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Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | AMP Research | | Strengths: | Xtreme lightweight, plush XC bike with good product support, 10 years ahead of its time | | Weaknesses: | Factory linkage fork (not used)
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR
Specialized AIM Comp FSR
Specialized Ground Control AIM Comp
Marin F/S
| | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi XC fork, factory rear shock w/heavy spring, LX crankset, XTR rear derailleur, custom 8+1 XTR ti 10-32 cassette, Sachs 9sp. shifters, Dave's Wheels custom wheelset, overall weight 24.8 lbs in Large frame | | Bottom Line: | The AMP B5 is a bike years ahead of its time, lightweight, plush, and perfectly suited to XC riding, particularly out here in the loose rock and sand of the Sonoran desert. As an ultralite bike with thin straight-gauge 6061 tubing, it isn't a bike for big jumps or DH use, and most problems I've seen attributed to it have inevitably resulted as a consequence of using (abusing) the B5 far outside its design parameters.
I ordered my bike as a frameset direct from AMP and built it over a year's time with parts obtained in sales and clearance prices. I intentionally avoided the complex F3 linkage fork, opting instead for a strong, conventional XC Marzocchi. As a big guy I went with a large frame, heavy rear spring and solid aluminum rear triangle.
In terms of reliability, I have had zero problems with this bike over the last 10 years with the exception of two broken spokes. I recently bought replacement pivot bushings and a rear shock rebuild kit from AMP, in order to keep the bike on the road a few more years.
AMP still offers pivot bushing kits and rear shock kits for this bike, even though they stopped selling bikes years ago. That is a lot better product support than I've gotten from large bike manufacturers. Even today, just to equal AMP's technology, weight, and specs, you're looking at something like a Scott Spark Ltd. - and a huge price tag. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney Hickey
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lower Sackville, NS, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wrandees | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light!!
Climbing!!
Wow Factor!!
Horst Linkage !! | | Weaknesses: |
Small tubing in rear!!
Pivots!!
Shock mount design!!
Cost of parts!! | | Similar Products Used: |
GT XCR
GT LTS
Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: |
B5 Frame
SID Fork
XT & better
SRAM brake levers
Avocet saddle (light!!)
Mavic 517 citron wheels | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet ride!! I've been riding this bike in all conditions (night and day) for the past 6 or so months and have nothing to really complain about. I'm 180-190 lbs, and ride frequently. This bike climbs like a mountain goat and rides oh so smooth. The rear triangle is a little on the small side and it does flex somewhat (what can you expect from a 24 lb FS rig??). I've ridden IRC mythos XC, Michelin wildgrippers and a set of home-studded Norco tires all with great success.
I'd recommend this ride to a XC rider/racer but not someone who rides on extreme (eg. Canadian north Shore) and is into 10' drops etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a Cross-Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
It's super light!
Awesome brakes, plush! | | Weaknesses: |
To make it light, AMP skimped on pivot size, which causes them to wear out prematurely! | | Similar Products Used: |
AMP B-2 | | Bike Setup: |
Full XT with dual discs | | Bottom Line: | This is my second review of this bike. I have now replaced ALL of the bushings, and rebuilt the front shocks once, the rear FOUR times. Yes, the rear shock sucks! I have just ordered a Risse Astro-5, hope that fares better. AMP seems to believe that one way or another they will get their old shock to work better, they should save their time and $$ and just install the Risse! They have been pretty good about sending bits to keep the bike together, their shipping dept. is a tad slow, it usually takes 2 weeks to get anything! the brakes continue to be fantastic (and howl like crazy!), the metallic pads still show no wear after 2 years of hard use! The calipers, however, are becoming very rattley on their mounts, at first AMP said there was no fix, then the last time I complained, they sent me new bushings for the sliders. So, I still love the bike, warts and all. If it weren't for slow parts shipping and the shock and bushing problems, it would easily be a 5-chile bike. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All of them | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Disc Brakes
Sloping top tube | | Weaknesses: |
Rear shock
Fingerprints in decals | | Similar Products Used: |
Pro Flex 3000
Kestrel Rubicon
Cannondale Super V
GT LTS | | Bike Setup: |
XT/LX/AMP | | Bottom Line: | A beautiful bike to have in your collection. Also, a lesson about not paying attention to reviews written by professional magazine writers. I love the fork, I love the brakes. But, if you want to tear it up, bunnyhop railroad tracks and small trees, and you weigh more than about 170, take something stiffer. I never got the bike set up correctly, and got speed wobbles because of that. I could only get 3 usable suspension out of the rear, after dialing in sag per Horst's recommendations. The Leitners are wonderful people, but this bike should not be abused by someone like me, expecting to use a full suspension bike to its fullest. I used this bike in Illinois / Wisconsin, and will be using it in California when it gets shipped here. If you're interested in one of these bikes, get in touch with me. Who knows, this mechanic-owned beauty might be available to hang in your stall?! (Sorry, the 'Dale is gone, Ruby & PF aren't for sale) | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedalface
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I changed the rear shock to A Risse Astro-5.
