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Submitted by
justin
a Cross Country Rider
from mars,mars,mars
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | happy | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | yardsale | | Strengths: | super light, decent plushness, doesnt feel like a motorcycle. Rebound doesnt need adjusting, because its set well. works great for climbing, looks cool imo. | | Weaknesses: | not for riding up stairs, drops, running into fire hydrants | | Similar Products Used: | marzocchi comp(air and coil versions), rst, rock shock, older manitou | | Bike Setup: | litech magnesium frame (3 lb!), amp f1, various shimano, alloy goodies,ritchey tin can,scott bailing wire, duct tape. | | Bottom Line: | fork is great for people who are willing to sacrifice their motocross travel for a fork that weighs half as much as a marz mx. great for moderately smooth single track. Super solid for steering. Again, many of these posters say the fork makes them unconfident, they break etc. yes, these forks are not for people who like to ride directly into large objects(stumps, boulders, small children). But in return your front end wil feel very responsive, and if adjusted right, the fork will take the vibrations as well as the larger knocks. Although they arent really worth the retail, if you can find one for cheap, the trail rider will not be dissapointed. I also never once had a problem with diving or scariness, and i ride fairly fast and aggresively. might not be good for people > 200lbs. They are also easy to rebuild and mod the damper unit. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art Fisher
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacrmento, California
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Garner's Palo Alto | | Strengths: | Light weight, quality manufacturing. Any decent mechanic could work on this fork for minor repairs. | | Weaknesses: | Limited adjustability of suspension, user has to change springs to adjust compression. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode a Girvin shock | | Bike Setup: | 1996 Steelman XC hardtail, custom built | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden my AMP F-3 XC solidly since 1996. Have sent the fork back for rebuild (new bushings, rebuilt oil dampers) three times. Was riding 4+ times per week, 3 hours per day (on rocky terrain) for 4 years, slowed down to 3 times per week in 2001. After 10 years, I would not consider giving up my AMP F-3 fork. I've looked at Zokes, Rock Shox, Fox, etc. Each have great products, but nothing that compares, in my mind, to the value and the predictability of the AMP. (NOTE: my current ride replaced an earlier bike equipped with a Rock Shox Mag air/oil fork).
I have nothing but praise for AMP as a company. AMP has remarkable customer service, when the fork went back for rebuild, it was returned within 7 calendar days. Once when I'd gotten the fork back, the Techs at AMP had cleaned the fork and replaced all of my stickers, it didn't even look like the same fork.
Under the conditions I ride (XC with bumpy/rocky downhills/technical trails), the AMP fork responds fine. Longer travel would be OK, but you learn to ride a better line when you don't have the benefits of longer travel in your fork. Most riders who complain of limited travel need to learn better riding techniques in order to pick the better line.
I broken the main spring once, AMP sends new springs free of charge. A new spring takes about 15 hours of riding to break in (not bad). Springs are made by Eibach, a solid manufacturing company.
Like all machines with moving parts, dust and dirt are enemy to bushings and bearings. This fork is no different. With a little attention to cleanliness, the oil damper and the bushings will give you years of trouble free operation. The key to longevity is getting the right recoil spring for your weight.
I paid full price for the fork when I bought it (new). I would still pay full price today. At 2.4 lbs and responsive customer service, I give the fork and the company high marks.
