Cascade Components linkages: story and test!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2021
- #JeffKendallWeed #EvilOffering #CascadeComponents
A HUGE thanks to Jenson USA for supporting the story of our experiences with the Cascade Components linkages for both the Santa Cruz Tallboy and Evil Offering V2! Visit Jenson USA via my link here, where any purchases will help support my videos: bit.ly/EvilOffering2022jkw Yes- there is an Offering in stock now! Though it’s a V1, not the V2 I’m riding, but any bike available is a bit of a score in these days of lean inventory!
The Cascade Components links tweak the original kinematics, and generally work to make them more supple at the beginning of the travel, then harder to bottom out at the end. The general strategy is to begin with a higher leverage ratio, then taper down to a lower. The result is that bikes feel plusher off the top, then are harder to bottom. These are a great upgrade if you feel you are riding outside of the original design parameters of your bike!
Big shout to my sponsors! Thanks to Jenson USA, PNW Components, Industry Nine, and Shimano- and any purchases from the below links to Jenson USA will help support my channel:
Jenson USA: bit.ly/JensonUSA2022JKW
PNW Components: bit.ly/PNW_JKW
Industry Nine: bit.ly/IndustryNine2022JKW
Shimano: bit.ly/Shimano2022JKW
Did you know I post a new riding tutorial every month? These are ONLY posted to my Patreon page, so join now to see these rad videos! Here’s the full list of my riding tutorials posted through April 2021:
How to jump with fluidity- and not DEAD SAILER! / 51914476
How to Lanual: / 50695443
How to climb ledges without a bunny hop: / 49476021
Which brake to use when: / which-brake-to-48108425
Different bikes, different riding techniques: / 46925782
How to ride FLAT PEDALS through the ROCKS: / how-to-ride-flat-45662347
How to ride wet roots and steep chutes: / 44507851
How to ride with style: / how-to-ride-with-43349450
How to jump for height vs distance: / 42202183
Common manual questions answered: / 41006264
How to land jumps: / 39928153
My 3 favorite skills drills: / if-i-could-only-38809964
How to manual: / how-to-manual-37684861
Cutty: / 36579859
Manual a berm: / 35496772
How to ride in Sedona: / 34436065
Switchbacks: / 3-ways-to-33345804
Nosewheelie: / 32742504
Bump jump: / 31881231
Trials basics for trail riders: / 31145344
Tight berms: / 30389457
Aggressive braking: / 29579507
Confidence for mountain biking: / 28817411
Cornering: / 27981205
Flowing/pumping down the trail: / 27288868
Stoppie through turns: / 26296762
Technical climbing: / 25234847
Boost jumps: / 24161821
Bunnyhop: / 23396959
Utilizing the wheelie on the trail: / 23017910
How to wheelie: / 21879606
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Also we need more Logan appearances - he shreds!
i agree
lol so humble!
Genuine
Thanks so much for stopping by! Great video and great riding, as always :)
Congratulations on your sponsorships, sounds like a dream team.
Great content as usual, especially for a new perspective on suspension with a new player love the story on how it came to be, that's what it's all about!!!
Man you're very underrated you're the few youtubeer MTB who has with mad skills you deserve more. Keep the good work jeff ride safe.
I have their link on my 2019 stumpjumper and it made a world of difference. I was always running high pressure and big spacers and still running through the travel. Spent a day at Snowshoe dialing things in and never went through as much travel as I previously did trail riding. I would recommend it for the Stumpy wholeheartedly
I upgraded my Switchblade V2 with a Float X and couldn't stop bottoming it out. The Cascade link made all the difference, I'm able to run a normal spacer and the small bump is good with enough bottom out resistance for riding park. This combo is 100% better than the stock set up with DPX2. I went from looking at new bikes to being super stoked on the SB again. Definitely worth the upgrade.
