Levo Gen 3 Cascade Link 2022+ Levo Long Shock Kit

[rydeezie]

Just finished install. Excited to go for a ride and finish set up.

Stock 210x55 upgraded to 230x65
Will convert stock 150mm travel to 165mm
No more high pressures. Easy bottoming out gone

No clearance issues

side by side with a stock gen3 Levo

170mm travel up front. 165mm rear!

Will post the 210x55 for sale soon
** you can see the DU bushing on replaced shock (hole near HSR)

*Took the 230x65 X2 from my Kenevo and serviced by Fox. Fitted the stock rockshox coil back on.

**i was lucky to already have a DU bushing for the shock. Saved me from dropping what i was doing and making a run to the bike shop. You can use the old bushing from the old shock if you have the tools. But I recommend having a new DU bushing. (Don’t know if this was mentioned on CL site as i did not read any of the instructions lol)

 

[maramouse]

Just finished install. Excited to go for a ride and finish set up.

*Took the 230x65 X2 from my Kenevo and serviced by Fox. Fitted the stock rockshox coil back on.

View attachment 83395
View attachment 83396

No clearance issues View attachment 83400

side by side with my bros gen3 Levo
View attachment 83401

170mm travel up front. 165mm rear!
View attachment 83402

Will post the 210x55 for sale soon View attachment 83403

Hi, I'm waiting for the link too, I got a fox dhx2 2021 in super offer, I hope it will arrive soon, where are you from and what size of bike do you have? I live in Italy and I have an expert s2, I hope it fits my size, without interference with the seat tube

 

[rydeezie]

Hi, I'm waiting for the link too, I got a fox dhx2 2021 in super offer, I hope it will arrive soon, where are you from and what size of bike do you have? I live in Italy and I have an expert s2, I hope it fits my size, without interference with the seat tube

I’m in the US with an S4. My understanding for different frame sizes is that the shock area should have the same minimum clearance specifications for all frame sizes. That’s my guess.

As far as rear wheel clearance issues, i’m not sure between the frame sizes.

Cascade link did not make frame size specific linkages (at least i did not notice on their site) and the shock eye to eye/stroke is not different for any of the sizes. I’m assuming all the stock pivot linkages are the same for all sizes. I don’t think there will be a fitment issue

in any case, hopefully it works out for your bike.

 

[rydeezie]

Hi, I'm waiting for the link too, I got a fox dhx2 2021 in super offer, I hope it will arrive soon, where are you from and what size of bike do you have? I live in Italy and I have an expert s2, I hope it fits my size, without interference with the seat tube

 

[PCRover]

What does this do to the geometry? How high is the BB now? Fork Rake?

 

[rydeezie]

What does this do to the geometry? How high is the BB now? Fork Rake?

Maintains the same geometry as stock

My fork has 170mm travel and set at slack. Rear is set to high position. Haven’t measured BB height.

I think there are more details in the FAQ’s of cascade links website

all i can say, for me, it’s what specialized should of done for the gen3 Levo

 

[rydeezie]

First ride with the Cascade link and wow it’s amazing. Exactly what i needed from my Levo. Rode down fast through rocky and rooty chunder. Did several laps and the rear suspension feels so good. It actually feels like it has rear suspension lol. Still need to fine tune to get more pop on the jumps.

My 2020 Kenevo and gen3 Levo get the same amount of riding time. I switch between them throughout the week. I love the Levos superb handling over the Kenevo especially in tight sections. On the other hand, the Kenevo feels more stable and eats up all the chunder. The Kenevo saves my knees when landing jumps or drops with no transition where as on the Levo will feel harsh or bottom out……

Now, my Levo is almost as plush as my Kenevo while still maintaining it’s own handling characteristics. It’s not so easy to bottom out anymore. I am a heavier rider too.

i never had the cascade link on any of my previous bikes/ebikes. I probably wouldn’t have gotten the Levo link if it used the stock 210x55 shock. When i saw the long shock kit i knew it was a must have. Even if i had to spend on a new shock, there is always someone looking to buy a 210x55 X2

Suspension:
F - 170mm fox 38, vorsprung luftkappe, slack position
R - 230x65 Fox X2 (running 30psi less than with 210x55), high position

 

[mike172]

Great thanks. I think that's sold it for me! I feel the same with the stock link

 

[Lightme]

Mine just arrived today! Looking forward to putting that on. I’m running a 180mm Fox 38 so should complement it well. I’ll write up a quick review once it’s fitted.