Most products out there today are pretty good. This product ranks right up there with the rest. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biker Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Hoot 'n a holler | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | Breaks | | Similar Products Used: | Telescopic forks | | Bottom Line: | I am suprised to see a 2005 review. I have not ridden with the F-2/F-3 except ``around the parking lot kinds of things'. But two second-hand experiences. I used to ride with a guy who had the steel-leg version and loved it for a while then he noticed both legs were cracking near both rim brake bosses. AMP replaced it but he was out a fork in the meanwhile. Good news is it gave him time to think about it and find another fork. When he got the replacement fork NO WAY did he want to ride it (nor did I want to buy it from him). Other: I used to ride with another guy I first saw lying on his back surrounded by paramedics and police after the steer tube on his AMP broke after a couple years of ordinary riding. I saw the steer tube -- classic fatigue. AMP charged him for replacement parts, never mind his concussion and emergency services bill. Once he got it repaired no way did I want to ride it, never mind buy it! My guess is newer versions work better but still scary, and some of the AMP designs demonstrate misunderstanding of basic engineering (like the double downtube -- d'oh!) which does not inspire confidence. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dorkian
a
from Austin
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Muleshoe Bend | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | e-blah | | Strengths: | Excellent fork...not much travel but very solid. Mine is set up with the black coil and red bushing as I'm over 200lbs. Legs are stiff. Overall rides like a rigid with a little room for forgiveness so you can save your wrists. | | Weaknesses: | A bit ugly, a bit strange...but who wants to be like everyone else? | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi & Rock Shox Judy TT | | Bike Setup: | Boston baked bean brown Bontrager Privateer S set up as singlespeed, WTB nanoraptors, riser bar, canti in the back, V on the fork. Ugly! | | Bottom Line: | Don't believe the negative reviews. Never had a problem with diving while braking. Make sure you get the correct type of spring/bushing for your weight. Not a lot of travel, but do you really need 10"? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt lake City
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Light and funky | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't work as a shock. It's more like a rigid fork that wiggles than a suspension fork as it doesn’t soak up the small stuff and blows through the travel on larger hits. Falling rate suspension does not work on a 2 in. travel fork. | | Similar Products Used: | None like this, thank God. I've owned a few of the old RS-1s, 1 quadra, 1 judy, 1 Duke, and 1 Marzocchi. | | Bike Setup: | It is no longer on any bike as I gave it to my friend who thought it looked cool and would make a hip decoration. I couldn’t even use it as a paper weight as it constantly reminded me that I had spent money on it and was lowering my self esteem. | | Bottom Line: | This fork needs less maintenance than a lot of other forks on the market. However, this is not a result of higher quality. It is simply that this “shock” simply performs so poorly initially, that it’s hard to notice when it stops working properly. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Racer
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Hardwood Hills | | Strengths: | Light: 2.2 Lbs, Very stiff laterally. Low maintainance. | | Weaknesses: | Only 1.5 inches travel after sag. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock shock Mag 21 (this dates me!) and Fox Talas | | Bike Setup: | Moots YBB, Sweetwings cranks/BB, Mavic Crossrocks, XTR, Moots post, stem, bars, Speedplay pedals (ti) | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Amp in 1997 when I put together my Moots YBB dream x-country race bike. It was and still is the lightest fork going- period. But, after many happy years on the Amp, I am retiring the ol' fella and am going with a heavy but much more efficient and longer travel Fox Terralogic F100X fork. I visited my bro' on the North Shore of Vancouver, rode (free-riding) the trails on his "big bike" and discovered the merits of sacrificing some weight for long, smooth travel- even for us x-country geeks. I would recommend the Amp to x-country racers who have two bikes- one for smooth climbing courses (use the Amp) but have the other bike set up with a modern telescopic fork. The limited travel of the Amp impedes your performance on all but smooth terrain when comared to even an 80mm travel fork. And yes, it compresses when braking. But-The fork is stiff and tracks very well. I've only had to have it serviced once- which the company (or whats left of it) was happy to do via mail. It has no "stiction" common to telescopic forks- its smooth- and it doesnt bottom often depite its limited travel.
I've enjoyed the fork, and if I can afford a second full-suspension bike some day I may re-mount the Amp on my Moots and put the new Fox on the FS bike to address both types of race terrain. But given only one choice, I'd say the Amp doesnt offer enough travel for most riding conditions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Manies
a Racer
from Redding Ca
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle Redding Ca. | | Strengths: | LightWeight, Responsive as a True Rigid Fork | | Weaknesses: | Is not Quite as Plush as the Newest Technology. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou,Rock Shocks | | Bottom Line: | Dont buy into the Negative Reviews this fork gets, i bought new in 1993 (Univega Cromoly Version) then i got a free Aluminum Leg Version upgrade for free Shortly after..
i have only had the Fork Serviced twice since 1993/1994 and would recremend this Fork to anyone looking for a Lightweight Alternative to Rock ShoX or Manitous.