Jeff totally triggered the shop/trail doggo...thought it was go time! 🤣
Enjoyed this Vid I have cascade link on my tallboy 4 and yes I do Shuttle with the bike, 140 Pike Ultimate Front and Rockshox Super Deluxe RCT with Megneg, the Cascade link no only adds progression but it adds 8mm of travel to the Tallboy. I love mine.
Before I even watch this I'm gonna go ahead and say the cascade link is frickin amazing! I highly recommend it!!
What bike are you on? Thanks for the feedback Meg!
@@JeffKendallWeed 2019 sworks stumpy... the improvement was super noticeable the second I hopped on it after installing the link! I would imagine it performs slightly differently from bike to bike.. I honestly thought you'd be more stoked on it lol. Looking forward to your opinion about it on the Ibis!
I ran a cascade link on my old 2019 stumpy evo, really improved the ride of that bike. If I were to get one for my current bike, I'd probably just get it in black so it blends in.
My CC link on my Reign tremendously improved ride quality! Takes a few rides to adapt and tune, but I'm stoked on the upgrade
Very cool to learn about the "behind the scenes" of cascade components. I always see their articles on pinkbike and tons seem to love them. Honestly thought they were a bit gimmicky at first, now I'm becoming a believer haha. Beautiful work.
I do think their stuff is legit. I don't think it's a "must have" for everyone, but it has its place.
When Jimmy was explaining stuff it reminded me of one of the last Stumpjumper promo videos where they poke fun at some of the design stuff 🤣
This was an amazing piece of content. Thank you!
never stop entertaining us jeff amazing and informative vid!!! also pls make some pure riding vids watching ur vlog style vid mototripping and hitting remote trails was amazing to watch and truly was something out of my dreams xD keep making the rad vids
I run a Cascade link on my Gen 2 Specialized Turbo Levo and it definitely does what they said it would. I’m very happy with it, you do need to go up in air pressure by the recommended amounts 5-10% else things will be too soft and BB height etc will be compromised. I bought the link when the Gen 3 Levo came out as Specialized were making such a big deal about the new bike’s progressiveness, so I hoped the link would make the Gen 2 ride more like the Gen 3.
I used my tallboy for pure bike park when I was waiting for a megatower. I Rode the one of the WC dh tracks on it and it works just fine. Stil use it on DH tracks when I just what to chill and not kill the bike.
I have the Cascade link on my Transition Patrol and it is VERY good. I instantly experienced better rear traction in the "sag zone" (off-the top) with a stock DPX2. And the extra 8mm of travel is evident and welcome in gnarly surprises and bomb-out corners. At least 20% more pitted over stock!
Hahaha great feedback Banger!
So skilled just hopping around the shop
Thanks Dundun!
I love the cascade link on my full squish unicycles... wheelie and manual those bad boys all the time...
As an above average rider weight wise, Clydesdale territory actually, I’d love cascade to design a link that actually lowers the leverage curve on my Ripmo. Us bigger guys have a seriously difficult time getting proper sag and pressure on bikes with high leverage curves.
What worked for me on my stumpjumper was Cascade Link plus Coil Shock. The linear coil shock with correct spring + more progressive linkage worked great for me (more support, with the good bottom out resistance of the Cascade Link). I'm 6'5, 260lbs and running a 700inlb spring on an XL Stumpy.
Not sure if this will work for every bike, just sharing my exp.
So a cascade link isn’t conducive for a Clyde ?
Logan's crushing it!
I am curious about Cascade ever since I heard of it. However, I'm a simpleton.
Logan absolutely shreds! He's like 19 and just rides his bike every day, all day, lucky duck!
Every JKW video = automatic "Like". Way to go, Jeff!
This was great and very informative 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
Great video. Try to convince the guys at Cascade to make a link for the Ripley!
Waiting anxiously for the Cascade Link Ripmo video
Jeff I like your safety shoes for the shop visit 😁
Logan was killing it, it would be cool to see JKW on a Santa Cruz or Pivot, nice input on the cascade link!
