Cascade Components Links

beeb
Posts
2
Joined
1/5/2024
Location
Melbourne, VIC AU
1/5/2024 2:51pm
Had no problems with the stock fox float x2 until I put the cascade link on. Suspension really isn’t that complicated, just back off the compression...

Had no problems with the stock fox float x2 until I put the cascade link on. Suspension really isn’t that complicated, just back off the compression if there’s harshness, unfortunately no setting would yield a good ride quality on the cascade link. I think the progressivity is just too high.

It doesn't seem like there's anything "faulty" with the links though, just that you don't need the extra progressivity for your riding.

Cascade are pretty clear in the advertising/tech info that the links increase progression, so if you've tried the link and found out you don't need the extra progression it's unfortunate for you but no fault of theirs.

7
mcfadden999
Posts
53
Joined
12/29/2023
Location
Albuquerque, NM US
1/5/2024 2:57pm
Had no problems with the stock fox float x2 until I put the cascade link on. Suspension really isn’t that complicated, just back off the compression...

Had no problems with the stock fox float x2 until I put the cascade link on. Suspension really isn’t that complicated, just back off the compression if there’s harshness, unfortunately no setting would yield a good ride quality on the cascade link. I think the progressivity is just too high.

beeb wrote:
It doesn't seem like there's anything "faulty" with the links though, just that you don't need the extra progressivity for your riding. Cascade are pretty clear...

It doesn't seem like there's anything "faulty" with the links though, just that you don't need the extra progressivity for your riding.

Cascade are pretty clear in the advertising/tech info that the links increase progression, so if you've tried the link and found out you don't need the extra progression it's unfortunate for you but no fault of theirs.

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

12
sethimus
Posts
879
Joined
9/20/2014
Location
CH
1/5/2024 5:17pm
Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product...

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

image 0

11
mcfadden999
Posts
53
Joined
12/29/2023
Location
Albuquerque, NM US
1/5/2024 5:27pm
Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product...

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

sethimus wrote:

image 0

It went like this I posted the link was too progressive on one of their Facebook ads, they went back and forth with me about it, they were cordial and it was a healthy discussion. Then they ripped the whole conversation off their FB page so I felt compelled to write a review on their site. Within a day or two that was taken down too, which leads to why I’m here.

11
1/5/2024 8:10pm
Had no problems with the stock fox float x2 until I put the cascade link on. Suspension really isn’t that complicated, just back off the compression...

Had no problems with the stock fox float x2 until I put the cascade link on. Suspension really isn’t that complicated, just back off the compression if there’s harshness, unfortunately no setting would yield a good ride quality on the cascade link. I think the progressivity is just too high.

beeb wrote:
It doesn't seem like there's anything "faulty" with the links though, just that you don't need the extra progressivity for your riding. Cascade are pretty clear...

It doesn't seem like there's anything "faulty" with the links though, just that you don't need the extra progressivity for your riding.

Cascade are pretty clear in the advertising/tech info that the links increase progression, so if you've tried the link and found out you don't need the extra progression it's unfortunate for you but no fault of theirs.

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product...

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum, I would block you from any form of being able to communicate with me or my customer base. You show a lack of understanding and willingness to become educated in a subject which you chose to spend you money. Get over it. They blocked you because you suck as communicating and are a kook. They aren’t stifling your opinion, they’re stifling the harassment you have chosen to pursue. 

Give it up, Bro.

I’ve had a CC link on a Nomad, Megatower, Sight, and Optic. Like others have said, it’s done exactly as what is advertised. All while changing the bikes for the better. The links make them truly amazing to ride for those that pilot them, and are dedicated to finding the settings/ tune that maximize performance out of the chassis. 

14
2
mcfadden999
Posts
53
Joined
12/29/2023
Location
Albuquerque, NM US
1/5/2024 8:31pm
beeb wrote:
It doesn't seem like there's anything "faulty" with the links though, just that you don't need the extra progressivity for your riding. Cascade are pretty clear...

It doesn't seem like there's anything "faulty" with the links though, just that you don't need the extra progressivity for your riding.

Cascade are pretty clear in the advertising/tech info that the links increase progression, so if you've tried the link and found out you don't need the extra progression it's unfortunate for you but no fault of theirs.

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product...

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum...

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum, I would block you from any form of being able to communicate with me or my customer base. You show a lack of understanding and willingness to become educated in a subject which you chose to spend you money. Get over it. They blocked you because you suck as communicating and are a kook. They aren’t stifling your opinion, they’re stifling the harassment you have chosen to pursue. 