Very Well Built fork and i have raced on this fork for years.
Only way i would get rid of this fork is POSSIBLY for a 2.6 Lbs Rock Shox SID. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Howler
a
from Elgin Illinois
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Spindocter IL | | Strengths: | i flatLand
This is a great bike it is my 2 week with it and i can already do some realy Bad ass trix.It is so easy to get used to too.Really great.BUY THIS BIKE | | Weaknesses: | Not realy and found...the brakes dont last forever though | | Similar Products Used: | Haro F5 | | Bike Setup: | 1 piece...changed mine with 2 piece much better | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike...Worth $300 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zdenek Bartos
a Weekend Warrior
from Brno, Czech Republic
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Javorniky Mtns., Lago di Garda | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | used form a friend | | Bottom Line: | Subject: RE: copy of the mail to M-B
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 21:11:18 +0200
From: Brion La Belle
To: "'zbartos@email.cz'"
We were the only ones building the Mercedes bikes and we are not doing it anymore. We are still supporting what is out there repair and service wise for the shocks, disc brakes, and the forks. We do not have any of the following available:
1) Frames or complete bikes
2) Disc brake calipers
3) F4blt forks
4) F3xc forks with carbon legs (aluminum leg version is still available @ $315.00)
We do have:
1) Repair parts for forks, disc brakes,frame pivots, and shocks in stock and we can service the parts as well.
Brion La Belle
AMP RESEARCH
(949) 221.4189 (Direct)
(949) 221.0043 (Fax)
brion@amp-research.com
www.amp-research.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Bartosovi [mailto:zbartos@email.cz]
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2002 1:42 PM
To: brion@amp-research.com
Subject: copy of the mail to M-B
Hello Brion,
attached is the copy of my mail to Mercedes-Benz (only for your information). If you know the answer, I'd like to obtain it from you too....
************************************************************
Dear friends,
you are writing on your web about the fact that "All the bikes are codesigned with AMP research and handmade in the U.S.A. ....". On the other side the AMP Research on the web page
http://www.amp-research.com/store/bikeparts.htm write: "KEY FACTS: As much as we enjoy riding AMP mountain bikes, we are no longer building them. Sorry!"
Could you say me please, which factory is now building the new AMP/Mercedes-Benz frames, forks, hubs, disc brakes, dampers and all other necessary spare parts and if are the above mentioned components available separately ??????
Thank you in advance for your answer.
The satisfied owner of 4 AMP forks, 3 AMP disc brakes and 1 AMP B4 frame, Zdenek Bartos - http://zbartos.tripod.com .
************************************************************ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike A
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta, Amelia | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Stiff, precise, LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT | | Weaknesses: | Very short travel, Rebuilding could be a problem | | Similar Products Used: | Truly there are no similar forks | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar, XT XTR mix, Sachs Shifters (old but they rule), ZAC19/Deore wheelset | | Bottom Line: | First of if you are a 250lb freerider forget this fork. With the advances in fork technology this fork is left to fill a niche for the light XC rider who cares about his bike's equipment. It requires that the dampner be filled with oil every so often and the bushings should be wiped clean regularly after riding... THAT'S IT!! This fork is super light and the springload is adjustable. For light XC riding, some rocks and roots and small drops, this thing is great. I have never needed to repair or repalce anything on it, though it's my second one. The first one had the fork legs come loose after 3 rides. Replaced at no cost several years back, doubt this would be the case now. For the $100.00 bucks it supposedly going for it's a great deal for a second ride. My Zaskar is about 21lbs, with ZAC19 wheels on Deore hubs (heavy, but I got them cheap). With lighter wheels this would be sub 20lb ride. Funny how people look at them as if they are some weird thing (well they are actually) but they work!!!
