With the top model of the Amber AMT for a good 5000 euros, Stöckli is entering the territory of luxury all-mountain bikes (Test in BIKE 3/11->). It challenges no less than the Cannondale Jekyll, Trek Remedy or Rotwild R.X2. It goes without saying that carbon fibre is used for the frame. In the first test of strength - the weighing - the new Swiss development shoots right to the front with 12.2 kilos. The complete Shimano XTR equipment (but will come with SRAM X0 instead) and the low wheel weight are very helpful here. Of course, the fitted Rocket Ron (2.4 inch) is not the first choice for rough, alpine terrain, but with a bottle cage, Kind Shock dropper post and triple cranks, the Amber is perfectly equipped for the next day trip into the high mountains. You can safely keep your fingers off the platform lever of the new Fox shock with Kashima coating on the climbs - because the shock doesn't even twitch on the medium and small leaf. The 150 mm Fox Talas with a drop to 120 millimetres already set the benchmark in the last test. Kashima coating or not, the successor for 2012 also does an outstanding job at the front and utilises the full 15 centimetres of travel with the right air pressure.
The geometry of the Amber AMT is very manoeuvrable and invites you to enjoy singletrack orgies. The top tube (597 mm at 19 inches) is quite short, so you sit upright and compact. The suspension showed its best side on the berms, tables and jumps on the downhill trail on Bern's local mountain, the Gurten. The X12 thru-axle at the rear and the QR15 system at the front provide a good amount of stiffness and steering precision, while the golden Fox suspension elements guarantee a lot of riding fun.
ConclusionIndependent, lightweight luxury all-mountain bike that shines above all as a touring bike in alpine terrain.
PLUS drive-neutral, fork and shock absorber with Kashima coating, customised look
MINUS Rocket Ron tyres
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