Logan rips! I need to rent his bike, but I'm also scared of breaking it...
The Ripmo AF link doesn't need a new yoke and adds 4 mm of travel w/ the increased progression. I've been running one for over a month and won't go back.
Logan rips, major talent behind the camera 👏🏻
Totally! He's a gosh danged natural!
Would not a fuuuuuuck go back to the stock link on my 2018 Patrol. The Cascade link was transformative :D
That dog is beautiful!
These links are great for my Class1 eMTBs
Love mine on my 2020 Norco Sight! Best upgrade I've done yet!
What wheel size do you have?
@@ulyssesavila6636 29
Awesome thanks...I got a 29 as well ...I kinda wanted a 27.5 but I couldn't find one
@@ulyssesavila6636 I'm happy with 29er. Even at 5'6"
I just bought the cascade link for my sight C2 , large , 29!
Let’s see if any differences
I have my Tallboy 4 set up very similar to Logan (140 Pike, Super Deluxe, CC link) and I AM a bike nerd. In addition to the leverage curve change, the Cascade link adds 8mm of travel and 5mm of chain stay length. I think all of those factors combined are what make the bike feel so good.
Do you feel the SD is much different than the DPS with with the CC link? I am hesitant to add more weight but am curious of the difference.
@@Mtully01 I had the SD on before i changed the link, but it felt better to me than the DPS. I think the DPS is fine for more XC riding but the SD handles chunk and bigger hits better. The CC/SD/140 combo makes it a great do anything trail bike that could be under 30lbs. That being said I bought a Bronson MX and I'm planning on putting the Tallboy back to a stock set-up.
@@alkamite are you running bearing hardware or standard
@@bevanmody3385 standard
Just bought a cascade link for my ripmo af. Really looking forward to you making a video and comparing my experience to yours!
Right on Craig! I've been riding one on my V2 Ripmo for a week now, and it's been great!
@@JeffKendallWeed please make a video for the ripmo cascade link 🤓
Great video. Where's the technical jargon decoder ring? I'm thinking softer at the start of compression and harder as you get closer to max travel? Close enough?
Damn logan is so chill i love it
2019 Kona Process 153 CRDL 27.5, Silver Cascade Components Link, 160f/160r
ME: Skillz 2/10 Cascade Stoke: 9/10
JKW: Skillz 11/10 Cascade Stoke: Meh
I feel my v2 Process 153 got all the benefits claimed. The Cascade link made my Process even more playful, added midstroke support, softer off the top, and more bottom out resistance. I'm happy with my investment. Wish I could buy some JKW skillz. Cheers!
Dude's got mad suspension engineering skills! Stated curve looks like it'd work.
Huck to flat still hurts I'd expect! Supple on top but more bobbing on climbs? Where I ride, that'd be a negative. Not a lot of down without the up. No mountains here, just lumpy.
Paul, I'd guess that on your more rolling terrain this link isn't needed. Like Jimmy says, it's not gonna be for everyone, but if you want more bottom out resistance along with more supple initial feel, then it makes sense. Rolling terrain usually means less huge impacts, as average trail speeds are down a bit.
Ballers…rider’s rider…drop’n knowledge, Y’all are fa’reelz 🤙
Jeff, does the terrain you ride in dictate what link you would use? Would the cascade link be better suited for jumps and steep terrain and the stock better suited for chunky Sedona style trails?
Dude is a ripper on the tallboy!
Remember that California includes the Sierra Nevadas, and the cascade link works really well for me in Truckee/Downieville/lost Sierra. We have some of the best mountains in CA.
And don't forget Santa Barbara. Hooee!
Right... no good mountains in Ca. "They're all flat and smooth down south." Lol! Sounds like the guy is a bit lost on that comment! Can't wait to get a Cascade link for my Specialized Turbo Levo 🤟 Getting a 165 rear shock and 170 front fork soon!!! 🔥 Downieville is a blast 💯
Hi Sir! Hope to see u play with a 2018 Bronson. u have an amazing skills. thanks!
