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Submitted by
David Walkerden
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Oaks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct (on-line) | | Strengths: | Weight, lateral stiffness, design | | Weaknesses: | Not child proof | | Similar Products Used: | Judy's, SID, etc etc | | Bike Setup: | KHS alite, shimano XTR | | Bottom Line: | Fork set-up 101: If the fork (any fork) dives excessively under brakes or bottoms out, THE SPRINGS ARE TOO SOFT ! Amp-Research sells three different springs for this fork, and because it has one each side, you have six different combinations of spring rate to choose from. You also have seperate preload adjustment for each spring, so you can set them up to be progressive. You can also change the oil viscosity in the dampeners. These forks are the best design out there for mountain bikes, but they don't suffer fools at all. Follow the instructions and don't grease the pivots, they'll last well (longer than Rock Shock seals) and when they're worn, buy replacements and replace them. For exactly the same reason the FSR pivot works better than all the others, the F4 fork does too. It was designed by the same guy! However it doesn't look like a motocross fork, so piston envy will blur some riders' judgement.
Powered two wheelers require heavy dive under braking to shorten wheelbase, sharpen the geometry and weight the front tire for tighter turns, then it can stretch out on the straights for better stability, under power. Bicycles however require a more constant geometry as they're short enough already, and don't roost from the turns. The F4 fork maintains near constant geometry throughout its travel. It's non-slider design makes it very stiff and this is why it tracks so well through ruts. It's axel path is up and slightly forward, instead of backward like normal forks. This means it doesn't absorb forward energy as part of its action, and make climbing over roots and rocks much easier. Conventional forks also compress air inside their tubes towards then of their travel. This helps them not to bottom out, and gives them a progressive feel at the very top. The F4's use linkages to achieve a more linear ramping curve and thus a 100mm travel F4 for have the suspension characteristics of a 125mm travel telescopic fork.
The F4 works much better, if you set it up properly. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from Aarhus, DK
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, stiff. | | Weaknesses: | I don't trust this fork. Simple as that. I'm a light guy (65kg), and some would think this suspension is great for lighter riders, but, I just don't trust it. When you really hit the breaks the front of your bike will make a magnificent dive, almost throwing you off the bike. That's dangerous. | | Bike Setup: | Principia Frame (killer frame), XTR, Syncros seatpost, stem, handlebar, Kooka hubs and pedalarms, Flite Ti, AMP F4 BLT | | Bottom Line: | If you're a light rider it might be ok, but you need to learn how this fork reacts. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came with my AMP B-4 | | Strengths: | Not many,even back in '97.I have to say,it did track very,very well compared to most telescoping forks(not my Z2 Atom 80 though).The workings of the shock are exposed so you can hose it off.Lightweight too(I weighed mine at 3 lbs even). | | Weaknesses: | Where does it begin?This fork does very little to inspire confidence(barring the tracking,which is excellent)and has a slew of maintenance issues.Under braking the fork DIVES,and dives hard--almost enough to throw you off the bike in sketchy situations.You'd expect a fork with an(advertised)100mm of travel to feel pretty plush,right?Well the F4 is anything but.It was bottoming quite a bit on even moderate hits,much more so on bigger hits.It simply hates stutter bumps,refusing to suck up the hits even slightly.It took small hits well,but most forks do that anyway,right?It also made an annoying wheeze on every impact.
Beyond that,the fork is sketchily designed.The pivots stay tight for a little while,but after 3 months you can literally see how much side-to-side play it has.The bolts are mixed metric and non-metric--as a result you are constantly searching for the right wrench or socket to use.The fork is also a nightmare to work on.Its parts strip and break very easily.After 3 months,I finally got sick of this fork and sold it for a '97 Judy XC--yeah,a junky fork as well,but was at LEAST serviceable and really absorbed bumps.9 months or so later,the '97 AMP B-4 full suspension bike got sold as well for being a high-maintenance death trap. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Judy XC,Marzocchi Z2 Atom,Manitou SX-R | | Bike Setup: | Currently a Seven custom ti | | Bottom Line: | Bad by '97 standards,still bad today.I could never get comfortable riding on this fork,and the maintenance issues reduce this good yet poorly executed concept to a worthless money pit.Avoid AMP products like the plague. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rottenron
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Lauderdale
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Market Place on MTBR.com | | Strengths: | Rigid laterally, light weight, tracks perfectly, and travel is just right, not too stiff-not too plush for XC! Mountain Bike Action magazine once called it the best fork they've ever ridden. | | Weaknesses: | Wish I had an adapter for Stnd Intl brakes that fit this fork, to install some XT Discs. | | Similar Products Used: | F2 on an AMP B3 with D1s | | Bike Setup: | F4, B5, D1, XT, Azonic | | Bottom Line: | This fork rides the way a fork should! Its very maintenance friendly but doesn't require more maintenance than telescoping type forks. In my opinion, it looks pretty good too. AMP has always made some good stuff, you just have to apply a little labor to keep it in shape (sans the frame shocks).