Now I am happy. The bike works fantastically with this shock.
Very, very plush, with on the fly lockout.
Improves lateral support significantly.Now I will be replacing the Amp disc brakes, which were great, but don't last,
and the front F4 forks, I want atleast 4 of travel.But I am very happy with this bike, it is a leopard at 26Lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i have never owned such an expensive piece of junk... the worst investment i
have ever made. the rear shock blows up every ride (just about). not only does
it blow seals and leak oil, i have had the shock eyes (where the bolts go through) actually break. the frame now this is another story. i dont know who they designed the frame for (girls maybe) because the frame handles like junk.
it constantly twists, steering is so imprecise its scary. pedal and it shifts ,chain rubs,sometimes wont shift . i have full xtr just for the record and had many shops adjust it for me , and all they could tell me was to go get a new bike. the fork... i have the carbon f4blt fork which on the disc side the leg broke it just broke very scary also (junk). last... everytime i call amp reasearch for warranty they act like its all my fault, give me funny feelings
like im too abusive. but in the end it gets warrantied. too bad you cant get money for down time ... it could of helped pay for the 4800.00 bad investment.
if not paid for its self (just in down time). i give this bike 5 NEGATVE chillies. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clinton Bylo
a racer
from Livonia Michigan
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My review is not on the B5 but on the B4. I have owned my amp B4 for about 6 months and have raced it just as long. I think that the amp bike is an outstanding bike. I have heard lots of people talk about problems with their rear shock, but I have not had one problem. But if you do, I have tested the rear shocks from risse and they rock! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Barthell
a cross-country rider
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I give this bike a 5 star so far because this is truly the first dual suspention with dual discs that is light enough to go trailing and roading. This bike is very tossable and tracks effortlessly. I have owned this bike for a month and have put a couple hundred miles on it so far and it is fab...I am noticing oil leakage around the front and rear shocks, if this becomes an issue I will re-rate this bike a bit lower on a quality basis...I can't believe that considering this type of shock, the design has been around for years, that it is not a bullit proof item..The sport shocks I just put on my car have a life time warranty....I spent real money on this machine I expect real performance... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a weekend warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my B-5 for it's awesome brakes,light weight,and plush suspension.Weighing in at only 145,this bike works very well for my riding style.It is super stable at insane speed on terrible terrain,as well as being great in not caring what line you pick uphill.I've changed to the metal brake pads,they last forever when compared to the std. organic ones.But OH how the howl sometimes! The shocks-in a year of thrashing this bike,I have only rebuilt the rear shock once-so I don't understand what others have done to trash the shock so quickly!!! I do need to replace ALL the pivot pins and bushings in both the fork and the rear,which I see as a bit early-AMP should really consider larger pivots,it couldn't add THAT much weight !Also it's now time to rebuild the front dampeners-no biggie except the seals are tiny! All said,it's a wonderful bike,just a bit overpriced at retail.A bit flexy for you larger riders,great if you're light.Helluva advantage on a rough,rocky race course! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter k.
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After riding the bike 2-3 times per week during last summer and fall I have experienced no problems other than with the rear shock. During that time the shock was rebuilt or exchanged under warranty at least 5 times (I lost count) Fortunately our Canadian distributer came through by shipping an exchange unit immediately upon receiving a phone call reporting another failure. (turnaround 1-2 days).
This spring I purchased a Risse Astro-5 as a replacement for the AMP. After about6 week of riding, I have experienced no problems with the shock. The ride is dramatically improved over the AMP.
