Conference noted::bicycle

2538.0. "AMP MTB suspension fork" by DNEAST::FIKE_MIKE () Thu Apr 22 1993 13:46

		Ride review on the AMP suspension fork.

	Not having seen much data on the net re: the AMP suspension fork, I 
thought I'd share my opinions about the fork with other riders.

	I purchased the AMP fork to replace a heavy (2lbs.8oz.) rigid oversize
fork on my 91 Raleigh Crest steel bike. I chose the AMP fork for it's low
weight (2lb.9oz), low maintenance, rigid fork, and lack of stiction. The AMP
fork uses a rigid 1" fork beneath a parallogram aluminum suspension that 
includes a 1000lb rated Eibach spring and a small elastomer top-out bumper.
Pre-load is adjustable via a screw/locknut assembly underneath the 
parallelogram and damping is provided via a small oilfilled chamber which 
rides on the side of the parallelogram. A more complete description and 
ride report is available in MBA, or AMP will send you a set of specs and 
reviews if you request it. It retails for $354-$420 but I found the lowest
price at Hammerhead ATB in S.D. (1-800-457-3244) which was about $320 when I
ordered mine (has gone up since) 2 months ago.

	Installation:
	I ordered mine in 1 1/8" x 160mm threaded so I could use my original
headset. You can also get it in 1" and with an unthreaded steerer if you 
prefer to use an "Aheadset" type headset. Installation was easy; I just had 
to remove my stem/bars/headset, then remove my lower bearing race from the
old fork and gently seat it on the new fork, measure for the correct height
of the steerer tube (140mm in my case) and hack off the extra, grease the 
bearings and install the fork/stem and tighten the headset. Then I moved my 
brakes over and readjusted them and that was it- total time= about an hour. 
I've since installed a fork brace to lessen the stress on the brake bosses, 
but that's an unneeded extra.

	First ride impressions:
	Due to the massive amount of snow/ice in the trails near me, my first 
rides were restricted to the road. It felt almost the same as my rigid fork
(on tar). Actually the only difference I noticed was in going over cracks,
seams and bumps. I seemed to still feel them, only not as noticably or as
harshly. It didn't squeak or rattle or bounce to any extent. It was O.K., but
to be honest, I didn't notice THAT much of  difference between it and my rigid 
fork. I did seem to be able to go faster downhill (38mph on a particular hill
that I went 34mph on last year?!) for no reason that I could discern. Maybe
I just rolled faster from the fresh grease! Or just used my brakes less due
to the wheel having greater contact with the road (it did bounce less).

	First REAL ride:
	Yesterday I was finally able to ride in the trails that I rode in last
year. Mud, sand, slime, hills, berms, rubble, sticks and large deep puddles.
It's about a ten mile ride but the terrain changes constantly. I am not a
"big-hit" type of rider; but I weigh about 195lbs. If you tend to fly your
bike a lot you may prefer a Rockshok Mag21 or something similar (greater
travel). This fork has about 2" of travel and is well suited to what I like
to ride in. It is very precise in singletrack and let's you pick any line you
want. It rides up and out of rain or tire ruts easily, much more so than my
old fork. I really like it. After trying it , I'd never go back to my rigid
fork. The reason I like it so much is that I could really steer it exactly
where I wanted to go and it would let my tire (smoke dart) hook right up;
through slick mud, along the sides of embankments, downhill over 6" round 
river rocks, through 3-4"deep sand, whatever.  It made me feel much more 
confident in my riding and I found out that as long as I just kept pedalling,
that I could make it through almost anything. I didn't have to put a foot
down even once and only stopped when I wanted to, not because I'd lost traction
or steering ability. By the end of the ride I'd ridden through so much mud and 
sand I couldn't shift down to my small chainring because the derailler was 
clogged, and it took me an hour to get the bike and myself cleaned up, but it
was a great ride and I'm looking forward to a whole summer of it. So the 
bottom line is that it's a good fork if you like a rigid feel to your front
end, excellent control, no maintenance, no seals to replace and 2" of travel 
is enough for your style of riding. It has great ability to climb up and over 
obstacles. If you're more of a downhill racer, you may prefer a slider-type
fork with greater travel, but for me, this works fine. I also noted no side
    to side flex and no unwanted contact between the rim and the brakes.
	The AMP fork is also sold as part of the Mongoose AMPlifier frameset
(front and rear suspension), and as the Univega Concept fork, and as part of
some of the Univega higher-end bikes.

    
    Mike are you saying that the fork alone weighs 21+ lbs.? Isn't that
    too much for just a fork? My hole bike weighs 28 lbs and I thought
    that was heavy. 
    However, I am also considering getting suspension atleast on the front.
    Don't know which model yet. But have heard good reviews on the Maniteau
    (sp?).
    
    Shaw

    
    No, you misread the weight, a "1" for an "l". The fork weighs 2 pounds,
    9 ounces, just a tad more than the rigid fork I replaced.
    
    	The Manitou 2 has gotten good reviews as being among the best 
    elastomer forks. You can now get the Manitou 1 (last year's model- it
    weighs a bit more) at a discount. With the slider type forks you may
    (it depends) have to upgrade to a larger axle hub to prevent fork flex.
    
    There are many suspension forks now out from $149-$500 and in all types
    of designs. Check some out before deciding.
    
    Regards,
    	Mike

    
    I'm not familiar with the AMP suspension fork, but your "review" has
    me curious. I was thinking of getting a Manitou 2 because of the good
    reviews I've read and also from people that have or had Manitou forks.
    I know 1 person that has had 3 bikes, all with Manitou forks, and he
    has not had any problems. But I do know people that have had problems
    with Rock Shox. I'll have to check out the AMP fork and makeup my
    mind...soon!
    
    Thanks for the info...please let us know if you experience any
    problems with your AMP.
    
    Pete