Give it up, Bro.

I’ve had a CC link on a Nomad, Megatower, Sight, and Optic. Like others have said, it’s done exactly as what is advertised. All while changing the bikes for the better. The links make them truly amazing to ride for those that pilot them, and are dedicated to finding the settings/ tune that maximize performance out of the chassis. 

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented back on their website. Amazon is successful since people are free to comment on products they buy. I don’t know about cascade’s other links but the forbidden one is way too progressive. Their forbidden chainguide is also very unreliable and does the exact opposite of what it’s intended to do.

Did I spend money on cascade products that I didn’t truly need, yea, but I still spent the money so I’m entitled to an opinion, same as anyone else.

14
DServy
Posts
234
Joined
5/28/2015
Location
Jackson, WY US
1/5/2024 8:38pm
Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product...

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum...

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum, I would block you from any form of being able to communicate with me or my customer base. You show a lack of understanding and willingness to become educated in a subject which you chose to spend you money. Get over it. They blocked you because you suck as communicating and are a kook. They aren’t stifling your opinion, they’re stifling the harassment you have chosen to pursue. 

Give it up, Bro.

I’ve had a CC link on a Nomad, Megatower, Sight, and Optic. Like others have said, it’s done exactly as what is advertised. All while changing the bikes for the better. The links make them truly amazing to ride for those that pilot them, and are dedicated to finding the settings/ tune that maximize performance out of the chassis. 

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented...

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented back on their website. Amazon is successful since people are free to comment on products they buy. I don’t know about cascade’s other links but the forbidden one is way too progressive. Their forbidden chainguide is also very unreliable and does the exact opposite of what it’s intended to do.

Did I spend money on cascade products that I didn’t truly need, yea, but I still spent the money so I’m entitled to an opinion, same as anyone else.

Yes, you are 100% entitled to your opinion. No one is taking that away from you

Fun fact about the internet: no one has to pay the hosting costs to keep your opinions up on their site. 

14
rludes025
Posts
78
Joined
12/8/2011
Location
Nowhere, OK US
1/5/2024 11:00pm Edited Date/Time 1/5/2024 11:01pm
Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product...

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum...

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum, I would block you from any form of being able to communicate with me or my customer base. You show a lack of understanding and willingness to become educated in a subject which you chose to spend you money. Get over it. They blocked you because you suck as communicating and are a kook. They aren’t stifling your opinion, they’re stifling the harassment you have chosen to pursue. 

Give it up, Bro.

I’ve had a CC link on a Nomad, Megatower, Sight, and Optic. Like others have said, it’s done exactly as what is advertised. All while changing the bikes for the better. The links make them truly amazing to ride for those that pilot them, and are dedicated to finding the settings/ tune that maximize performance out of the chassis. 

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented...

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented back on their website. Amazon is successful since people are free to comment on products they buy. I don’t know about cascade’s other links but the forbidden one is way too progressive. Their forbidden chainguide is also very unreliable and does the exact opposite of what it’s intended to do.

Did I spend money on cascade products that I didn’t truly need, yea, but I still spent the money so I’m entitled to an opinion, same as anyone else.

walter

 

Again, just look at the leverage ratio curves, you should have done this before purchasing. To me it seems like this link was made for the Druid but also happens to fit the Dreadnought while being servicable. I havent used it because I was afraid of what the available data told me; but it sounds like it did exaclty what it what it was advertised to do.  

6
mcfadden999
Posts
53
Joined
12/29/2023
Location
Albuquerque, NM US
1/5/2024 11:24pm
If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum...

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum, I would block you from any form of being able to communicate with me or my customer base. You show a lack of understanding and willingness to become educated in a subject which you chose to spend you money. Get over it. They blocked you because you suck as communicating and are a kook. They aren’t stifling your opinion, they’re stifling the harassment you have chosen to pursue. 

Give it up, Bro.

I’ve had a CC link on a Nomad, Megatower, Sight, and Optic. Like others have said, it’s done exactly as what is advertised. All while changing the bikes for the better. The links make them truly amazing to ride for those that pilot them, and are dedicated to finding the settings/ tune that maximize performance out of the chassis. 

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented...

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented back on their website. Amazon is successful since people are free to comment on products they buy. I don’t know about cascade’s other links but the forbidden one is way too progressive. Their forbidden chainguide is also very unreliable and does the exact opposite of what it’s intended to do.