Has anyone else tried this shock?
| | 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
Danny B.
a weekend warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned my B5 for about nine months and have replaced the rear shock twice. My riding buddy owns a B4 and he has replaced his rear shock a couple of times. This is disappointing considering the cost of the frame and the reputation of the company. This seems to be a common problem among other B5 and B4 owners. However, there may be hope for B5 owners. Risse Racing offers an after-market shock to replace the unreliable AMP shock. Has anyone tried this replacement shock? I have heard great things about it and I am thinking of ordering one considering my B5 is 'mothballed' currently due to a blown-out rear shock.
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Salazar
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ordered a amp research b5 custom out of Bicycle Center USA the service was great and the bike is even better.the on thing on the bike that are amp are the brakes the frame and the forks. I've never had a problem with any of the parts.I would definetly buy another one. in the future but only from BCUSA | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
haze
a weekend warrior
from chi-town
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Other than the decals rubbing off to easily, I LOVE THIS BIKE. I don't care what anyone else says. Mine's a '98 with the new shock, I weigh 165 pounds, and its taken my abuse so far. IT'S LIGHT and IT'S BEAUTIFUL and if you want to see it, go to MTBR's dream bike section. See direct address below.WWW.MTBR.COM/DREAM/BIKES/4592.HTML | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chad f.
a racer
from stillwater, ok
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a current owner who has sent my frame back twice because the rear wheel is not centered with the chain stays. The frame that I got back was a 97 model instead of a 98. The wheel is not off by much, but it is enough to be annoying looking. I would figure for $975 that a frame should come straight as an arrow. Another thing with these Amp Research people is that they do not have a 1-800 number so you have to call them 10 times before you even get through to someone, and being from mid-America, that racks up quite a phone bill. The bike is a great handling bike, but between Amp's customer service and my mailorder problems with these people, I will not ever buy another bike from them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TONY C
a weekend warrior
from STOWE VT
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I OWNED AN AMP SHOCK, FOR ABOUT A MONTH. IT WAS AWFUL! I GOT RID OF IT AS SOON AS I COULD. IT WORE OUT VERY QUICKLY. GOD, I HOPE THAT MERCEDES BENZ SMARTENS UP AND GET RID OF OLD HORST, AS QUICKLY AS I DID, BECAUSE IT MAY REFLECT ON THEIR QUALITY! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a racer
from CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hello everyone,
I have had two of those AMP shocks. They are garbage I have worn both out in less then 1 month ride time each. I finally changed to a stratos it makes the bike 1000% smoother and lighter. If you buy any bike with an AMP shock just plan on taking it off and pitch it in the trash can. Go buy a Fox or stratos. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy Goggia
a cross-country rider
from Maui, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the AMP Research B5 (XTR) model. In what could be an excellent bike,
it appears to be fatally flawed by a rear shock design that seems to be good for only a couple of weeks before failure: oil loss, pogoing and metal to metal knocking. I've had the bike for one month and have had two failures despite
the fact that I have been going easy on this bike compared to the trashing
my other suspension bikes have received, without any such shock problems. It is
outrageous that a bike as costly as this has such a poorly designed part.
Aside from this, it is an awesome looking bike with lots of quality machined parts, great performing disc brakes and the XTR parts work flawlessly.
I changed the heavy Hutchinson On The Rocks tires for a lighter foldable type and swapped the Vetta saddle for an SDG.
If this bike didn't have the rear shock problem, I'd give it a 4 rating, mainly due to the almost impossible-to-adjust front shocks that ride a little
harshly.
However, until AMP gets it research together and comes up with a reliable rear shock (or someother company does) I have to give it a 2. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yoda
a cross-country rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This thing is the bomb! Lotsa plush travel in the rear, always active. Climbing, in the saddle or out, just worry about getting enough oxygen. Rear wheel always stays hooked up. (SBC Team Master tire.) Very precise steering, no noticeable flex in the frame or fork, point it where you want to go and it goes there. Downhill performance is great, it has allowed me to descend Rock-It at Aliso/Woods without much concern for picking a good line, just take the shortest route.
Built up with XT and a few trick parts (White hubs, Paul's MotoLiteMC's, Avid brake levers), the thing weighs just over 24 pounds.
Adjusting the fork is rather inconvenient, though, with those snap rings instead of good old threads. Another gripe would have to do with the cable routing for the rear caliper, because the housing rubs on the paint every time the suspension moves, but the bike was really designed with discs in mind. | | Overall Rating: |
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