Live for the ride, ride for life....... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnetonka
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Levi Trail Mounds | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, reliable. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to find replacement parts for, a bit dated now. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Black, Mag 21, Cannondale Lefty | | Bike Setup: | XT, AMP, Trek 8700 frame. | | Bottom Line: | I’ve been riding my AMP for nearly 6 years now, with great results! It’s a bit stiff, and not as plush as some of the newer telescopic forks that I’ve ridden recently, but it’s still nearly 2 pounds lighter, and virtually maintenance free. I haven’t encountered a single problem with mine. I know it’s to the point where it needs rebuilt, but I’ve ridden 6 hard seasons on this fork. (It’s the all aluminum version) I had the chromoly version before that, and I generally like it, but the pivots weren’t as good as this fork.
I’m a finesse rider, and lightweight, and I take care of my equipment. It makes a huge difference in any piece of equipment on your bike. I recommend this fork for XC riding, if you can still find one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bike Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from UP, MI USA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$76.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Light, quick, NO BOB | | Weaknesses: | O-rings, difficult to do a full servicing (replacing O-rings and bushings) | | Similar Products Used: | Hard nose, Manitou sx-r | | Bike Setup: | No Shi+mano | | Bottom Line: | It's light! It's STIFF! It doesn't BOB! Remember when you gave light input to your handlebar, and your front wheel went there instantly? That's back when you rode a non-suspension fork, and that's how the AMP-F3xc handles. It has enough travel to smooth out rocks, roots, curbs, and just about anything else, the compression is very predictable and very smooth, and it doesn't BONK when it hits bottom. IT IS AS LIGHT AS A non-suspension FORK (half the weight of most telescoping forks)! It is (almost) a perfect x-country fork.
Bad: The o-rings which protect the linkage bushings tear when you put your front wheel over a bike rack to lock it, and they are (nearly) impossible to replace with normal tools.
Regarding the complaints about diving under braking: Yes, this is a (pretty scary) problem until you re-fill the damper with oil, which is pretty easy. Regarding durability: No problems yet, and I put plenty of miles and plenty of grime on it (like everything else, clean it after every ride and it lasts longer, duh). Regarding the (in)famous AMP service: Even now, with AMP no longer selling these after-market, I e-mailed them a couple of service questions and they responded within a day or two--what else can I ask for?
Would I buy one again? Yes. Would I spend 400 bucks on it? No. Get it on e-bay for about $100. Value rating is based on a price of $100 or less. Don't buy it if you are a maniac mega jumper, but don't be afraid to do that occasionally, it won't hurt you or the fork, it just doesn't have the travel to make it pleasurable.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale, CA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Five Deer | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct | | Strengths: | Lightweight, stiffness, easy maintenance, strength | | Weaknesses: | 2.25" travel, adjustability | | Similar Products Used: | It works, why bother | | Bike Setup: | Trek 9700, XTR/XT | | Bottom Line: | Good fork, if a bit hard to adjust. Once dialed in, it just keeps going and going, with no maintenance. I'm 225lbs and ride hard, but don't beat my equipment , and this fork has held up really well. Not sure what all the gripes are about. It is starting to show its age, though... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Garcia
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham,Oleta, they all rule | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | Cool looking design, super light weight compared to any other shock in the market | | Weaknesses: | Not too much travel | | Similar Products Used: | SID's, Judy XC, cannondale head shock(not worth it) | | Bike Setup: | ProFlex 856, XT front derailer, XTR rear derailer, TruVativ Cranks, AMP F3 front shock, XT v's, Azonic stem, XTR shifters, Mavic 517's | | Bottom Line: | This is an great shock I've purchase two in my time. Broke one but sent it to AMP and they totally rebuilt it. Only issues I'm having is the travel on the bike. I've heard some "serious bull_$H!+" about this shock beign a piece of $H!+, but the only people that tell me that are a bunch of 400lbs'ers that'll break anything. If your considering this shock take it from me it's worth it. Pops your wheels over some of those killer roots and rocks. Make sure you ride with your hands lose on the grips don't grip hard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
n
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light, looks good, rare | | Weaknesses: | linited travel | | Similar Products Used: | rigid fork, 2001 SID SL | | Bike Setup: | Amp B2,xt/xtr | | Bottom Line: | The fork was good for the time when the bike was purchased but comes up "short" compared to almost any modern fork. I am only getting about an inct to an inch and a half of travel with this fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
n
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light, looks good, rare | | Weaknesses: | linited travel | | Similar Products Used: | rigid fork, 2001 SID SL | | Bike Setup: | Amp B2,xt/xtr | | Bottom Line: | The fork was good for the time when the bike was purchased but comes up "short" compared to almost any modern fork. I am only getting about an inct to an inch and a half of travel with this fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biker Kid
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamilton,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dundas Rail Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | From some guy i know | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | it's too hard | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy 100 | | Bike Setup: | my bike is set up so i can maximize travel( my fork is soft)and can take high drops with out busting my chops.