MX TIP to preserve your AMP bushings: Go to your local hardware store and buy some Plumber's Thread Tape and Thread Anti-seize. The anti-seize should be the thick, pasty, silver stuff applied with a brush.
Apply 3 or more wraps of thread tape around bolts where they go through bushings. This provides a little cushion between the bolt and the bushing; it also reduces wear and noise.
If you have noisy pivots, first talk with AMP, their customer service is still very good. Otherwise, disassemble the affending pivot and apply a very light coating of anti-seize to the flat mating surfaces. Don't forget to reinstall the plastic waffer. Wipe away excess.
A word of advice. Lubing your pivots will void your AMP warranty. My two AMP Research bikes are second-hand, older pieces that I maintain for myself and still in excellent condition. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michele varaschini
a Cross Country Rider
from villafranca (VR) italy
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Hi. This is just an update on my last report. About a month ago I manged to obtain a RED shock spring with which I replaced the original green one. Now I have one red and one black, and the fork seems to work much better than before (by the way, I weigh about 73 kgs.). The change is not so evident in slow single track conditions, but handling and control are now much better in fast rocky conditions. The front wheel seems to follow the terrain better, and I have increased my speed on the same ol' downhill sections mainly because I feel more confident.
Probably the original (green/black) spring combo was OK when the springs were new, but in fact they have both aquired some sag in these 5 years of use. The new red spring probably has helped bring things back to normal.
Sooo, everything seems to be fine, but just a couple of days ago I ran across an Italian fork which really impressed me. It's a RACE FACTORY "Air Race"; can anyone tell me more about it?
Cheers!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michele
a Cross Country Rider
from villafranca (vr) Italy
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Asiago (VI) ski resort area | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Singapore somewhere | | Strengths: | Very light,easy to maintain (if you have the parts), allows very good control of front wheel, even when the terrain is quite rough. After 5 years of intensive use it's holding up quite well.Mine has the aluminum legs, by the way. | | Weaknesses: | Horst mixed metric and non-metric parts, making it difficult to obtain replacement bushings and pins, except if you purchase them from an AMP dealer. The aluminum hex screws are too soft and get damaged quite easily. Shock absorbers need to be refilled with oil every 6 months, if you want to have the fork performing well at all times. | | Similar Products Used: | RockShox Judy XC, Cannondale Fatty S | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight with XTR/XT mix, Mavic 517, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I'm happy with the F4, and overall it probably does not require any more maintenance that other forks. I was about to decide to get a new fork, and this year's offerings seem to be better than in the past, but then I finally decided to keep the B4, at least for another year. After all, I use it mainly for XC (no races) and some fire road downhill, and it works well in these conditions. Occasionally I've had to face 1 meter drops, and even though I'm sure that the fork did bottom out, I didn't notice it doing so. I'm tempted to try a longer travel fork (10cm.)which should match the rear travel, but I'm afraid that I might end up being disappointed by the extra weight and excessive pogo-effect. The combination of frame and fork now allow me to face just about any type of trail condition without worry. I really have not noticed any excessive dive when braking or facing drops.
In conclusion I wouldn't recommend anyone to buy a new one (can't count on AMP for help much longer), but in case you can get one cheap, I'd give it a try for XC use; you'll probably end up loving it. I'm happy with mine, and I'll be keeping it for quite a while, now that I've found out how to resolve the pin-and-bushings problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Kirwan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Gatineau Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ottawa somewhere... | | Strengths: | Well folks, that's 3 full seasons on these forks. You can read my earlier review way, way down in this list. Here's the scoop:
Ride Style: Aggressive XC, technical
Me: Serious off-road rider for 12+ years. 200 lbs.