 

[maramouse]

Hi, I ask who bought this link, if the communication with David of Cascade was correct or not, I received the wrong link, for the stock shock that I rejected by dhl courier and returned to the sender, then, I no longer have knew nothing about correct link for long shock and nobody in Cascade replies to my emails anymore, I don't like it...

 

[rydeezie]

Hi, I ask who bought this link, if the communication with David of Cascade was correct or not, I received the wrong link, for the stock shock that I rejected by dhl courier and returned to the sender, then, I no longer have knew nothing about correct link for long shock and nobody in Cascade replies to my emails anymore, I don't like it...

I saw on their social media that the long shock kit was available for pre-order. I went to their website and placed my order on the long shock kit right away. Their social media stated it would take about 6 weeks because they sent the links out to get them anodized.

Cascade link website showed expected shipping date of March 15th. I got mine ahead of schedule. I probably would of followed up with them if I didn’t get the link after the expected ship date.

It was a smooth ordering process for me. Did not contact them. Just waited

Hope you get it all resolved

 

[rydeezie]

Mine just arrived today! Looking forward to putting that on. I’m running a 180mm Fox 38 so should complement it well. I’ll write up a quick review once it’s fitted.

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on the Levo performance with the link

 

[Four Flusher]

I was all fired up about adding the Cascade long travel link for my S5 Expert and a coil. After going back and forth with Cascade support, it really felt like they weren't big on coils for my bike. Did you consider a coil?

 

[rydeezie]

I was all fired up about adding the Cascade long travel link for my S5 Expert and a coil. After going back and forth with Cascade support, it really felt like they weren't big on coils for my bike. Did you consider a coil?

i actually just took the X2 from my Kenevo

i'm considering a dhx2 for the Levo

the Kenevo is known to damage coil shafts. maybe same issue with Levo?

 

[bgixxer]

I wonder if it would work with a ohlins ttx

I was all fired up about adding the Cascade long travel link for my S5 Expert and a coil. After going back and forth with Cascade support, it really felt like they weren't big on coils for my bike. Did you consider a coil?

should think a ohlins ttx with a progressive spring would work ok?

 

[mike172]

i actually just took the X2 from my Kenevo

i'm considering a dhx2 for the Levo

the Kenevo is known to damage coil shafts. maybe same issue with Levo?

View attachment 83626

Fox won't warranty it, but there are a few people who are running the DHX and DHX2 with the newer thicker shafts already on the new Levo I think (seen some facebook group photos)

 

[Darkyhs]

This one has a thicker shaft for E-Bikes?

E-Storia – EXT

[elementor-template id="1322"]

www.extremeshox.com

 

[mike172]

@rydeezie

How's 33% progressivity feel, honestly?

22% stock? Feels nice in terms of how it ramps up and uses its 150mm of travel

I've got a Patrol at 24% or something and that really ramps up at the end

 

[Motoxfreak]

One ride in and I’m loving it!!! 62 year old heavy rider. Got the pop dialed in for jumping. Small bump feels great. Still need to hit some downhill rock.

 

[Mohawk3a]

Maintains the same geometry as stock

My fork has 170mm travel and set at slack. Rear is set to high position. Haven’t measured BB height.

I think there are more details in the FAQ’s of cascade links website

all i can say, for me, it’s what specialized should of done for the gen3 Levo

I don’t believe this is true, despite what cascade says on their site. I measured my bottom bracket height before and after the long shock kit and my bottom bracket height is definitely higher, a touch more than 5/8 inch / 16mm taller than the stock setup.

 

[FreshtotheX]

First ride with the Cascade link and wow it’s amazing. Exactly what i needed from my Levo. Rode down fast through rocky and rooty chunder. Did several laps and the rear suspension feels so good. It actually feels like it has rear suspension lol. Still need to fine tune to get more pop on the jumps.