| | Bottom Line: | i found this fork is too hard for my liking.i couldn't really find the right stiffness that suits me best for the type of riding i do. it also could have looked a bit nicer than the really ugly on that i got. i looked like a fool on the trail with my reall ugly fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen Colorado USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Canyon Cycles | | Strengths: | The AMP fork is a ultra light weight suspension fork. I performs just fine, meaning while it not exceptional in a one catorgery it does not have a bad hibits | | Weaknesses: | The customer service a AMP Research are difficult or unpleasent at best. If you have any problems I recommend you kiss their ass or you would get any service. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox SID, Rock Shox Mag 21 | | Bike Setup: | Race Rig: Ibis Silk Ti equipt with XTR. Chris King headset and Bontrager race lite Wheels. ATAC pedals, Easton carbon posts/bar with Terry Ti Saddle | | Bottom Line: | I keep looking for a new race fork, & everyone including the mags say the AMP fork is piece of @#$!. I generally would disagree, while I have had problems in the past. In my search for a new racing fork I have read many reviews about the problems of the SID's and Mar's forks. In my opinion these forks are just as reliable as any other lite weight racing fork. Furthermore, don't be fooled Rock Shox ,Manitou and the Mags are in bed with each other, meaning you can't expect an objective review when these companies are supporting each other.
Beyond the poor customer service at AMP, I still rate the F3 a great fork for its intended purpose. The fork has some lateral flex but no more than any other lite weight fork. The suspension is not plush but does not bob either, this makes the fork a great compromise for a racer. The best feature besides the 2.2lbs weight, is the shock can be easily worked by self; you don't have to send it back to the factory. I carry a extra damping cartridge and screws in my tool kit. Once every season I buy a new damping unit ($40) and when the fork feels too flexly I swap out this unit, no fuss no muss. One final note the longer travel fork known as the F4 is very problematic and would aviod purchasing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
luke
a Cross Country Rider
from tn
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | swapmeet | | Strengths: | Wicked light. Pretty. Like the Jpath ravel on many trails. | | Weaknesses: | Carbon legs = flexy as hell. Jpath doesn't make for a universal fork, works well in some situations, will make you cry in others. | | Similar Products Used: | Judys, X flys, SID, various manitou. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis dragon....oh ma ma | | Bottom Line: | Ive been rid of my AMP for about a year now, and while i gave it a favorable rating before, I must say that in comparison to the new crop of teloscopics, the AMP design was pretty weak.
I had a carbon model that allowed the front end to flex and wobble a little at sped, and taking that thing though a rock garden was test of sheer will. It was great for long, rolly, NON-TECHNICAL singletrack or fireroads, but thts about it. The bushings developed play rather quickly, and the tunig options were just not there.
All in all if you are a serious racer, then by all means, get this for with ti springs and you have the lightest fork on the market (made my front end seem feathery).
