No question, 5000 euros for a bike is a lot of money. However, when you ride the AMR Lector on the trails, you wonder why there are any bikes that are even more expensive - some manufacturers' catalogues range over 8,000 euros. The conclusion from our laboratory and practical tests is: more is not possible. The 120-millimetre carbon chassis weighs 2.2 kilos, has an appealing design and is stiff enough (70 Nm/degree, STW 31). With a tapered head tube, thru axle at the front, needle bearing shock linkage and closed cable routing, the frame is technically up to scratch. The wheels weigh only 3.3 kilos, and there is nothing to criticise about the equipment with Shimano XTR, Magura's new carbon brakes and Ritchey parts, which also contain carbon fibre. What's more, the design looks as if it has been cast from a single mould. It's tempting to change the 5000 euro price tag from "expensive" to "reasonable".
Off we go on the test lap. Anyone who believes that you can't be race-ready with 120 millimetres of travel - i.e. a bike in the All Mountain Sport category - should get their bum on the AMR Lector top model. Ten and a half kilos and Tune's mud-slinging wheels make a huge impression from the very first turn of the cranks, and the wheels could be trimmed even more for marathon riding with faster tyres (or equipped with thicker tyres for the Lago). It could hardly be more agile, you can turn like a rabbit, and the bike runs smoothly and predictably downhill. The suspension travel is utilised to the full, and the fork and shock can be set to different modes if you wish. Sensitive riders, for example, can set the platform to level one for more composure at the rear.
PLUSLow weight, fully adjustable chassis, sporty handling characteristics, wide range of applications
Conclusionsuper light, super fast, a real trail rocket. When suspension travel is packaged in such a sporty way, only die-hard hardtail advocates can resist the appeal. Expensive bike, but you get your money's worth!
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