My 2020 Kenevo and gen3 Levo get the same amount of riding time. I switch between them throughout the week. I love the Levos superb handling over the Kenevo especially in tight sections. On the other hand, the Kenevo feels more stable and eats up all the chunder. The Kenevo saves my knees when landing jumps or drops with no transition where as on the Levo will feel harsh or bottom out……

Now, my Levo is almost as plush as my Kenevo while still maintaining it’s own handling characteristics. It’s not so easy to bottom out anymore. I am a heavier rider too.

i never had the cascade link on any of my previous bikes/ebikes. I probably wouldn’t have gotten the Levo link if it used the stock 210x55 shock. When i saw the long shock kit i knew it was a must have. Even if i had to spend on a new shock, there is always someone looking to buy a 210x55 X2

Suspension:
F - 170mm fox 38, vorsprung luftkappe, slack position
R - 230x65 Fox X2 (running 30psi less than with 210x55), high position

View attachment 83440

thanks for posting this. I am sold as well

 

[rydeezie]

I don’t believe this is true, despite what cascade says on their site. I measured my bottom bracket height before and after the long shock kit and my bottom bracket height is definitely higher, a touch more than 5/8 inch / 16mm taller than the stock setup.

Could they mean same geometry at sag?
I dunno, I went off what their site said

Thanks for the info

What are your thoughts on how the Levo rides now?

 

[rydeezie]

@rydeezie

How's 33% progressivity feel, honestly?

22% stock? Feels nice in terms of how it ramps up and uses its 150mm of travel

I've got a Patrol at 24% or something and that really ramps up at the end

I rode my Levo twice since install. It will take me a few more rides to fine tune
Need to replace brake pads and rotors on Levo so I’ve been riding my Kenevo

I’ll get a better assessment next week. Also, I can’t remember if i have volume spacers in the shock. Need to re-check everything

 

[Mohawk3a]

Could they mean same geometry at sag?
I dunno, I went off what their site said

Thanks for the info

My bike is taller with the long shock kit so it’s going to be taller under sag as well. I was kind of shocked it was 16mm taller, I advise everyone else to check the before and after. I run my levo in low bb / slack ha configuration. Thinking that the bb height would be the same, I was planning on putting my bike into high bb mode to compensate for the increased travel. After I measured I was shocked at how much it increased my bb height. I obviously left it in low & slack. A 6mm change in bb height changes the head angle .5 degrees so at 16mm we are talking almost 1.5 degree change in head angle.

 

[rydeezie]

My bike is taller with the long shock kit so it’s going to be taller under sag as well. I was kind of shocked it was 16mm taller, I advise everyone else to check the before and after. I run my levo in low bb / slack ha configuration. Thinking that the bb height would be the same, I was planning on putting my bike into high bb mode to compensate for the increased travel. After I measured I was shocked at how much it increased my bb height. I obviously left it in low & slack. A 6mm change in bb height changes the head angle .5 degrees so at 16mm we are talking almost 1.5 degree change in head angle.

I was just picturing in my head 30% of a 65 stroke is more than 30% of a 55 stroke. So I’m guessing it would sit at around the same height at sag being deeper in travel? Totally just a guess as I did not measure before and after

maybe worth contacting cascade link to hear their explanation

 

[gbarfoot]

Did not measure BB height so can't comment....but just installed mine with the new 2022 DVO Topaz....winter is still here so not sure when I'll be able to ride it....but I'm excited

 

[Pyr0]

Does using a cascade link affect the Specialized warranty?

 

[rydeezie]

Does using a cascade link affect the Specialized warranty?

Most likely will not be covered if you submit a claim with the modification, but…..

Shock warranty is only 1 year and warranty goes through fox. When u buy a 230x65 then it will have it’s own warranty

Frame is lifetime so I guess keep the original linkage and should be fine

 

[gbarfoot]

Well BAD NEWS the link does not allow full travel on a S2 alloy. The links interfere with the seatstays before full travel is reached. I'm a bit bummed about this and will be contacting cascade tomorrow. My guess is the alloys will need a separate set of link plates than the carbon bikes.

 

[Mohawk3a]

I was just picturing in my head 30% of a 65 stroke is more than 30% of a 55 stroke. So I’m guessing it would sit at around the same height at sag being deeper in travel? Totally just a guess as I did not measure before and after

maybe worth contacting cascade link to hear their explanation

I hear what your saying. My thought is the linkage provides 15mm more travel at the rear wheel. If your bottom bracket is raised 15-16mm prior to suspension load, your bottom bracket will be riding higher throughout the suspension travel. The geometry might be close to stock only when suspension is fully collapsed.