-The fork is still working fine.
-still taking fairly big hits (not DH big, though)
-no blown seals or busted parts
-tracks very accurately
-best fork I've ridden yet
-no delicate stanchions to scratch
-light
| | Weaknesses: | AMP seems to be disappearing as a company. Good ol' Horst (boss/brains)has left California to live in his native Austria. Oh well. There are no AMP dealers left in Canada. Check the website.. they are selling truck-bed parts... hmmm, grab for cash?
The fork could use more travel and better support. My fork has a non-standard disc mount... mebbe the new ones are standard.. check first.
Most bike shops have no idea how to service one. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy DH, Marzocchi Dropoff, Mag 21's, Halson Inversion. | | Bike Setup: | '97 DeKerf Team FS (steel, full suspension)
XT/XTR drivetrain. Sachs PC91 chain. Syncros cranks.
Black Spire rings. Magura brakes. Chris King rear rub, Strange front hub. Mavic rims with DT rev. spokes.
| | Bottom Line: | Would I recommend buying one?
Well, no. Not any more. So: If you can convince yourself you can get service/parts for your fork (I bet AMP is outta business in 2-3 years)or you can service it yourself, and you are a mostly XC rider (forget it for monster drop-offs, and DH'ing), and need/want only 3 inches of usable travel, get one. But make sure you get a good deal. Me? I will be upgrading to a 4-5inch travel Marzocchi fork (Z1, Z2, MCR??) for 2001 season. I need more travel and a standard disc mount. The forks still are great, and I'm keeping them in case my fancy new Z1/Z2's suck.
If you are over 180 lbs, be sure to get 2 RED springs. 165-180 go for red/black. 155-165 go black/black. 130-155 you can go green/green (lightest) or mebbe green/black. Go one size bigger than what you weigh, as the fork gets softer when the bushings break in.
Need more info, email me toolbox@magma.ca | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt simkins
a Racer
from davis
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | light | | Weaknesses: | dangerously light. | | Bottom Line: | This fork broke 3 times. The first two times the fork broke at the dropout it was covered under warranty. Each time Amp would supposedly fix the problem with different leg material or bonding glue. The third break resulted in a serious crash. This product is dangerous and any serious cyclist will be risking their life using it. I through the fork away simply because I could not trust riding on it nor could I sell it to someone else in good conscience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bobcat at Golden Gates Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Amp first impressed me in 1994 with their B-3 frame and 2" fork. During the first few months AMP shocks work well. Eventually these shocks loss oil and begin to weeze. It is nice that AMP provides a minor exchange/upgrade but they have failed to resolved the maintenance issues. Nevertheless no other suspension fork tracks as well as AMP forks. | | Weaknesses: | Over the years,dealing with Bryan and others at AMP Research, I found they generally dont give a !@#$ about the inherit problems with their shocks. I have not gotten more than a hundred miles on either a rear shock or a front shock for the past several years. I have a second bike for my AMP is constantly needing maintenance. Recently, I have been snapping shafts in this F-4 fork. I have heard that AMP has recently decided not to manufacture this fork any longer, this comes to no surprize to me. | | Similar Products Used: | I just purchased a SID 100 | | Bike Setup: | AMP B-5 frame with Risse Astro 5 rear shock. Mostly, XTR with Race Face components. | | Bottom Line: | Dont be an AMP sucker, the F-4 should be recalled. I am not the only rider to be snapping shafts on these forks, yet they claim this has never occured before, yah!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Cross Country Rider
from watershed
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | light, strong, does what it should | | Weaknesses: | shocks dont last | | Similar Products Used: | Judy | | Bike Setup: | F4/B4 with XT/LX mix | | Bottom Line: | I really love this fork, it's really fast & precise on tech twisty singletrack. When you roll over roots/logs it does not slow you down as telescopic forks do, doesnt feel twitchy even 3/4 compressed. The best comment I have heard: "I haven't seen that thing move". It does what it should, and it does it without being all that monkey buziness.
This is a best around 80+mm XC fork. It is not for freeriding/DH bombing, though it would take some abuse on rare occasions, 2-3' drops.
Now the bad staff. AMP shocks don't last, period. I blew mine after 3mo /2 of them winter, so not much riding/, and now I have to send my rear shock for rebuild.