But for all around riding in varying and versatile trail conditions, go stick with a good teloscopic.
One more thing...what the hell happened to the company? Their website doesn't even sell bikes except through mercedes, did their customer service fall through too? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hakalugi
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | shhhhh! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | performance (i used to work there) | | Strengths: | I have the carbon model- i bought it before the RS Judy (et al) were available, and bought it for these 2 reasons alone: no sloppiness in the steering like telescoping forks, and the light wt (verified 2.125 pounds with steerer). | | Weaknesses: | Some people seem to have trouble w/ 'em (i haven't). And that being the case, you need to send 'em back to Amp for work. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy XC, manitou 2 | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Alibi, full XTR, CaneCreek wheels, USE XCR seatpost, TTT bar, Ibis Stem | | Bottom Line: | I bought it back in '95- when i was getting my old Klien Rascal repainted Beluga Black (the black they used for the Pulse in '96). And for starters- I never really liked suspension- it was too sloppy with regard to steering control and the added wt. was a big minus.
I rode on my Klien "mission control" bar/stem/forks combo for years- so to me suspension was an unnecessary luxury.
When I did try suspenions, their benefits didn't outweigh the crap they brought. Then i tried an amp. And i loved it.
It's only got 2.25" travel, but its ultra light and laterally, just as stiff as a rigid fork.
I raced sport and rode year round on it for 3 years without any problems at all.
In late 1998, i got an Ibis Alibi- and thus needed to change from the 1" steel steerer on the fork, to a 1.1/8" alum steerer. So i sent it back to the factory so that they could press a new one in- and they overhauled it at the same time, swapping out the bearings, etc.
No problems since then either. Amp's are an acquired taste. I liked the feel of original RS air/oil combos, never the feel of the elastomeric stuff (too mushy)- now RS has come full circle with air/oil again, but still none can comprare to the stiffness and control and light wt. of my carbon Amp fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from B'ham
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | 2nd hand, off a friend | | Strengths: | Light (ish) | | Weaknesses: | The steerer tube became disconnected from the rest of the fork half way through a ride - Meant that my steering effectively didn't work. The fork is less than 3 years old and I bought it from a friend so I know its not his fault. This seemed to be a major design fault - something to do with the way the steerer is joined to the rest of the fork - by heat/compression only - no bolts. What a crock! | | Similar Products Used: | Noleen Mega Air - the dog's | | Bike Setup: | Kona Kula, Noleen Mega Air, | | Bottom Line: | Steer clear if you value your gonads in a crash. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Cave Creek, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | roller coaster | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | Light weight and very stiff | | Weaknesses: | Very Very Very poor customer service, after three months on fork, both legs bent and I paid AMP top dollar to replace them incuding shipping, both ways. Had to have it reworked a few times and it was the same old story. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy XC and now a SID XC | | Bottom Line: | Decent shock, little real travel and very poor customer service. Not recomended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | Since I saw the request posted several times now, I thought I'd provide this info.I contacted Amp Research a month ago and the forks are available for individual sale - the F3xc in aluminum only. Direct or through your LOB. Also, replacement parts will be available in the future. I contacted Amp via the following 2 email addresses:
1. techsvc@amp-research.com
2. Brion La Belle: brion@amp-research.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light weight, cool looks, durability | | Weaknesses: | AMP Research have probably given the ditribution rights of all bikes to the Mercedes-Benz company (see the new AMP web at http://www.amp-research.com/products/Mountain_Bikes/mountain_bikes.htm ) and it seems it will be impossible to buy the frame, fork or disc brake separately. I am afraid about the possibilty of buing the spare parts and repairs too ! If you have better informations in USA, give me please a message. | | Similar Products Used: | My first suspended fork. | | Bike Setup: | Ti hardtail with a mix of parts | | Bottom Line: | I have noticed the brake dive that others have mentioned, but have not felt any negative effects of it while riding, in fanct I think it performs better than the telescoping forks I have owned under heavy braking. I really like the light weight and the travel for my use is perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rene Garcia