Did I spend money on cascade products that I didn’t truly need, yea, but I still spent the money so I’m entitled to an opinion, same as anyone else.

rludes025 wrote:
  Again, just look at the leverage ratio curves, you should have done this before purchasing. To me it seems like this link was made for...

walter

 

Again, just look at the leverage ratio curves, you should have done this before purchasing. To me it seems like this link was made for the Druid but also happens to fit the Dreadnought while being servicable. I havent used it because I was afraid of what the available data told me; but it sounds like it did exaclty what it what it was advertised to do.  

Glad my real world impressions met your expectations

1
12
rludes025
Posts
78
Joined
12/8/2011
Location
Nowhere, OK US
1/5/2024 11:32pm
I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented...

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented back on their website. Amazon is successful since people are free to comment on products they buy. I don’t know about cascade’s other links but the forbidden one is way too progressive. Their forbidden chainguide is also very unreliable and does the exact opposite of what it’s intended to do.

Did I spend money on cascade products that I didn’t truly need, yea, but I still spent the money so I’m entitled to an opinion, same as anyone else.

rludes025 wrote:
  Again, just look at the leverage ratio curves, you should have done this before purchasing. To me it seems like this link was made for...

walter

 

Again, just look at the leverage ratio curves, you should have done this before purchasing. To me it seems like this link was made for the Druid but also happens to fit the Dreadnought while being servicable. I havent used it because I was afraid of what the available data told me; but it sounds like it did exaclty what it what it was advertised to do.  

Glad my real world impressions met your expectations

It's a piece of data... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

bnsleit
Posts
119
Joined
9/27/2021
Location
Missoula, MT US
1/8/2024 7:37am
Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product...

Never had a problem saying it’s not for me, but cascade deleted my review of the link off their website. If you’re going to put product out into the world stifling opinion is kinda lame. It did show the limits of progression though, and it seems like something in the mid 20’s works best.

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum...

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum, I would block you from any form of being able to communicate with me or my customer base. You show a lack of understanding and willingness to become educated in a subject which you chose to spend you money. Get over it. They blocked you because you suck as communicating and are a kook. They aren’t stifling your opinion, they’re stifling the harassment you have chosen to pursue. 

Give it up, Bro.

I’ve had a CC link on a Nomad, Megatower, Sight, and Optic. Like others have said, it’s done exactly as what is advertised. All while changing the bikes for the better. The links make them truly amazing to ride for those that pilot them, and are dedicated to finding the settings/ tune that maximize performance out of the chassis. 

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented...

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented back on their website. Amazon is successful since people are free to comment on products they buy. I don’t know about cascade’s other links but the forbidden one is way too progressive. Their forbidden chainguide is also very unreliable and does the exact opposite of what it’s intended to do.

Did I spend money on cascade products that I didn’t truly need, yea, but I still spent the money so I’m entitled to an opinion, same as anyone else.

ah finally, the key to creating a $1.5 trillion company: not moderating reviews. take note Cascade

3
1
mcfadden999
Posts
53
Joined
12/29/2023
Location
Albuquerque, NM US
1/8/2024 5:28pm
If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum...

If I owned a company and had a review of my product or an interaction even closely remote to what you have shown on this forum, I would block you from any form of being able to communicate with me or my customer base. You show a lack of understanding and willingness to become educated in a subject which you chose to spend you money. Get over it. They blocked you because you suck as communicating and are a kook. They aren’t stifling your opinion, they’re stifling the harassment you have chosen to pursue. 

Give it up, Bro.

I’ve had a CC link on a Nomad, Megatower, Sight, and Optic. Like others have said, it’s done exactly as what is advertised. All while changing the bikes for the better. The links make them truly amazing to ride for those that pilot them, and are dedicated to finding the settings/ tune that maximize performance out of the chassis. 

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented...

I didn’t post anything that wasn’t true, not sure why cascade is so sensitive, if they think that I’m totally off base they could have commented back on their website. Amazon is successful since people are free to comment on products they buy. I don’t know about cascade’s other links but the forbidden one is way too progressive. Their forbidden chainguide is also very unreliable and does the exact opposite of what it’s intended to do.