They all suffer the same kind of failure: on medium intensity tech rides they overheat, oil expands and then it blows lower seals. I have spoken to Brian and he suggested to back up rear shock to give some room for expansion, but why me? can't you guys heat it to 180F and test before you decide how much oil needs to be there?
anyways I am not an aggressive rider, and I am only 140lbs, so durability is a question.
and putting this question aside I do like the fork, and I'd buy it even if I have to rebuild it every 3mo.
I am planning to have another post in a couple month to let you know how rebuild holds up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shred
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | This fork rocks! I got a good deal trading in my F1 using AMP's crash upgrade program. It's stiff, light, and has a long, smooth travel. It is stiff enough not to absorb energy or bob when pedaling, but cushy enough to absorb the bumps. I liked the F1 too, but this fork is an order of magnitude better. If you're looking for a great XC fork that will take you down hub-melting descents with ease, this is the fork for you. It looks cool too, and I like to think people are staring at it when I ride instead of my love blisters for a change. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy Up North
a Weekend Warrior
from Nepean
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kanata Lakes | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiff, tracks straight and true. Lack of adjustments. | | Weaknesses: |
Lack of adjustments, disc tab not international standard. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Judy XC with Englunds, White Brothers SC70UL | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Rascal, XT-XTR | | Bottom Line: | I loved the fork, unfortunately it was stolen with my Klein not too long ago. I like my fork to be stiff and not exhibit bobbing while I'm climbing. There was a slight brake dive but much less than Marazocchis that I've seen. It's not the lightest fork out there anymore, others have just been playing catch up all these years. It is definitely one of the best XC forks that I've tried. It's light and responsive, handles the big bumps, roots extremely well. It's the perfect fork for XC. I'm thinking of running Hope hydrolic discs for my next bike otherwise I would buy another on a heart beat. Another thing that I find very important is Brian at Amp is very helpful and have always responded to all my emails and have shipped whatever spare parts I needed promptly. I highly recomment this fork for anyone looking for an XC orientated fork that's simple and light. If you're looking for an ultra plush, super sensitive, 5 foot drop offs fork then this is not the fork for you. However, if you're a rider who loves XC with tight twisty single track with a mix of fast fireroads and slow techinal clims, then you should take a look at this fork and give it a try if you can.Buy what fits your riding style and local terrain and you'll never be dissapointed. I know I did. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Bedford
a Cross-Country Rider
from Woodland Park, CO
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | Just an update to my August 13, 1997 review. The fork is still just as light, tracks just as well, looks just as cool, and gets the job done -- but there is a price. Annual $100 rebuilds are getting old. I'm making my own boot this time to try and extend that maintenance period but my next rebuild may be my last. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fred
a Weekend Warrior
from fl
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | jkgfluyfuyhgkhgkjg | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross-Country Rider
from Elkhart In
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
I'm Still looking... | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light.
Travel is 3+ inches
Stiff laterally | | Weaknesses: |
Hey I like the looks :') | | Similar Products Used: |
Amp F-3
Rock Shock (various) | | Bike Setup: |
Jamis Dakar, Amp F-3, Nukeproof/Ti/Bontrager Wheels, Race Face BB and Cranks, XT & Xtr Mechs | | Bottom Line: | Finally had a chance to get a few rides on the fork. I've ridden both Judy and some of her lesser cousins and was very dissapointed in how vague they all felt. I went with an Amp F-3 for a while and liked most of their qualities better than the Rock Shocks, stiff & light, but wished for greater (and smoother) travel. Got the F-4 on the new bike and love it. Fixed all the problems that I had with the F-3 and all the benefits too. Only minor complaint is that any fork in this range (Rock Shox, Manitou, or even Marz) for 3 inches of travel and about 3 pounds in weight is well over the $500 mark.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
local secret trails | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light weight, no independant leg movement, smooth over all bumps, easily adjustabale shock spring curve, virtually maintenance free, really tracks accurately. | | Weaknesses: |
Hey, I like the looks | | Similar Products Used: |
Amp F-1 cromoly, numerous Rock Shocks, Manitous, Marzocchi's, Flubber, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
F-4 frame, Mavic/Nuke Proof-Carbon wheels, Control post/stem, Flite saddle, Conti Leader Pro/Comp Pro-1 tyres, personally made cranks (350 gm.)/levers (150 gm.). Weighs 23.25 lb. on calibrated postal scale at work. | | Bottom Line: | Actual 3.25 travel. With two (differing rates are standard) spring-over shocks on the fork, you can adjust the ramp-up rate of the compression springing to suit your tastes. My front wheel was 650 grams, long before Crossmax's and Rolfe's. I have a super-light Mavic 360 mated to a Nuke Proof Carbon 70-some gram road hub...uses the same bearings as the bigger ones. It's never been trued, though often raced, crashed and bashed by two owners on three or more different bikes. I wouldn't trust this wheel on any other less-rigid fork.
