[Closed] Cascade components LT links any experience?

Yep! Got the Stumpy one, fitted just before lockdown so whole it's had a good 800km or so on it, that's been a mix of safe trails and lanes rather than in anger usage. That said, the extra progression is very apparent (the Stumpjumper is strangely very linear for intended usage).

I'd say go for it 👍

I have one on pre-order.
So can’t really comment on if it’s any good...

Seems like a nice product, especially if you want to make your Sentinel look like an old Ellsworth.

Here's the shock in the frame...
You need a specific Stumpy one, as the dials are at 45 degrees!

DrP

I’ve been running the Bronson one along with a coil for the last 8 months (having run the standard link for the previous 12 months) Riding steep chunky stuff, drops, jumps etc and I can safely say it’s made a night and day improvement to the bike.

Bought the LT link for my Hightower V2 recently. Makes a nice noticeable difference on the DH and can really notice small bump sensitivity is improved.
I’m running close to my previous psi minus a few points.
One major thing people speak about is pedal strike - this was bad on the Hightower V2 before but made worse with the link. I added a bit more pressure and it improved - I am also running a 160mm fork rather than the stock 150mm (I’d avoid the link if you had 150!)
Final point is tyre clearance - it is reduced to maybe 10mm at best - rubbish for clay Cotswolds where I live at the moment.
I can live with these issues for the sake of improved performance but wanted to point them out to anyone considering it and from the UK where we have proper mud!

Bumped into a guy with the Patrol link at Rogate a while ago, he had the same Patrol as me, down to the colour so I enthusiastically asked him about it

He wasn't impressed with the link, apparently made the bike feel dead
He wasn't happy about the bike either, apparently wasn't 'playful'
He didn't seem happy about the conditions either, too wet apparently

Maybe he just didn't like bikes

Ha brilliant! I wonder if life constantly deals him tough luck and he’s probably had COVID 3 times already too!?
Sounds like a happy soul!

antop34
Full Member
Bought the LT link for my Hightower V2 recently. Makes a nice noticeable difference on the DH and can really notice small bump sensitivity is improved.
I’m running close to my previous psi minus a few points.
One major thing people speak about is pedal strike – this was bad on the Hightower V2 before but made worse with the link. I added a bit more pressure and it improved – I am also running a 160mm fork rather than the stock 150mm (I’d avoid the link if you had 150!)
Final point is tyre clearance – it is reduced to maybe 10mm at best – rubbish for clay Cotswolds where I live at the moment.
I can live with these issues for the sake of improved performance but wanted to point them out to anyone considering it and from the UK where we have proper mud!

Thanks for that - I have a HIghtower V2 and it seems that everytime I read on a forum/facebook group about the Cascade link, its "made my bike better" with no real feedback - what made you try it in the first place?

Ha brilliant! I wonder if life constantly deals him tough luck and he’s probably had COVID 3 times already too!?
Sounds like a happy soul!

Luckily I haven't seen him since to ask 😀

Am I right in thinking that a progressive spring would have the same effect on my Patrol at 1/3 of the price?

Tbh I saw the reviews and hype and got a bit caught up and the boredom of lockdown forced my hand! It’s an expensive upgrade but I’m glad I did.
I run 170mm cranks and went on a ride with 210psi at the weekend (I’m about 86kg with a full pack) it was much better than the previous which was about 200.
Do you run a 160mm fork? If not i wouldn’t recommend it as I think that low bb would be a total pain and the front would wander too much on climbs.

Not totally, the link will change the shaft velocities too hence damping.

I’m not on a Hightower (Bronson v3) I wanted to run a coil, initially I tried without the Cascade which seemed to work ok but I was experiencing a fair few bottom outs. I then ended up snapping the shaft on my cc inline coil. So swapped to the cascade link and a RS Deluxe Coil with a SAR spring (at a slightly higher rate than previously). Result - improved small bump, nice mid stroke support and no more bottom outs. Also improved cornering (lower bb) and increased stability in a straight line (longer chain stay) all of the above resulting in a big increase in my confidence in the bike. Pedal strikes have been mitigated with thinner pedals and slightly shorter cranks. I now get less strikes than the standard link in the low setting. Overall I would say if you want to swap to coil without a doubt go for it. Sticking with air then maybe not, unless you think a lower bb and longer chain stay will help?

Edit to add I’m pretty sure they have mud in Squamish?

Good advice - I’d be interested in a coil with the cascade - maybe once things open up again and trips to bpw are on again I’ll consider.

Yeh plenty of mud in Squamish - mixed with loam. It’s the clay here that’s a killer for poor tyre clearance. Roll on spring!