Did I spend money on cascade products that I didn’t truly need, yea, but I still spent the money so I’m entitled to an opinion, same as anyone else.

bnsleit wrote:

ah finally, the key to creating a $1.5 trillion company: not moderating reviews. take note Cascade

Wouldn’t be the worst thing 

10
alexshiskin
Posts
6
Joined
1/27/2024
Location
Kelowna, BC CA
1/27/2024 6:34pm

I got one for my transition scout.  I'm 6'2 and 240lbs.  I've have a rock shock super deluxe that I'd filled up volume reducers, and I had to run about 280PSI to not bottom out on my normal rides.  When I ride it that stiff, It tends to be stiffer then I want over the small stuff.  So I grabbed myself a cascade link this offseason.  Haven't ridden it yet because it snows a lot in Canada..  Hoping I can run lower pressure, and or take out some volume reducers to still not bottom out while getting it a little softer up top.  

Thats my plan at least.....wont know how it works till spring.

1
1/28/2024 12:24am
I found the link to be too progressive, why am I putting a link on a bike to make it feel better for a few big...

I found the link to be too progressive, why am I putting a link on a bike to make it feel better for a few big hits and then feel rough and unpredictable the rest of the time? They might have been useful ten years ago when bikes weren’t progressive enough but now they seem more like a gimmick.

TayRob wrote:
I feel like that’s a you thing, and not a Cascade thing. If you knew your bike was already somewhat progressive, why did you feel the...

I feel like that’s a you thing, and not a Cascade thing.

If you knew your bike was already somewhat progressive, why did you feel the need to want more of a progressive feeling? Did you exhaust all other options like different shock settings, volume spacers, custom tunes, or even a different shock before choosing to purchase the Cascade link to chase the feeling you were apparently after? Not to sound like a d1ck, but did you even know what feeling you were after or did you blindly buy into marketing?

As with everything in the world, there’s also the old saying of “different strokes for different folks” ,so maybe instead of lashing out at a company for a “faulty product” maybe just embrace the fact it didn’t work for you or your riding style and move on knowing it was a somewhat costly mistake on your part.

Full disclaimer, I’ve never bought nor ridden anything equipped with a Cascade product, but understand not every single product will work for every single person on the planet.

The real problem is how cascade has conducted themselves, burying criticism is wrong and that’s why I’m here, if you want to silence me that’s your...

The real problem is how cascade has conducted themselves, burying criticism is wrong and that’s why I’m here, if you want to silence me that’s your problem.

I never attacked anyone for how good or bad a rider they are so being attacked for not being fast or rad enough to access the magic of the link is a bit disheartening.

Jesus dude you have a real chip on your shoulder about these links. Surely you bought the link to make your bike more progressive because it didn’t feel Progressive enough in the first place and you had already exhausted all avenues in shock tuning as in spring rate/ tokens (if it’s air) and compression. Sounds like you bought a shiny link “just cause” and where pissed off that you or the trails you ride didn’t warrant that amount of progression. What cascade done to your review doesn’t matter, don’t forget these guys are mountain bikers like all of us not some big corporate suits trying to squeeze your hard earned money from you, there business is built on passion for making things better for all mountain bikers that need a product like there’s (which is not everyone). Cascade give the real numbers data to what progression your getting from there link v the stock link it’s there in black and white. You bought something that didn’t suit you, suck it up and go out in the woods and have fun.

4
Simmo
Posts
10
Joined
6/1/2011
Location
GB
1/28/2024 1:47am

I've owned one and loved what it did to my Stumpy Evo.

One thing I would like is the changes made to other kinematics to be published please @CascadeComponents ... I bought the link primarily to change leverage ratio curve so I could use a coil shock, but I'm a nerd so I'd be interested in what each link does to all the other curves too.

2
Froman1331
Posts
57
Joined
1/1/2022
Location
Framingham, MA US
1/28/2024 4:47am
Simmo wrote:
I've owned one and loved what it did to my Stumpy Evo. One thing I would like is the changes made to other kinematics to be...

I've owned one and loved what it did to my Stumpy Evo.

One thing I would like is the changes made to other kinematics to be published please @CascadeComponents ... I bought the link primarily to change leverage ratio curve so I could use a coil shock, but I'm a nerd so I'd be interested in what each link does to all the other curves too.

I agree, but maybe start a new thread asking that question instead of bringing them here to see this one. I want to be educated from the start, and not have to read through the negativity posted here. Tell you what, I’ll do it for us. 

4
Suns_PSD
Posts
360
Joined
10/7/2015
Location
Austin, TX US
1/28/2024 12:00pm Edited Date/Time 1/28/2024 12:57pm
I found the link to be too progressive, why am I putting a link on a bike to make it feel better for a few big...