Maintenance is only a matter of washing off, gently, of course, with water. There's no lubing required as the bushings are a pre/self lubing sintered material, fused to a stiffer shell. This is not unlike the vandervel type crank and cam shaft bushings in your car. Like any other shocks, both front(pair) and rear(one on the AMP frames)require peiodic oil changes or maybe even a top-up. Having done this on my AMP F-1, Mag 20's, Manitou's and the F-4/BLT, servicing the F-4 is the easiest...a no-brainer! If you can service a Manitou, you're a Nobel Laureate as far as the AMP's twin shocks are concerned. You need the right tools, but, Homer...duh!!!!!!, if the AMP shocks are too much for you, you need a HUFFY!!! For those with Homer's disease, Duh!!!, AMP offers a rebuild service with something like 2 day turn around time, very reasonably priced, I might add! There have been, otherwise, good reviews that were critical of AMP's send it back policy. Considering the hassles of shop hours, time per hour, and getting hosed by shop employees... (bend over, here comes the mechanic) ...I don't think a little shipping is a lot to pay for quicker, cheaper service...as well as getting it done right. You should live so long as to wear out the bushings. Change/add some oil, sure, but the bushings are good for years. Trust me!
My F-4/BLT fork is on my B-4 AMP frame. I have found that the rake/trail/compression of the fork can easily handle the maximum extension of the rear shock without being excessively skittish. Up to the 1/2 limit yields up to 1 degree steeper steering and a slightly higher bottom bracket. I was surprised to find that rather than being more twitchy, it was just quicker and it noticably improved the fork's slow speed handling. Carving tight trails was great and now it's even better, with no loss of higher speed stability that I can sense.
Even though one need only wash one's fork mechanism with water, I personally, do not like the idea of collected dirt on the pivots and shock shaft...I'm not made of money. I am currently looking into designing/making/converting boots to cover the shocks, and/or a means of covering the pivots. If anyone has had any success in this area, please E-mail me with your results. Ride on, dudes!
BLT fork rules...good engineering! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
it's a secret..'nuff said! | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
It rules! | | Weaknesses: |
Huh? I like the looks! | | Similar Products Used: |
Tried 'em all! | | Bike Setup: |
AMP all the way/23.25 lb. without any carbon fiber (except for the hubs). | | Bottom Line: | This is a supplement to my previous review on the F-4/BLT fork. Knowing what I do now, after one year, and considering the deal AMP gave me on my F-1/B-3 trade in, I should have considered the extra money to go carbon. Those considering this fork (or frame)should consider the carbon fiber leg option. Weigh the cost vs. the weight reduction, but also, do take into account the bragging/profiling points the look and weight reduction is also worth. I have an all aluminum AMP that weighs just over 23 lb. With carbon fork legs/rear triangle it would weigh just over 22 lb. with no titanium. Let your conscience be your guide, but consider the option. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james mclellan
a Cross-Country Rider
from west hartford CT
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
nepaug | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Great fork, dependable, keeps you out of trouble with its J stroke (lifting forward motion) effectively increasing your wheelbase vs convential fork compressing and decreasing your wheelbase. Very light weight for 3 of travel, until this year was the lightest 3 fork. Available with carbon fiber legs. Trouble free with yearly maintanence by AMP, plus their good service. No problems with shocks. | | Weaknesses: |
None...just looks differant | | Bike Setup: |
pre-load standard | | Bottom Line: | Like it, light, responsive, dependable | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Tinianow
a Cross-Country Rider
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
porcipine rim, moab | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
weight, trail feel | | Weaknesses: |
dual dampers | | Similar Products Used: |
Amp F3 - 5 years | | Bike Setup: |
Moots YBBeat XT Equiped | | Bottom Line: | a very good product with intermitent QC problems and only fair product support (read: warranty).