Hey Jeff! Did you have any commentary on if it changed the way the bike felt while climbing? Both forest roads and technical climbs?
I actually do shuttle with a tallboy lol. I have the cascade link fox 36 and am currently looking for a shock upgrade
glad i found the video, local shop was shitting all over cascade. Seeing their setup though they actually look pretty legit.
Canta Sruz 0:36 🤣🤣🤣 tbh! These links are awesome 🤘🏽
Can you do a video compare on the offering vs the Ripmo V2?
I think one of these would be perfect for your Ripley AF with the DVO.
I owned a V4 Tallboy with a 140mm Pike. It was so freaking capable for 120mm trail bike.
Did you use the cascade on this set up?
Excellent Vid 😃 I Run 18% F/R LW Rider 😎
I hope Cascade produces a Link for the Tallboy V5 soon.
I would love to see you check one of these links out on an Ibis Ripmo AF
So what's the verdict? Worthy upgrade? Just shifting compromises? Eyeing one for my V1 Offering.
Looking forward to a Ripmo Cascade link review if you can swing it, Jeff.
If it shows up, I'll give it a try.
@@JeffKendallWeed put it on the ripmo AF. The link for the v2 needs a full yoke
I would love love love to hear your thoughts on the link for the ripmo AF
I think those links are pretty cool. I'd love to try one but they don't make one for my V3 5010.
Great video Jeff as always. Would you mind sharing your front and rear suspension setup currently (Sag, HSC, LSC, # of volume spacers, rebound clicks)? I know you described the setup as supple and progressive, but I’m curious how you achieve that in technical terms. Excited for the full setup video!
Thanks,
Chase
0:41 that's gnarly, never seen anyone gap into Uline like that
it's a bit spooky but not too bad!
Cant wait to get this link. Itll give my Transition Smuggler 10mm more of travel plus an extra 10% more progressive. 🤘🤙
I shuttle on my Specialized Epic sometimes
PS: any chance of an Epic link?
Just curious would you try it on your yeti lunch ride
Any feedback with a coil and the Cascade link on this bike, Jeff?
gezuz, Logan just ripping it up too
Thanks for the insight. This information isn't really available/obvious on their website. Besides just saying they make links and they're better.
I'd definitely consider one for the 29 Reign if they can increase travel a bit and more small bump compliance.
Hey Jamlee, the goal of these links is not to increase travel. Even as a former pro rider, I don't really notice +/- 10mm of rear travel. However, these links do make it either harder to bottom out, or softer at the beginning of travel. When they make it softer, in turn you can run a higher air pressure, which will then make it harder to bottom out.
i love my cascade with coil shock.
Waiting to put mine on my Ripmo
So if I stuff a rag in my linkage that might help? Easy peasy
Unfortunately there is no Link for the ripley 😌
I purchased a link for my stumpy evo 21 and it’s a totally different bike for the better!
Nice! I believe that's their best selling link.
I really want a black one for my 19 Meta AM29. Keep it stealth. Let’s go stimulus!!!!!😂
Great video thanks for sharing. I'd be interested to hear a comparison of more volume spacers to the cascade link.
I'm still out on the cascade link on the my SB150. I like the additional progressiveness but didn't try additional volume spacers before. I'm not a fan of the geometry changes. Pedal strikes happen 3-4 times per ride versus every-other ride, and I think the slacker head tube makes it a little more difficult to get over the front wheel cornering. I plan to swap back in the old link with another volume spacer to compare.
What happen to your SB130?