I found the link to be too progressive, why am I putting a link on a bike to make it feel better for a few big hits and then feel rough and unpredictable the rest of the time? They might have been useful ten years ago when bikes weren’t progressive enough but now they seem more like a gimmick.

I haven't read every post in this thread so apologies if this has been covered.

First, tons of modern high end bikes are very linear in their suspension design. In fact, I'd argue that for aggressive riders only Transitions & YT's, really have enough progression as delivered stock. Bike suspension designs are built for the center of the bell curve, as they should be, and that's going to be a more linear design that works well the with the lighter and progressive nature of an air shock.

You should certainly be able to express your displeasure with the Cascade product changes, but anyone reading that, should recognize that all it does is change the shape of the suspension curve, and unless you were experiencing identifiable issues with the stock curve, it was never going to be a positive change. That part is completely on you.

A perfect example was my SJEvo, small reservoir stock air shock now packed full of volume reducers, high air pressure, then it was harsh and still harshly bottomed out. The Cascade link was a revelation for me, on that particular bike. I was able to remove 1-2 volume reducers, have better off the top performance (more plush), better midrange pedaling support (more linear air rate in the shock and higher air pressure) & my harsh bottom out issues were cured It made that bike sooo much better for me.

 

GL

3
Suns_PSD
Posts
360
Joined
10/7/2015
Location
Austin, TX US
1/28/2024 12:56pm Edited Date/Time 1/30/2024 11:52am
DServy wrote:
Fine, I'll bite.  So I own a Forbidden Dreadnought and I also own the cascade link for the dreadnought. It is a well made product that...

Fine, I'll bite. 

So I own a Forbidden Dreadnought and I also own the cascade link for the dreadnought.

It is a well made product that feels and look like a quality part. It fit perfectly, and with a bit of help from Pinner machine shop, it worked great with my EXT.

So props to cascade for the great part. 10/10.

Is this part still on my bike? No. 
Would I recommend it to other dreadnought owners? Probably not.

I actually feel like the link made the first 2/3rds of my travel amazing, like seriously the best I've ever felt out of a rear in a straight line, the thing mobs. The problem I (heavy emphasis on the letter I on this next part of the review) could never get the last 10% of travel, between the HBO setting on my EXT and my spring rate, the bottom of that bike was NEVER going to happen for me. I suck, and I'm okay with that. 

Does this mean that the linkage was bad? No. It says right on the tin it increases the progression to around the 40% mark, mainly in the last bit of travel. In my opinion, thats a pretty big number, but they were honest about it (and I had to try it). And there is something to be said about the increased leverage ratio in the early part of the travel.

Now, I tried a ton of spring rates to make the 40% progression to work, and yeah at lower spring rates that made me "use" the travel it felt kinda like it was a pile of undersprung wallowy donkey crap. But when I actually used the spring rate they recommended on their charts, it felt amazing (just with a wall of progression at the end). 

In the process of swapping out more than my fair share of springs, and the linkage a couple times, I learned that the CC link offered me the chance to experiment with aspect of suspension performance that I haven't given enough credence before. The CC link took me down the rabbit hole of measuring expected spring force for a given spring displacement at the wheel, what I'm looking for out of a starting ratio (spoiler alert, its around 3:1), and how important the expected "operational sag" is suspension design. I learned so much about what does what kinematics wise and my own preference. For that experience alone, CC gets 12/10.  

Will I use it again on the dreadnought? No, not without a significant change to my shock tune. See, what I realized is that with the way progression is built on the linkage, I had a really hard time controlling very deep compressions with my HSR set the way it was (by my EXT tuner for the stock dreadnought), however the LSR needed to be pretty quick to avoid packing up. I was going to borrow an DHX2, but then the season ran out and I never got around to it. And I'm pretty sure my Dreadnought will be up for sale. 

Will I buy a CC link for my next bike? Probably, as its not a huge investment and I like tinkering. Will I expect the CC link to make me breakfast in the morning and provide world peace? No, but that's not their fault. 

Blaming them for providing a product that doesn't blend to your particular preference and taste is like getting mad at a Mexican Restaurant because you don't like tacos. 

40% progression is way too much, for any bike or rider outside of possibly a Rampage rider.

 

It's a bummer that CC sold a link, that they should know better than to sell. That feels, opportunistic.

 

I wouldn't add a CC to either of my Transitions either as at around 28% they are in a really sweet spot. The Relay was really harsh with the stock air shock, even after removing both factory included volume reducers, but it's an ideal candidate for a coil shock, which it now has. My Smuggler has similar progression but less travel so it works quire well the included air shock, but with the volume reducer removed. Worth noting is that I don't do nearly as big of stuff on the Smuggler.