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, Fl. 33156
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park, Quite Waters | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | For five years of what many would call hardcore, this shock has never given me problems till lately | | Weaknesses: | For a fact its not the greatest downhill shock, but it absorbs most of the tension dealing with Florida trails | | Similar Products Used: | I've tried Rock Shock Judy's, Manitou's, and till now I have not found a shock that can ride as good as this shock | | Bike Setup: | Diamond back Axis Pro hollowed out Crome Molly frame, XT shifters with XT front and rear brakes, XTR rear derailer with an XT front derailer, Strong Arm cranks. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line on this product. I would highly recommend it to anyone that whats to go hardcore through trails. Maintenance wise I still haven't found a bike shop that services this shock. From what I've seen the only people that service this shock is AMP itself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JRW
a Cross Country Rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light weight, cool looks, durability | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't look like everything else. Wait...that should be another plus! | | Similar Products Used: | Various Rockshock, C-dale Headshock | | Bike Setup: | C-dale hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I bought this fork used in '95 from my LBS for $110.00 installed. It is actually a Concept (Univega) version of the AMP fork with the steel legs. At the time, it was the only thing that I could afford. This fork has been fantastic for XC riding. I agree that it doesn't make a very good downhill fork. Recently I've noticed some play in the bushings, so I called AMP to see about maintanence. I was told that they could either rebuild my fork, or give me $110.00 trade-in on a new F3! Excellent! By the way, for anyone who is upset about the fork making noise, just squirt some plain water in around the spring. Takes care of it in a jiffy. I hope to have this fork for many more years to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zdenek Bartos
a Cross Country Rider
from Brno, Czech Republic, Europe
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Javorniky Mnts., Lago di Garda | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | 1 year used, Martin Bednar | | Strengths: | low weight, low maintenace, proper XC travel great on singletrack, looks like a dream | | Weaknesses: | Problems with dealers in Europe. AMP Research have probably given the ditribution rights of all bikes to the Mercedes-Benz company (see the new AMP web at http://www.amp-research.com/products/Mountain_Bikes/mountain_bikes.htm ) and it seems it will be impossible to buy the frame, fork or disc brake separately. I am afraid about the possibilty of buing the spare parts and repairs too ! If you have better informations in USA, give me please a message. Thanks.
Is better to wear neopren cover (former producer of such covers Millhouse doesn't exist more, so I have a company in Czech Republic, which is able to do such cover for you). In case of small play in bushings, is necessary to buy new AMP F3 XC Pin & Bushing Kit - order number 10-04141-10. | | Similar Products Used: | My first suspended fork. I'd like to have it forever ! | | Bike Setup: | Tange custom Cr-Mo triple butted Marin Eldridge Grade model 95, hard tail. | | Bottom Line: | My fork is after 7200 km (4 years) still like new one. Maintenace: after 5000 km changing the Pin & Bushing Kit, 2x changing Shock O-Ring Kit. Only water washing and using the Millhouse neopren cover. Great ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern, Idaho
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light weight, proper XC travel great on singletrack | | Weaknesses: | Not for fast fire road descents, possible future maintenace due to number of moving parts | | Similar Products Used: | Most Rockshox and Manitou products | | Bike Setup: | Ti hardtail with a mix of parts, XTR, Kooka, Ritchey, Amp etc. | | Bottom Line: | Compared to other forks I have used this is a great XC fork, but is definately XC specific. Fast fireroad descents are beyond the scope of it's capabilities (although a heavier oil in the damping unit may help this). I have noticed the brake dive that others have mentioned, but have not felt any negative effects of it while riding, in fanct I think it performs better than the telescoping forks I have owned under heavy braking. I really like the light weight and the travel for my use is perfect. I have the one with the carbon legs, which look cool, but I don't know if they do much beyond that.
4 flaming tacos, just because it is so XC specific | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from midland tx
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the freckinridge trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | |
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$ 375.00