For a small company, every unit needs to be their best and support should be responsive, not: send it in, we'll take a look... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Birdman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Plainsboro, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Round Valley | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light, stiff, over 3 travel | | Weaknesses: |
Some shock noise | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Fatty HeadShok
Rock Shox Mag21 | | Bike Setup: |
AMP B-4, F-4BLT has the carbon legs, D1 disc brakes f&r | | Bottom Line: | A very light, laterally stiff fork that consistently delivers the goods. I recently rebuilt the fork (new pivots, damper seals, etc.) and it performs as new. I just wish that it didn't wheeze (air in shock oil). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stacey Knight
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Rigid, light, low maintenance. | | Weaknesses: |
Lacks the latest trick and trendy status some people may look for. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox, Manitou, Marzocchi, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
Homegrown Factory FS | | Bottom Line: | After owning an F2 for several years, I upgraded to the F4 for the additional travel and was pleased to experience much more than that. The F4 has very linear and smooth travel and steers very straight and true - even under heavy loads. To date, I have not had to do any maintenance besides the occasional wash.The only down side I've experienced is that the fork makes a little noise in the stutter bumps, which is probably the fork repeatedly resting against the stops. This noise is not loud, just different - it took much longer for me to get used to the unusual sound my Chris King rear hub makes.I have stayed with the Amps because I've been very pleased with the low maintenance and reliability, even considering I'm nearly 200 lbs and ride up to several times a week. I have no reason not to recommend the F4. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.Sier
a Cross-Country Rider
from Holland
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Light, cool, plush on small bumps | | Weaknesses: |
Carefull cleaning price | | Similar Products Used: |
Rockshox Judy, Indy
Rond Pro Fork (Dutch !) | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized M2, Mavic, Magura brakes, Michelin Tires | | Bottom Line: | Best fork for 95% of mountainbikers, extreem comfort in XC rides, one of the lightest and strongest forks on the market.
I don't understand why this fork isn't sold much more (not a OEM fork) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bikeyboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt Tarrengower Vic Australia | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
super light, way cool looks, no stiction, v/little brake dive,plush on head on bumps, conversation starter,rare in New Zealand | | Weaknesses: |
can be harsh on drop offs, bolts are soft(i need to replace mine after allen key chewed them up),rare in New Zealand | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou FS bulge with zokki springs | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Quake 9 ,fox vanilla r, spox wheels,tomac maguras, XT
v/light | | Bottom Line: | I used a 1997 Manitou FS bulge for about 2 years and then put Bomber springs in it. Loved the plush 3 inch travel but disliked the weight, leaking cartridges after every 4 mths ,small degree of vagueness in tight corners and the massive dive under braking. I looked at a Girvin linkage but got fed up with waiting for information from the local agent. Was then recommended to get an F4 by someone. This was a good choice. This thing eats bumps, doesn't dive nearly so much,is sooo stiff in corners and in combo with the new wheels has given a new lease of life to my bike which is now so light. I use two green springs but it still feels a little harsh on small drop offs I suspect because of the way the fork is designed to travel but this is a small thing to worry about. The bolts that hold everything together seem quite soft and using a new correct size allen key stripped the hexagon out to a circle and had to use pliers to get the bolt off to change the spring-bummer man.I will get new stainless ones and be super careful. I oredered mine through Cambria and was given excelent service(ask for Brad). I got the Carbon leg version with canti brake bosses for my Maguras and in short have been continually impressed by these fantastic forks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
F4 Sucks .....
a Downhiller
from Its the TRUTH!
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bombing | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
LIGHT!!!!!!!!!!
KEWL for POSING! | | Weaknesses: |
WEAK!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
z1 bomber , HEadhsok FR , SID XL , Mozo Pro | | Bike Setup: |
AMP B5 , SID XL fork , HAyes Disc up front , Magura HS33 rear , XTR , Bontranger Racelight . | | Bottom Line: | I broke 3 of them on 3 DH runs , thats how good it is . Never lasted , maybe , just good enough for very light XC riding . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Claude Smith
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canada , Vancouver
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Yellow Hill | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light Fork ,
Little stiction ,
Unique Design ,
Effective for square edge bumps ,
Large bumps ,
pretty stiff .
