2022 Heckler MX links from Cascade Components

[Rusty762]

Installed the prototype links from Cascade Components on my Santa Cruz Heckler MX, they allow you to run a longer shock (up to 230 x 65) air or coil, the links are also more progressive then the stock links and with the Fox DHX2 I installed (230 x 65) the ride was night and day over stock. So much more plush, small bump compliance was awesome and on big drops never had the harsh bottom out I did with the stock Rock Shox Super deluxe select. I only had a couple hours of daylight so got a 20 mile ride in and plan on getting a bunch of miles over the next month and will have a video on you tube showing installation and my thoughts. It takes about 30 minutes to install with a 5, 6 and 8 mm allen wrench ans uses the stock bearing cups and hardware. You will need a roller bearing kit for the rear of the Fox coil shock 30 x 8.

 

[mainsy]

Are they planning on making one for the 29er?
Does the link increase the amount of travel?

 

[Rusty762]

Are they planning on making one for the 29er?
Does the link increase the amount of travel?

Currently only the MX version as the rear triangle is different on the 29. Yes rear travel with the 230 x 65 shock is 160-165mm.

 

[luna87824]

Will it also help to get the bottom bracket a little higher off the ground?

 

[Silent Drone]

Is the difference you feel caused by having more travel or is it because you switched to a coil?

 

[Rusty762]

Will it also help to get the bottom bracket a little higher off the ground?

Bottom brackets stays the same height, are you getting pedal strikes?

 

[Rusty762]

Is the difference you feel caused by having more travel or is it because you switched to a coil?

Both, I knew before I purchased the Heckler I was going to put a coil on it and if you are just looking for an overall more plush, better small bump sensitivity than a coil in the stock length will help tremendously over the stock RockShox air shock. I wanted a little more travel and coils are linear so the added progressiveness that Jimmy has built into the links helps to keep the coil from bottoming out. I am 200lbs, running a 600lb spring with almost no preload on the spring and it feels awesome.

 

[luna87824]

Bottom brackets stays the same height, are you getting pedal strikes?

Did you actually measure before and after. People that have the long travel link on Levo's report that it did raise the BB.. I know Cascade says it doesn't. I have pedal strikes once every 10-15 rides. I also don't like long, low and slack, with lot's of pedal smack. I like short, high and steep!!

 

[Rusty762]

Did you actually measure before and after. People that have the long travel link on Levo's report that it did raise the BB.. I know Cascade says it doesn't. I have pedal strikes once every 10-15 rides. I also don't like long, low and slack, with lot's of pedal smack. I like short, high and steep!!

These are Prototype links and we will be working through the design as I get more hours on them. Tires and other variables can alter the BB height. I had the stock links in the Low position and the current BB height with the Cascade links is 5mm lower than stock. I grew up racing in the 80's so steep was 72-74 and the heckler is 64.8 so not sure what you mean when you say steep? Ideally I would like to see an adjustable BB and would like to bump my fork up 10mm to 170 but going to run it as is to have a baseline.

 

[luna87824]

These are Prototype links and we will be working through the design as I get more hours on them. Tires and other variables can alter the BB height. I had the stock links in the Low position and the current BB height with the Cascade links is 5mm lower than stock. I grew up racing in the 80's so steep was 72-74 and the heckler is 64.8 so not sure what you mean when you say steep? Ideally I would like to see an adjustable BB and would like to bump my fork up 10mm to 170 but going to run it as is to have a baseline.

66 or 67 degree with a 350-355 BB...Would be great!! All the bikes I had from the 80"s were 70-71 degree..

 

[Silent Drone]

Both, I knew before I purchased the Heckler I was going to put a coil on it and if you are just looking for an overall more plush, better small bump sensitivity than a coil in the stock length will help tremendously over the stock RockShox air shock. I wanted a little more travel and coils are linear so the added progressiveness that Jimmy has built into the links helps to keep the coil from bottoming out. I am 200lbs, running a 600lb spring with almost no preload on the spring and it feels awesome.

Great thanks. I’d get one if they decide to make it for the 29er heckler too.

