rear suspension is a nightmare! The shock is miniscule and way overdamped. If you think about the design of the frame, the shock is a load bearing member of the frame and as such should be much beefier.
As it is, a tiny shaft is bearing all the side loads and causing the seals to break and thus making the oil leak. AMP has tried to address the issue of leaky rear shocks, but they have a long way to go. Try visiting the AMP bulletin board and about 1/3 of the listings are question about how to replace/repair the rear shock. AMP should get a clue. Think hard before buyiing this frame. There are some big modifications you're going to have to make to make the bike ride right. I'm having a proto shock and seat tower made as I type this. The reason no one makes an aftermarket shock is because the opening through the seat tower is too small, so in order to fix that problem, a new seat tower must be made also. This obviously makes things prohibitively expensive. Especially with the new crop of mainstream dual suspension bikes out there. Specialized's AIM bikes, which are modeled after the B4, probably work a lot better and cost a lot less. If you want the cache of a non-mainstream name, you're going to have to pay for it in aftermarket mods. I think the basic architechture of the frame is very good, but the execution is lacking. It's a shame that AMP couldn't get it straight with the rear shock. One last word on the F3 fork. Currently(while I wait to get the B4 back), I'm riding a hardtail with an F3. Believe everyone when they say it needs time to break in. New, this thing sucks, but as it wears in the small/medium hits are taken very nicely. It still sucks for big hits, so if you like to jump, skip this fork. The one outstanding thing about this fork is its lateral rigidity. I would say it's as good as any rigid fork(remember those?). If I didn't have to go through the trouble of changing the shock, I'd probably give it 3 1/2 chiles, but because I did, I'm giving it 2 1/2. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Jones
a cross-country rider
from Virginia Beach, VA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 1997 B4 with F3-XC fork and I am completely in awe at how great this bike handles. It is an extremely agile and precise handler. Through tough technical single track, it seems to have ESP! It turns every root and bump of any frequency, in to a dull thud. You can dog this bike all day, and not feel any pain in your wrists, or your ass......The whole bike is assembled from different pieces, so if something gets damaged, you can replace it. I SAY TO ANYONE CONSIDERING A FULL SUSPENSION BIKE..BUY THIS ONE. YOU'LL NOT BE DISAPPIONTED!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a cross-country rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Light as a feather, tough as nails. I've got the B4/F3/D1. No complaints here! Just hard to find one to test ride. Buy one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a cross-country rider
from Payson Utah
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the new B5 with the F4BLT. This is an incredible bike. I was originally disappointed when I assembled my large frame with XT/XTR components and weighed in at 26 lbs. But with a new wheelset and bottom bracket and every thing else I have it down to an honest 23.75 lbs!!! The ride is awesome. It climbs like no hardtail fanatic could believe. And at the end of a 3 hour rocky ride I win not the poor man on the hardtail. Unfortunately I blew my rear shock on only my second ride. AMP sent me out a replacement shock the same day and took good care of me. I am a little dissappointed with the noise and squeaks in the rear linkage but if you keep the bike clean it will shut up. For anybody looking seriously at a high performance,light cross country machine, this is the bike for you. I also give the bike an excellent rating for downhill. I'm not sure I really feel comfortable at high speeds (40mph+) because the rear floats a bit. But on technical slower stuff I can keep up with my buddies easily. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom-O-Rama
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I demoed a B-4 with disk brakes and the Amp fork. I couldn't ride thing. It made me feel like I was dragging a brick. I rode it for a couple days and just wasn't getting it. I demoed the Schwinn Homegrown URT and was blown away. I think the Amp is a great bike but I would recommend a test ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philippe
a cross-country rider
from Belgium (Europe)
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is great.
Light, stiff, cool looking, ... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shahar weinblut
a cross-country rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It is a great bike.lite,great stoppers and handling (for XC use). not very
good at hi-speeds. mine required caliper,shock,& caliper mount
replacements/fix on a period of 6 month, but since then O.K.
and the service is exelent. just stay away of the F2 fork. 5 years ago it
might have been considered a good one...