 

As travel increases, you have more mm's to use up energy, so the need for as much progression typically decreases, assumes everything else is the same. If you ride the big bike more aggressively or have a different shock, well that all plays in to it.

1/28/2024 1:28pm
Suns_PSD wrote:
40% progression is way too much, for any bike or rider outside of possibly a Rampage rider.   It's a bummer that CC sold a link...

40% progression is way too much, for any bike or rider outside of possibly a Rampage rider.

 

It's a bummer that CC sold a link, that they should know better than to sell. That feels, opportunistic.

 

I wouldn't add a CC to either of my Transitions either as at around 28% they are in a really sweet spot. The Relay was really harsh with the stock air shock, even after removing both factory included volume reducers, but it's an ideal candidate for a coil shock, which it now has. My Smuggler has similar progression but less travel so it works quire well the included air shock, but with the volume reducer removed. Worth noting is that I don't do nearly as big of stuff on the Smuggler.

 

As travel increases, you have more mm's to use up energy, so the need for as much progression typically decreases, assumes everything else is the same. If you ride the big bike more aggressively or have a different shock, well that all plays in to it.

It’s well known that the Druid and dreadnought share the same link. A good number of people actually installed it on the dreadnought before we ever listed it as compatible with the dreadnought. They were happy with it and we continued to get questions about it so when we got the shock compatibility to a place we thought was reasonable for the dreadnought we listed its specs too. It’s a Druid link a the end of the day though. There are some people that can get along with 40%. It’s not as unreasonable as it sounds especially on this bike since a lot of that comes later in travel. I’m not going to back down from selling that link because the specs are listed there plain as day. If some people are into it why should I not tell them what it does?

9
DServy
Posts
234
Joined
5/28/2015
Location
Jackson, WY US
1/28/2024 2:02pm
DServy wrote:
Fine, I'll bite.  So I own a Forbidden Dreadnought and I also own the cascade link for the dreadnought. It is a well made product that...

Fine, I'll bite. 

So I own a Forbidden Dreadnought and I also own the cascade link for the dreadnought.

It is a well made product that feels and look like a quality part. It fit perfectly, and with a bit of help from Pinner machine shop, it worked great with my EXT.

So props to cascade for the great part. 10/10.

Is this part still on my bike? No. 
Would I recommend it to other dreadnought owners? Probably not.

I actually feel like the link made the first 2/3rds of my travel amazing, like seriously the best I've ever felt out of a rear in a straight line, the thing mobs. The problem I (heavy emphasis on the letter I on this next part of the review) could never get the last 10% of travel, between the HBO setting on my EXT and my spring rate, the bottom of that bike was NEVER going to happen for me. I suck, and I'm okay with that. 

Does this mean that the linkage was bad? No. It says right on the tin it increases the progression to around the 40% mark, mainly in the last bit of travel. In my opinion, thats a pretty big number, but they were honest about it (and I had to try it). And there is something to be said about the increased leverage ratio in the early part of the travel.

Now, I tried a ton of spring rates to make the 40% progression to work, and yeah at lower spring rates that made me "use" the travel it felt kinda like it was a pile of undersprung wallowy donkey crap. But when I actually used the spring rate they recommended on their charts, it felt amazing (just with a wall of progression at the end). 

In the process of swapping out more than my fair share of springs, and the linkage a couple times, I learned that the CC link offered me the chance to experiment with aspect of suspension performance that I haven't given enough credence before. The CC link took me down the rabbit hole of measuring expected spring force for a given spring displacement at the wheel, what I'm looking for out of a starting ratio (spoiler alert, its around 3:1), and how important the expected "operational sag" is suspension design. I learned so much about what does what kinematics wise and my own preference. For that experience alone, CC gets 12/10.  

Will I use it again on the dreadnought? No, not without a significant change to my shock tune. See, what I realized is that with the way progression is built on the linkage, I had a really hard time controlling very deep compressions with my HSR set the way it was (by my EXT tuner for the stock dreadnought), however the LSR needed to be pretty quick to avoid packing up. I was going to borrow an DHX2, but then the season ran out and I never got around to it. And I'm pretty sure my Dreadnought will be up for sale. 

Will I buy a CC link for my next bike? Probably, as its not a huge investment and I like tinkering. Will I expect the CC link to make me breakfast in the morning and provide world peace? No, but that's not their fault. 