LIght for 4 inches of travel . | | Weaknesses: |
Poor quality travel ,
Not as stiff as some telescopic forks such as the superfly ,
Flexes , SID , SX-carbon , Supefly , XMO all beats it handsdown . | | Similar Products Used: |
SID , SX carbon , Superfly , XMO , | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Adroit , Rockshox S.I.D , Full XTR , Mavic Crossmax . | | Bottom Line: | The F4 is theorectically , a pretty good design , but it fails to deliver in reality . Even with a whopping 4 inches of travel , many forks with less travel seem to be a whole lot plusher . The 99 SIDs in particular are tremendously active compared to it . But at 2.9 lbs for a 4 inch fork, it is really really light . It is pretty rigid compared to the lightweight forks , but compare it with a bomber , or the XMO , it clearly lacks their stiffness . With small pivots and parts , it is doubtful it would survive any serious DH riding or trials , esp with carbon legs . If it was 3 yrs ago , this fork would probably be competitive , but today , it clearly lacks . Quality of travel is clearly not on par with todays forks . But weight freaks , may still wanna consider the fork . Go for the SIDs for hardcore racing , Z2 stom bomb for all round XC rding , Z1 for freeriding and downhilling , and the f4 only for ...well , hardcore freeriding .. erm but then , hey , how abt the Lefty and SID XL , oh yeah .... F4 , No way . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam
a Weekend Warrior
from northern california
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | awesome fork, dives alittle bit on braking, but wouldnt switch to any other! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott speigle
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is the best thing you cold possibly put on your bike. It's light, fast and plush. I also liked how AMP made the canti bosses removable. It's this kind of thinking that has made amp research a leader in lightweight technology. Light is right.Five stars for my F4! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Seyler
a racer
from Calgary AB Canada
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just recently replaced my judy XC with an AMP F4BLT. This fork is a dream. I dropped almost 1 pound off of the front end of my bike. The lightweight long travel feel was a welcome change from my previous fork. If you don't have one, go and get one. NOW. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Birdman
a cross-country rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned an AMP B-4 for about 3 years. 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'm looking into replacing the pivots, and am waiting to see how much the pivot kit is.Overall, a light, great handling fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben B
a cross-country rider
from Minn
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Now this is the way a shock should be made, coil over damper with threaded adjustment. This setup is not only beautifully made it far exceeds any conventional system in performance, comfort and design. Take a look at any performance automotive dampening system and see why this works so well... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
maxime imbert
a cross-country rider
from ottawa canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best fork I ever rode in my entire life ! I love it so much
because of it s weight and reliability, this is a wicked fork. Any cross country rider/racer should take a look at this fork and buy it! ! ! ! ! ! !
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a racer
from Hearnther, CA
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This was my 4th Amp fork and the best yet. Wouldn't recommend the F3 at all. This fork has lasted for 2 yrs. with only one rebuild. Make sure you use heavy enough springs for your weight, speed, and bumps. It will bottom out on steep downhill type riding and send you OTB!! Make sure somebody can service the fork for you or better yet, do it yourself. If it wasn't for the poor service I'd buy another one. This fork gives you confidence to improve your technical riding and that's it best attribute. 5 chiles for the riding, 4 chilies for maintenance, 3 chiles for service (I've used Amp equipment for about 5 yrs. now) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Kirwan
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa Canada!
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just upgraded my bike (97 DeKerf Team FS) from the 97 Judy DH it came with to the AMP F4BLT (alloy legs, no disc). I love this fork!!
The Judy was wobble city even when it was new. It just got more and more loose with use. So I upgraded...
The AMP is lighter and stiffer. My steering precision is WAY better. The movement of the shock is different than any telescoping design... it takes a bit to get used to it. It was a bit harsh initially, but now that it is broken in a bit, it loves the bumps. I takes big hit no problem. It is harsher that the Judys when dropping off sharp bumps because it 'extends' quicker, so you may contact the ground while it is extending. This harshness was strange for the first while, but I don't mind it now. I do like the fact that it does not bob or dive as bad as the Judy's did. Cornering at speed over bumps with the AMPs is much better than my Judys... like I'm on rails. My buddy's have riden the bike (they've got rockshox, RSTs, Zokes, Halsons) and they rave about the stiffness in turns. NO, they do not feel 'plush' as the Zokes do. I don't like that feeling, I'd rather the precision feel I've got now.