i recommend the bike, but remember its like riding a ducati motorcycle:
needs more care then ordinary bike. i know, i have both... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Warren
a cross-country rider
from Woodland Park, CO
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike! Had mine built up with the F4 BLT fork and D1 disk brakes. Weight is 22.5 lbs. As a light weight rider (125#), I had trouble dialing in the suspension, even with the soft springs. Not much frame flex while climbing out of the saddle. Compared to my previous bike, the B4 seems more lively and balanced, which is great on singletrack. For those of you familiar with the Spin Cycle portion of the Park City, Utah, course used for the NCS last year, the bike handled this section like a dream. The disk brakes are awesome! They cost more than V-brakes or the like, but they are worth it to me. Took a while to break them in to the point of no squeal in front. They stop right now with a one finger grip and without any sign of fading. Only big gripe I have is the redesign of the F4 BLT fork shocks. To reposition the spring collar, the spring must be compressed and a clip removed, which is a real pain. The previous design only required turning the assembly for tension adjustment. I would recommend a test ride for anyone and everyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Sutton
a racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: February 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Best full suspension bike ever made! Amp reaserch is a good compony with a great imagation that works to make a good bike worthy of compotition! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ole Blokhus
a cross-country rider
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had a B4 since June, and it's the best damned bike I've ever ridden. There is really only one
thing I can complain about, and that's the location of the rear shock. The rear tire kicks dirt right
on to the shock shaft, and that reduces seal life considerably. I blew the seals after approx. 2
months of dry-weather riding, and also managed to overtighten the shock clamp bolts on the shockstay,
causing it to crack, when trying to mount the shock
back on the bike after changing the seals. I also broke the seat subframe, because the seatpost
wasn't inserted far enough into the frame. The way the '96 B4 seat subframe was designed, it was
necessary to insert the seapost much further into the frame than on an ordinary bike.Amp has been very helpful in replacing all the parts under warranty, even when I told them I
overtightened the bolts on the shock-stay.Now I've covered the shock with a Lizard Skin shockprotector, and also glued a thin aluminum plate
across the top of the shockstay, where the shockstay exits the underside of the shock, to katch the
dirt that would normally land on the shock shaft. I haven't had a problem since then.So far I haven't changed a single pivot bearing, and the bike remains as tight as new, after 5
months of riding 3 times a week, in all kinds of weather.Now that I've learned how to take care of it, it's a great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron
a cross-country rider
from WA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Best!!! I too had trouble with the rear triangle. Sent it to AMP and they fixed it free of charge and had me riding again in under a week. This bike rides better than anything else out there. I have ridden Klein, Kona, Specilized, Cannondale, Diamond Back and a couple of others. None comes close to this. The perfect crosscountry bike. Climbs, descends and corners like it was on a rail. I have had the F2 fork and am now upgrading. If you are looking for a serious full suspension XC bike, this is the one. And it is 100% backed up by a great company(As long as you're not in Germany, I guess). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gibson Anderson
a cross-country rider
from Saratoga, California
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I love it. I have the B4, F4, D1 combination which, with a mix of XTR and XT on the large frame, weighs an honest 24.75 lbs ready to ride. The D1 disk brakes are infinitely modulatible all the way to locked and back and my hands never get tired. The F4 carbon fiber fork eats bumps. I just sit down and pedal up things I can't get up with my hardtail Klein with Judy XC. The rear suspension allows me to sit on all but the roughest sections. I'm less tired after a rough ride. Great bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a cross-country rider
a
from Munich, Germany
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
1) amp service in Germany is extremely unreliable!
2) I had to wait 5 months!!! and many phone calls (saying it would arrive in 2 weeks) before finally the frame arrived
3) the rear cracked after 2 weeks! (right where the rear shock is mounted)
4) the rear shock does not work well, makes funny noises and continues to scratch to the aluminium plate holding the seat stem
5) the disc brakes work well now that I already had one replaced
6) the B-4 fork is fabolous!!Despite the fork this is really not what you expect of a bike you spent DM 12000,- ($8,000) on, is it? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant Matsushige
a
from HI
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Was on two week trip with friends here on the Big Island and Kauai in Hawaii.
A friend's B4 had bad rear shock seals. The B4 has an inherent flaw in that
the rear shock shaft protrudes right where the back tire is able to kick tons
of mud and dirt right onto it. This dirty shaft quickly wears out the seals
and causes the shock to leak all its oil right onto the tire.......At any rate
all that's left back there is a bouncy bike.....They've attempted to fix the
flexy problem and in turn created another...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M. Brinker
a cross-country rider
from Orlando
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Amp B-4 is the best bike I have ever ridden. It's suspension is active (so if you're a retro grouch, it's probably not for you) but not so active that it makes you feel like you're bobbing all over the place wasting energy. The F-3 fork is very responsive, and it's 2.25 of travel feels like a lot more, plus, it's over a pound lighter than the lightest telescopic forks, so it's very easy to track over any obstacle. The whole thing, with XT and disc brakes (which I don't have yet) only weighs 24.5 lbs.!!! Awesome ride and awesome craftsmanship on the frame and fork. Worth every penny!
| | Overall Rating: |
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