Blaming them for providing a product that doesn't blend to your particular preference and taste is like getting mad at a Mexican Restaurant because you don't like tacos. 

Suns_PSD wrote:
40% progression is way too much, for any bike or rider outside of possibly a Rampage rider.   It's a bummer that CC sold a link...

40% progression is way too much, for any bike or rider outside of possibly a Rampage rider.

 

It's a bummer that CC sold a link, that they should know better than to sell. That feels, opportunistic.

 

I wouldn't add a CC to either of my Transitions either as at around 28% they are in a really sweet spot. The Relay was really harsh with the stock air shock, even after removing both factory included volume reducers, but it's an ideal candidate for a coil shock, which it now has. My Smuggler has similar progression but less travel so it works quire well the included air shock, but with the volume reducer removed. Worth noting is that I don't do nearly as big of stuff on the Smuggler.

 

As travel increases, you have more mm's to use up energy, so the need for as much progression typically decreases, assumes everything else is the same. If you ride the big bike more aggressively or have a different shock, well that all plays in to it.

I'm going on a limb and going to say that you haven't actually looked at the linkage chart fro the dreadnought/druid have you? Yes, it's overall 40% progressive but it comes so late in the travel. It's almost like a built in HBO. If you were to actually read my review you'd see that I'd actually run this link with a shock tune (HSR adjustment and HBO removal). 

CC sold a product that does what it says on the tin. That's not opportunistic. It's not up to them to make links that work for everyone, and in fact that runs counter to their whole reason for existing. It seems to me that the hate for CC links come from people who do just fine on the stock linkages on their bikes. Guess what? Most bike companies now do a pretty great job of having great suspension kinematics for a vast, vast, majority of riders (which, purely statistically speaking, that includes you and me). I feel like I shouldn't have to say this again, but here it goes: 

No one is making you stick a new linkage on your bike. Full Stop. 

CC makes great products, and their craftsmanship is fantastic, just because it doesn't work for you and your riding style does not mean its a bad product. It's just not for you (and that's 100% okay!).

I appreciate what CC is doing, In fact I'll probably slap a CC link on my spire because I really like the feel of 3:1 on a coil shock, and if I don't like it, I'll just take it off my bike and move on with my life. I recommend you do the same. 

8
1/28/2024 3:28pm Edited Date/Time 1/28/2024 3:39pm
That’s all well and good but you’re deleting reviews off your website. At least allow the riders who actually pay out of their own pockets for...

That’s all well and good but you’re deleting reviews off your website. At least allow the riders who actually pay out of their own pockets for your stuff the chance to give feedback that is helpful for others.

This was thoroughly hashed out in the tech rumors. We blocked one person. The person that started this thread. Calling it a review would be a stretch. Calling it defamatory, not so much. 
 

Edit, seeing as you made an account today just to post one thing I’m going to assume you are that exact same person. 

23
DServy
Posts
234
Joined
5/28/2015
Location
Jackson, WY US
1/28/2024 3:28pm Edited Date/Time 1/28/2024 3:30pm
Suns_PSD wrote:
40% progression is way too much, for any bike or rider outside of possibly a Rampage rider.   It's a bummer that CC sold a link...

40% progression is way too much, for any bike or rider outside of possibly a Rampage rider.

 

It's a bummer that CC sold a link, that they should know better than to sell. That feels, opportunistic.

 

I wouldn't add a CC to either of my Transitions either as at around 28% they are in a really sweet spot. The Relay was really harsh with the stock air shock, even after removing both factory included volume reducers, but it's an ideal candidate for a coil shock, which it now has. My Smuggler has similar progression but less travel so it works quire well the included air shock, but with the volume reducer removed. Worth noting is that I don't do nearly as big of stuff on the Smuggler.

 

As travel increases, you have more mm's to use up energy, so the need for as much progression typically decreases, assumes everything else is the same. If you ride the big bike more aggressively or have a different shock, well that all plays in to it.

It’s well known that the Druid and dreadnought share the same link. A good number of people actually installed it on the dreadnought before we ever...

It’s well known that the Druid and dreadnought share the same link. A good number of people actually installed it on the dreadnought before we ever listed it as compatible with the dreadnought. They were happy with it and we continued to get questions about it so when we got the shock compatibility to a place we thought was reasonable for the dreadnought we listed its specs too. It’s a Druid link a the end of the day though. There are some people that can get along with 40%. It’s not as unreasonable as it sounds especially on this bike since a lot of that comes later in travel. I’m not going to back down from selling that link because the specs are listed there plain as day. If some people are into it why should I not tell them what it does?