This is super rad, I've been debating whether or not to even keep my ripley af, even with 9-10mm sag and the .9 spacer I'm bottoming constantly. I'll have to take a look to see if cascade offers something for it, there are so many good things about the ripley af but the rear end just can't keep up. Might be a good option
Damn, only ripmo af and v2 links
Pro tip Case- if you want more than what the stock Ripley AF is offering, post up on an Ibis forum (MTBR Ibis forum or Facebook the Ibis owner's group) and offer to trade frame and fork with someone who has a Ripmo AF. The Ripley AF doesn't get much better even with a bigger shock (I have a DVO Topaz on there). The Ripmo feels WAY better for aggressive riding like that. When I went back on the Ripmo AF after a month or so of exclusive Ripley riding, I was like WTF, the Ripmo is way better! I definitely prefer the Ripmo, and mostly use the Ripley just to change things up and keep life interesting.
@@JeffKendallWeed that answers my question... didn't think I'd find the answer to my question on should I trade in my ripmo af for a ripley... but here you are in the comments section of a cascade link video answering my questions. Watching this video RE should I put the cascade link on my ripmo af and up the fork to 170mm... I like my Jade X coil, but run a 550lb spring to stop the bottom outs on the bigger impacts I take... leaves the bike feeling harsh on trails. Feel like the cascade link may give me more subtly off the top and let the coil take the hits deeper in the travel... Im not sure I'll get a response here... but thoughts?
Very interested in the link for the Ripmo AF, the back end of it loves to blow through the travel
Have you added any volume reducers? Or are you on a coil shock? With my DPX2 and a .6 or .8 reducer, I am not blowing through travel.
@@JeffKendallWeed I'm guessing they're on the DVO Topaz. The shock feels very linear and many people have issues bottoming it out too easily (myself included). I personally still had issues after adding volume spacers and it eventually sacrificed too much ride quality. Just bought the Cascade Link for my AF like 10 minutes ago, so I'm hoping that'll do the trick. People seem to love it on the AF.
Cascade link went over center over compressed rear shock jamb rear tire against seatpost I went over the bars took 3 mechanics to pull it out sent link and frame to cascade for evaluation and they could not find anything wrong except minor bearing wear and they sent all it back said tuff pal we can’t find any fault with our product. Lesson learned Factory engineers design frames best not to try to make a frame travel further than it was designed for! Now I’m stuck with a damaged $4k carbon frame front triangle. I changed back to Santa Cruz standard link to be safe. I have videos without shock on that I sent to cascade they you can see how link allows head of bolt gouge into frame and jamb
9:34 is that the same place where you crashed last year?
I am a fairly large rider(6'4" 265lbs) and the Cascade link didn't work for me on the Specialized Enduro with the Float x2 shock. The increased leverage ratio doesn't allow me to set the sag correctly because I had the shock maxed out at 300psi(plus) and the sag was still about 40%. After some research, I ordered a Cane Creek DB Kitsuma Air to replace the X2 and I suspect that shock will allow me to put the cascade link back on. I'll find out in October, when Cane Creek finally starts shipping those dudes again! I love the Cascade Link on my Levo and I really hope to get it working on my Enduro.
If you're maxing out an air shock why not switch to coil at that point? The weight difference would be negligible
@@TheBlutark34 I tried switching to a coil shock but no one makes a coil spring with a spring rate that is high enough for my weight.
@@andersonsridebikes oh damn , sorry to hear that. I've always heard bigger guys swearing off air and blown seals once they switched to coil. Good luck with the DB!
@@TheBlutark34 Thank you very much for the kind suggestion! I have heard rumors that some companies are working on developing some faster spring rates, and I will definitely make the change when they do.
@CASEY I'm around the same size (6'5 260) as you and have been running a 700# coil on my Stumpjumper. Fox makes big springs, if you need heavier than 700 you can call them and they'll get it to you.
Sooooo Jeff my cascade link for my RipMo af gets here tomorrow ( look. For my review).
You talk about the link being a good fit for the pnw. Thoughts on trails in phx like national of Geronimo ??
Hey Masher, depends on your riding style! If you're a wheels on the ground type, I think monster trucking through Geronimo rocks would feel good and you wouldn't end up right at the "wall" that lots of volume reducers can sometimes create. However, if you don't jump a lot, then you might not need it.
