Mongoose Amplifier 2 Team 1996/97

[jokamp]

So, I recently got this bike that I would like to get some opinions about. The frame looks exactly like a Amplifier 2 Team from 1996 when I compare pictures from the catalogue but the components does not match at all.

It is fully kitted with Sachs Quarz including Power disc brakes. Obvioulsy the frame has been modified to fit the disc brakes. The welding of the disc brake tab looks maybe to be not as nice as the rest of the welds of the frame.
The original fork must have been a Marzocchi DH3 (I only got the crown from it with the bike).

So, the question is if this is just a local "Sachs version" made in Sweden or something else? The rear has been repaired at some point and the steerer tube also needs to be repaired.

I was planning to strip all Sachs parts (try to sell them) , get the steerer tube repaired and build it up with XT components and rim brakes, but maybe that is not a good idea? Maybe the whole Sachs theme makes it something different/extra?

So hit me with your thoughts, ideas, do's and dont's, information about the Mongoose Amplifier.

 

[jokamp]

Re: Mongoose Amplifier 2 Team 1996/87

OH, I just realised that Quarz is misspelled on the frame

So it must be some locally adapted bike then.

 

[13]

Re: Mongoose Amplifier 2 Team 1996/87

Cool frame! I’ve been hunting one of these for a long time!
Frame was made by Nicolai and mongoose used it as their team issue for 95-96
I’d be guessing someone used it as a Sachs promotion bike??
There were Sachs disc adapters for the Marzocchi DH3 so makes sense with the crown and would fit in with the year model.
Nicolai had that frame design for a few years but beefed up the rear end on the later models.
I’d keep it with the Sachs discs if they are complete.
What’s wrong with the steerer tube?

 

[was8v]

Re: Mongoose Amplifier 2 Team 1996/87

Maybe the distributor had it built for a show? sticker is odd but mayeb the owner had it made up.

I would stick with the discs if they work.

 

[was8v]

Re: Mongoose Amplifier 2 Team 1996/87

Looks like a Nicolai made frame

 

[jokamp]

Cool frame! I’ve been hunting one of these for a long time!
Frame was made by Nicolai and mongoose used it as their team issue for 95-96
I’d be guessing someone used it as a Sachs promotion bike??
There were Sachs disc adapters for the Marzocchi DH3 so makes sense with the crown and would fit in with the year model.
Nicolai had that frame design for a few years but beefed up the rear end on the later models.
I’d keep it with the Sachs discs if they are complete.
What’s wrong with the steerer tube?

Yes, I have also found out on the internet that it is a Nicolai built frame for Mongoose, Nicolai built 1000 frames in 95/96 before starting his own company. This specific bike has serial number 197 so it must be from 1995.

On Facebook someone mentioned that they had shown the pictures of the frame to "Frank the welder" and that Frank said he remembered Nicolai building bikes like this fro Brian Lopes. I seriously doubt that this specific bike was built for Brian but I will try to dig a bit deeper into the history of my frame to see if I can get any information.

Previous owner said he bought the bike like this in the end of the 90´s, however I doubt that it has been built as a Sachs promotion bike in Sweden. I guess Sweden is not a very important market for Sachs.

Steerer tube is seriously cracked... I have no idea if it is repairable or not. Some people say no, others say yes, I have spoken to a welder that says "no problems".

 

[was8v]

Its common to weld then press fit rings on the outside of the headtube if there is room.

 

[GordenS]

Hi. I have the same frame. But without the disc mount. And without the cracks.