That’s all well and good but you’re deleting reviews off your website. At least allow the riders who actually pay out of their own pockets for...

That’s all well and good but you’re deleting reviews off your website. At least allow the riders who actually pay out of their own pockets for your stuff the chance to give feedback that is helpful for others.

Once again, for those who missed it the first time:

No one is under any obligation to pay for the hosting space to keep your opinion on their site.

It's like getting mad at the sushi restaurant for serving raw fish even though its not your jam.  

7
chriskief
Posts
729
Joined
4/15/2017
Location
New York, NY US
1/28/2024 3:43pm
That’s all well and good but you’re deleting reviews off your website. At least allow the riders who actually pay out of their own pockets for...

That’s all well and good but you’re deleting reviews off your website. At least allow the riders who actually pay out of their own pockets for your stuff the chance to give feedback that is helpful for others.

This was thoroughly hashed out in the tech rumors. We blocked one person. The person that started this thread. Calling it a review would be a...

This was thoroughly hashed out in the tech rumors. We blocked one person. The person that started this thread. Calling it a review would be a stretch. Calling it defamatory, not so much. 
 

Edit, seeing as you made an account today just to post one thing I’m going to assume you are that exact same person. 

Post what they said please?

LOL

There are plenty of posts from the guy. Just read this thread. We're all very aware of what he said.

7
chriskief
Posts
729
Joined
4/15/2017
Location
New York, NY US
1/28/2024 3:45pm
This was thoroughly hashed out in the tech rumors. We blocked one person. The person that started this thread. Calling it a review would be a...

This was thoroughly hashed out in the tech rumors. We blocked one person. The person that started this thread. Calling it a review would be a stretch. Calling it defamatory, not so much. 
 

Edit, seeing as you made an account today just to post one thing I’m going to assume you are that exact same person. 

Post what they said please?

chriskief wrote:

LOL

There are plenty of posts from the guy. Just read this thread. We're all very aware of what he said.

Unless, of course, you are that same guy (nice new account you got there).

In that case, you know what you said.

5
HexonJuan
Posts
379
Joined
6/10/2015
Location
WI US
1/29/2024 6:12am
HexonJuan wrote:

Bud, you are creating one fake account away from qualifying for a job at mullet cycles. 

Welp, he got the job.

1
Marcus J
Posts
50
Joined
7/14/2017
Location
SE
1/29/2024 6:56am

I have the Levo long stroke link, friggin awesome. Made it another bike. (150 to 165mm with a longer stroke shock). I have the SB150 link as well, not using it anymore because it made my rear wheel bottom out on the seat tube. Also like the leverage curve on the stock one more.

1
1/29/2024 9:18am
HexonJuan wrote:

Bud, you are creating one fake account away from qualifying for a job at mullet cycles. 

HexonJuan wrote:

Welp, he got the job.

Oh boy... mullet cycles go out of business yet? Or enough boomers soaking up geo marketing nonsense still?

1/29/2024 9:41am

Question for Cascade.. I know you were developing a link for the V3 Wreckoning - but nothing since - any reason why? Is it still in development? 

Tanner_Carl
Posts
149
Joined
11/2/2018
Location
Bumfuck, WI US
1/29/2024 9:45am
Marcus J wrote:
I have the Levo long stroke link, friggin awesome. Made it another bike. (150 to 165mm with a longer stroke shock). I have the SB150 link...

I have the Levo long stroke link, friggin awesome. Made it another bike. (150 to 165mm with a longer stroke shock). I have the SB150 link as well, not using it anymore because it made my rear wheel bottom out on the seat tube. Also like the leverage curve on the stock one more.

I've got the standard CC link for my levo.. is it worth the $$$ for the long stroke link + a new shock? I finally got a functioning X2 attached to the bike and it's feeling pretty damn mint at the moment so I'm not feeling very ambitious to shell out another couple hundred bucks on the long link and new shock. 

1
1/29/2024 10:42am
JerseyMojo wrote:
Question for Cascade.. I know you were developing a link for the V3 Wreckoning - but nothing since - any reason why? Is it still in...

Question for Cascade.. I know you were developing a link for the V3 Wreckoning - but nothing since - any reason why? Is it still in development? 

It's a time thing. Haven't shelved it or anything. Evil links require more tooling despite being simpler to machine once that tooling is done. We're a pretty small company so time is hard to come by.

3

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