@@JeffKendallWeed thanks mr Kendall-weed
Man I would love to see a test ride and review of the Cascade Link on the Ripmo V2. I have one and have been trying to decide if the Cascade Link is the right solution for me or not. I have messed with my X2 settings a bunch, have maxed out volume spacers, and run around 20% sag and still bottom out often on my local trails. I even tried getting it custom tuned and still keep bottoming out. Would really like to see how you feel about that link on the Ripmo.
Interesting! Alex, have you tried a DPX2? In general I prefer the DPX2 over the more expensive X2 for the Ripmo V2. I did just toss a custom tuned X2 back on the Ripmo V2, and it feels good, but man, that DPX2 is just killer. I run either a .8 or .6 volume reducer with the DPX2.
I haven’t tried that actually. I assumed the X2 would have better bottom out control since it’s a DH shock, but I’ll see if I can snag a DPX2 and take it for a couple rides. I’ve been surprised before, so I’m open to trying just about anything.
@@alexorcas1 or a topaz t3. All of my dpx2's and X2's have dealt with air oil mix. Topaz uses a bladder instead of IFP. Smoother off the top and you can control end to end stroke.
I saw u in the dollar lot at galby last weekend
Kid ride time!
Would also like to hear about the cascade link in the Ripmo
Well, if I get a link, I'll report back.
The casual air at 4:50 that I can’t do on a trail with speed😮
I wish there would be a Cascade link for the Ripmo V1, as it is more linear than the AF or V2
V2 link does fit
Oh, what? That's awesome news! Thank you so much for the info! 🤙🏽
I’ve shuttled with a Tallboy with no saddle 😮
I want one for my Switchblade, but Pivot is currently saying that it voids their frame warranty.
it will void most frame warranties, keep original and swap it back
Nice dog
So if I have a super deluxe ultimate with a meg neg can, then add a new link, what happens? 🤨
Depends on which bike you have. They make links for something like ~50 different models, and all are different.
@@JeffKendallWeed sorry. To be a bit more specific it’s a norco sight 2020. They have the link for it and I’m just wondering before I jump out that window…thanks for the response 🙌🏿
Definitely need purple
5:46 initiate physics class!
I wish I understood what is going on. I'm trying to read them distracted by what they're saying. Having to mute it to read the subtitles then go back and listen, to them go back and mute it again.
Regretting all of those head injuries.
Reign 29 link please 🙏
You mentioned bay area trails being flat. I guess you just haven't gone to the right spots. Some places in Santa Cruz or Pacifica are mega steep and gnarly
Half Moon Bay, got some insane fun steeps.
crack and mile are cool and all but not crazy gnarly
@@vp3093 how about AD or airborne at ucsc then?
Tam has some hidden gems
Most definitely, lots of super gnarly places in Cali and Northern Nevada
I would literally buy a link today if they sold a purple stumpjumper EVO link (and pay a premium).
Just get the link in silver and find someone to anodize it for you
@@Calispeedboi I would rather pay the premium and have them do it right :D
I bought a black link months ago and very happy with it. I don't understand color being a holdup.
Damn. Jeff roasted the fuck out of California… lol
My top question from this vid... who makes Jeffs shirt? I like it.
Which one? A lot of Kitsbow stuff that I'm wearing here... bit.ly/KitsbowSiteJKW
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks for the fast reply Jeff! Appreciated.
It was the grey button front shirt I was reffering to so the link covered it. Their kit looks amazing. I'll have to start saving... and wait for my Alpkit shirt to wear out first.
Wow, Jimmy has it going on in a big way! They should make oil slick linkages :-)
Goddamn, I'm fairly sharp most the time but I can just barely keep up with what this guy is saying... Can keep up just enough to see he KNOWS his shit. Very neat.
Shuttle all over with mine. Tallboy can be a beast!