 

[Heckler Sb130]

Installed the prototype links from Cascade Components on my Santa Cruz Heckler MX, they allow you to run a longer shock (up to 230 x 65) air or coil, the links are also more progressive then the stock links and with the Fox DHX2 I installed (230 x 65) the ride was night and day over stock. So much more plush, small bump compliance was awesome and on big drops never had the harsh bottom out I did with the stock Rock Shox Super deluxe select. I only had a couple hours of daylight so got a 20 mile ride in and plan on getting a bunch of miles over the next month and will have a video on you tube showing installation and my thoughts. It takes about 30 minutes to install with a 5, 6 and 8 mm allen wrench ans uses the stock bearing cups and hardware. You will need a roller bearing kit for the rear of the Fox coil shock 30 x 8.

View attachment 99308 View attachment 99309 View attachment 99310

Any reason you went with the Fox Coil over RockShox or other brands?

 

[Heckler Sb130]

These are Prototype links and we will be working through the design as I get more hours on them. Tires and other variables can alter the BB height. I had the stock links in the Low position and the current BB height with the Cascade links is 5mm lower than stock. I grew up racing in the 80's so steep was 72-74 and the heckler is 64.8 so not sure what you mean when you say steep? Ideally I would like to see an adjustable BB and would like to bump my fork up 10mm to 170 but going to run it as is to have a baseline.

In an earlier post you state "Bottom brackets stays the same height, are you getting pedal strikes?" and here you state that its 5mm lower? Can you help me understand my confusion?

 

[luna87824]

If you happen to see this message, does it do away with the flip chip also?

 

[Rusty762]

If you happen to see this message, does it do away with the flip chip also?

The BB is the same height as it was in the low position, there is no flip chip option and you have to run a longer stroke shock 230 x 65 so it has 160mm of travel in back. Still running 160 on the Fox 36 with a Smashpot coil conversion kit in the front. Butter on both ends...

 

[Scguyz]

When do you think the cascade link will be available to buy? Looking forward to getting one!

 

[Rusty762]

When do you think the cascade link will be available to buy? Looking forward to getting one!

They are going to start machining them next month, I will post more detailed info when I have it. I have gotten a lot more time on the links and longer shock and absolutely love it.

 

[luna87824]

So now a full compression the bottom bracket is 10mm closer to the ground?

 

[Rusty762]

So now a full compression the bottom bracket is 10mm closer to the ground?

No idea, I have had no pedal strikes since installing the kit and riding all the trails I was before.

 

[Devirider]

Any updates on these cascade links? Been waiting for their official release of it.

 

[RustyIron]

Any updates on these cascade links? Been waiting for their official release of it.

Give the guy a call. Sorry, I forget his name. He's helpful and actually does the work. When we spoke, I could hear the machines running in the background.

 

[Rusty762]

Jimmy told me 2 months at Sea Otter last week. My bike was in their booth with the new links on it.

 

[Devirider]

Just a heads up to everyone waiting, The links have been released in cascade’s website for you to order. I just ordered one!

 

[Rusty762]

Short video from Sea Otter with Jimmy from Cascade explaining the new links.

 

[Devirider]

Finally it arrived! Installed asap, can’t wait to try it out on the trail

The bike looks longer after i installed it

 

[Rusty762]

View attachment 119123

Finally it arrived! Installed asap, can’t wait to try it out on the trail

The bike looks longer after i installed it

Looks great, you are going to love the way it rides!

 

[ramoes]

I'm running a new Rockshox SDU coil with HBO. Not overly impressed with the improvement from the stock air shock. Steel feels slightly harsh on small bump. Now I'm thinking about going this route...

 

[chadbrochills]

I recently installed a Cascade link on my '21 Heckler. Feels great now. Wish they made mine in silver like the '22's, looks sick.

 

[Rusty762]

I'm running a new Rockshox SDU coil with HBO. Not overly impressed with the improvement from the stock air shock. Steel feels slightly harsh on small bump. Now I'm thinking about going this route...

How much do you weigh and what spring are you running? The Cascade link let me run a lighter spring than normal because of how progressive it is. I am 190lbs and running a 550 spring on my Fox DHX2, supple on the small stuff and no harsh bottom outs on the bigger hits.

 

[ramoes]

How much do you weigh and what spring are you running? The Cascade link let me run a lighter spring than normal because of how progressive it is. I am 190lbs and running a 550 spring on my Fox DHX2, supple on the small stuff and no harsh bottom outs on the bigger hits.

I am like 175-180 with gear. I am running a 450lb spring with 30% sag.