Other posters here have said that AMP customer support sucks: Well, I did not have a warrenty card in my AMP box. One email to AMP later and a few days from then I had in my mail box a warrenty card, detailed manual (NICE!) and some cool stickers. I'd say support was fantastic so far!
Hmm.. Other posters have commented about dirt in the bushings... yeah, I can see the point there. They are exposed, so I guess the price you pay is having to clean them. Not a big effort, as the forks come apart fairly quickly for cleaning. I will be making/buying neoprene (lizard skin type) boots for my springs. That'll help there.
Other posters mentioned that doing technical riding was tough, as the forks shorten the wheelbase when they compress. Well, yeah they do that. But telescopic forks steepen the head angle way more than the AMP does. I do some pretty tough decents off steep rock faces and dirt slopes. I feel much more confident on my AMPs, as they do not flex or dive nearly so bad as my Judy's. I think they've improved my bike and my riding. Verdict: Guess I just have to keep 'em clean, but otherwise I've got mine and I will not part with them. At least I won't be tossing them out like rock shox. I'll be able to rebuild these things for years. And you all you telescopic junkies out there: RIDE one of these things before you sh*t all over it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, B.C.
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've used the F4 for one full season before switching to a Z-1 BAM. The F4 is light, and does a good job with small to medium size bumps.However, it's not ideally suited for technical or wet climates (like Vancouver and the rest of the Pacific Northwest). I used a Millhouse booty to protect the linkages, but the lower links still wore out quickly. Once there is play in the linkage, the F4 loses it advantage over telescopic forks.Also, the up-and-back fork travel is not a great idea for technical riding. On a steep descent, the last thing you want is for the front wheel to move backwards (steepening the head tube angle and shortening the wheelbase) before compressing. Buy this fork only if you race, or ride in dry conditions. For wet, technical riding, buy the Bombers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Bierly
a cross-country rider
from Spokane
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It works. I have had the F2 and F3 plus the F4 which has more travel and smoother ride than the other 2. I have not ridden (?) and telescoping fork in so long I forget what they are like. This is my third season on my B4. Those of you that have gone all the way with AMP have maybe experienced problems with their components. I have. But their customer service bends over back wards to service my woes. I lost the seals in the F4. Getting a hold of their rep is sometimes difficult. But they are sending me a rebuilt damper in a prepaid envelop. I swap out dampers and return the blown one. No charge. They also have shop brake calipers for use while yours is being rebuilt. The only bummer is the UPS down and back. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Filbert Tan
a cross-country rider
from singapore
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The amp f4 fork is the best suspension fork i've used in my life. Its light and great for absorbing small to medium sized shocks. It also has a unique linkage system which uses the suspension to go over objects rather than fully absorbing them. If u are a crosscountry biker...this is one of the best forks for you...BUT...its not good for 'stunts' :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Tomerlin
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is probably the best fork in its class. I like the extra travel that it has over most of its competitors like the Judy XC or SL and the Manitou FS Ti. It has a usable travel of 3.15 inches and with a weight of under 2.9lbs, it can't be beat. I also liked the unique way its linkage fork worked, moving up and back as opposed to just straight up. For me, the handling and stiffness seemed better than any other fork I have ridden. AMP has poor customer service though, so be warned. Also, expect to have the bushings replaced once a year if you ride in extremely muddy conditions. I would also like AMP to improve the ease of adjustability. The current method of bracing the spring with a wrench and moving that clip really sucks. Aside from those irritations, this fork is awesome. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Haze
a weekend warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been using the Carbon verision w/o the disk brakes for about a month now. All I can say is that I love it! Fall short of the thin decals, this fork is extrememly responsive, laterally stiff, plush plush plush, and incredibley light. I don't care that it's harder to clean that other forks (lot's of tight spaces). I consider it a labor of love.I'll have to agree with other reviews concerning AMP's poor customer service, I had to wait month for my frame. I wouldn't have minded, except that it wasn't informed of their lack in stock until a week after the order. Oh well.If you want to see my bike, goto www.mtbr.com/dream/bikes/4592.htmlIn Christ - Peace. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: < |
|
$ 550.00
