the intention to make the bike lighter. The Mercedes-Benz AMP Research B4 [or MB-4] Mountain Bike is a rare, vintage 1997 collaboration known for its full-suspension design, lightweight aluminium frame (Alcoa 6013 T6), hydraulic disc brakes, and Horst Leitner design. These bikes featured 26-inch wheels, ControlTech, Shimano, and AMP components, and came in very limited numbers and custom finishes - making them highly collectible today.
In absolutely pristine, untouched condition, this particular bike was NEVER USED and was kept in climate-controlled storage since the 1990s - when I bought it at a charity auction in NYC to which Mercedes had contributed in order to support a certain artist's work that the company admired. The bike folds into its original cloth suitcase and comes complete with that suitcase and all original tools and directions. It was auctioned fully assembled [by Mercedes] and has remained so to this day. Please note that though never used, the tires need replacement due to age.
DELIVERY: NO or low fee personal delivery possible in much of New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey - and into Canada near New England. If outside a reasonable range, buyer must bear whatever shipping and insurance costs [plus $50 handling] needed for safe delivery.
- Manufacturer: AMP Research(Laguna Beach, CA) in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.
- Folding Design: By removing a single screw on the rear shock, the bike folds at its suspension pivot to fit into a soft-side bag roughly the size of its two wheels.
- Lightweight Frame: Constructed from Alcoa 6013 aluminum tubing, weighing approximately 25 pounds.
- Advanced Suspension: Features a carbon fiber linkage-suspension fork and the pioneering "Horst link" rear suspension design, which influenced modern mountain bike geometry. The 1997 Mercedes-Benz AMP Research B4 mountain bike uses a full-suspension system based on the patented Horst Leitner 4-bar linkage (Horst Link)designed to eliminate chain torque issues and brake jack - acting similarly to a MacPherson strut.
- Innovative Components: Equipped with a Shimano XT 24-speed drivetrain and unique cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes.