Levo Gen 3 Cascade Link 2022+ Levo Long Shock Kit

[squeegee]

the calculator itself indicates that the extra weight of the e-bike must be added, as well as clothing and equipment.
Real travel it’s near 170

Yea I know and forgot about that but was just trying to give him a place to start on his own, anyone using the calculator should read the instructions carefully.

 

[maramouse]

For those with long kit and coil shock.
Could you please share your coil shock model, spring rate and rider weight?
Did you change the fork travel to 170 mm or left it at 160 mm?

I'm considering Cascade long kit and Öhlins TTX22 M.2 230x65 for my 2022 Turbo Levo Expert [S4].
I currently run the bike full stock with Fox 38 160 mm and Fox Float X2 210x55.
I'm 190 lbs [85 kg] and wonder what spring rate to go for.

Thank you in front for any tips and suggestions.

hi, I used the spring rate recommended by Cascade, you can find it on the cascade web site, I'm 82 kg on the bike and I put 525 lbs spring, on ttx22 m.2 and I have 30% sag and I feel great, also I changed the fork air shaft to 170 on fox 38

 

[maramouse]

today I rode in Sestri Levante in one of the steepest and rockiest terrains in Liguria and I was able to test the ttx22 m.2 well and I had the confirmation that this shock absorber changes your bike for the better, I am fully satisfied with it

 

[boylagz]

Get a Sprindex spring so you'll have a 40 or 50lb adj range. I have been using those 2 for about 2 yrs. Not the lightest but worth it to dial in your shock.

 

[BikeBert]

Thank you guys for all the info.
Anyone else would like to share their weight and spring rate?

I'm not new to biking and suspension that's why I'm bit skeptical with general recommendations posted on various websites. According to Cascade Components info, I should use use 550 lbs/in spring for my 85kg [190 lbs].

Based on the info in this thread I collected data for comparison:
- Lasse - 500 lbs/in spring @82 kg [180 lbs] with Marzocchi Bomber CR / fork: ZEB Ultimate 170 mm
- maramouse - 525 lbs/in spring @82 kg [180 lbs] with Öhlins TTX22 M.2 / fork: Fox 38 170 mm
- cañonaco - 475 lbs/in spring @85 kg [190 lbs] with Rock Shox Super Deluxe
- goodaa - ??? lbs/in spring @85 kg [190 lbs] with Öhlins TTX22 M.2 / fork: Fox 38 170 mm

 

[ebikerider]

I put the long shock kit back on as I at last received my Avalanche tuned Bomber and at my 90kg weight it was recommended I use a 500lb spring. I too was skeptical of this rate given the variety of recommendations listed above but I went ahead and bought one. The recommended sag figure with the kit is a constant with both Avy and Cascade so is a good target.... (19mm)..in saying that, with the 500 spring I'm only getting around 16mm of sag.

Also consider that if you use a smaller shaft shock like the Ohlins you will generally need to go up 25-50lbs in your spring rate to be comparable to the larger shaft shocks (area/fluid displacement etc).

The amount the BB has been raised with this kit changes the handling quite a bit. Previously with the HA in neutral and running a 29 rear wheel in low the bike felt super well balanced but as soon as I put the kit on the bike felt badly off and didn't initiate a turn well. Returning to a mullet rear helped as it dropped the rear again but more experimentation is needed to get it dialed.

I'm actually wondering if this bike is better with an air shock with the kit. Has anyone gone back and forth with coil and air and can share their thoughts?

 

[Ou812]

Found this on E-Bay, good deal if you’re UK based.

Cascade Components Long shock link kit gen 3 specialized levo | eBay

Turbo Levo Long Shock Kit (2022-Current) | UK | Cascade Components. This combination of linkages and shock yoke allow you to install a 230x65mm shock on your bike. The set up yields 165mm of travel and 35% progression.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[BikeBert]

Found this on E-Bay, good deal if you’re UK based.

Cascade Components Long shock link kit gen 3 specialized levo | eBay

Turbo Levo Long Shock Kit (2022-Current) | UK | Cascade Components. This combination of linkages and shock yoke allow you to install a 230x65mm shock on your bike. The set up yields 165mm of travel and 35% progression.

www.ebay.co.uk

Purchased it. Thanks for the link.
Time to order custom valved Öhlins TTX22 M.2 230x65. Still not sure about spring rate.

 

[Ou812]

Glad you bought it, I kept going back and forth on buying it or not. I have the regular cascade link with an EXT Storia that works really good for me so I’ll stick with what I have. I’ll probably order the smashpot kit for the fork instead.

 

[Ntinos]

today I rode in Sestri Levante in one of the steepest and rockiest terrains in Liguria and I was able to test the ttx22 m.2 well and I had the confirmation that this shock absorber changes your bike for the better, I am fully satisfied with it

With the long travel cascade link ?

 

[maramouse]

With the long travel cascade link ?

yes

 

[gbarfoot]

For anyone waiting for the alloy compatible link it's now up on cascades website

 

[cañonaco]

measured this morning, long link, 85kg and 475 spring. 28% sag, 18mm.

 

[BikeBert]

measured this morning, long link, 85kg and 475 spring. 28% sag, 18mm.

View attachment 103240

I asked Cascade for advice about the spring rate and was assured the 550 lbs/in is the correct coil for my weight (85 kg). Now seeing his photo I'm even more confused.

 

[ebikerider]

I asked Cascade for advice about the spring rate and was assured the 550 lbs/in is the correct coil for my weight (85 kg). Now seeing his photo I'm even more confused.

What shock are you using? If it's an Ohlins TTX then the 550 will be close (maybe a little oversprung). If it's a Push/EXT/SD/Marzocchi then a 475/500 will be better.

I've been testing the Avy Bomber on a 500 spring (90kg)and I'm now running almost zero preload and the spring rate seems good. I'm using more compression damping than what was recommended and less rebound but overall I've got it working very well in the long chainstays and neutral HA, 170 travel front with 27.5 rear. Going to try the 29 rear again, the first time with the link the BB felt too high but I'm hoping it felt off because the shock wasn't set up. Fingers crossed.

 

[BikeBert]

What shock are you using? If it's an Ohlins TTX then the 550 will be close (maybe a little oversprung). If it's a Push/EXT/SD/Marzocchi then a 475/500 will be better.

I've been testing the Avy Bomber on a 500 spring (90kg)and I'm now running almost zero preload and the spring rate seems good. I'm using more compression damping than what was recommended and less rebound but overall I've got it working very well in the long chainstays and neutral HA, 170 travel front with 27.5 rear. Going to try the 29 rear again, the first time with the link the BB felt too high but I'm hoping it felt off because the shock wasn't set up. Fingers crossed.

It will be Öhlins TTX22m.2 built per order.
I do not understand why the spring rate would be higher on Öhlins?
Usually Öhlins shocks tend to run more damping and less spring rate than Fox/RockShox.

 

[Alexbn921]

If you sag a coil to 30% and you are even mildly aggressive you will bottom out hard. I'm having to run 600lb 25% sag with a similar setup on a long shock kenevo and still using all travel.
I'm 87kg

 

[ebikerider]

If you sag a coil to 30% and you are even mildly aggressive you will bottom out hard. I'm having to run 600lb 25% sag with a similar setup on a long shock kenevo and still using all travel.
I'm 87kg

This isn't relevant as the Kenevo has different kinematics to the Levo with a long shock kit.

 

[ebikerider]

It will be Öhlins TTX22m.2 built per order.
I do not understand why the spring rate would be higher on Öhlins?
Usually Öhlins shocks tend to run more damping and less spring rate than Fox/RockShox.

Agree that Ohlins tend to have more damping than Rockshox or Fox dampers. The spring rate difference is due to the Ohlins running a smaller diameter main shaft and having less rod force vs the 1/2" shaft of Push/EXT etc so in general spring rates are about 25lb heavier to compensate.

 

[BikeBert]

Agree that Ohlins tend to have more damping than Rockshox or Fox dampers. The spring rate difference is due to the Ohlins running a smaller diameter main shaft and having less rod force vs the 1/2" shaft of Push/EXT etc so in general spring rates are about 25lb heavier to compensate.

How shaft diameter would affect the SAG?

 

[squeegee]

I picked up a long travel link recently and am running the Fox X2 on it with headset cup in "neutral" and horst link in "high". 170mm Fox 38 upfront
Initial Impressions:
1. Chain length had to be shortened by 2 links to properly shift
2. Ride quality feels a bit high, stand over is higher, may take some getting used to or perhaps low at chain stay or combination of headset slack and low at chain stay.
3. Travel feels noticeably longer, has a much more plush feel deep into stroke.
4. Link is impeccably made, perfect fit, easy installation
5. Air pressure/sag for my weight seems right about the same as 210 x 55 X2, according to some should be able to use lower pressure but not my finding.

Overall need to do some more riding but have to say am a bit put off by the higher center of gravity, at least right now. Big hits are soaked up much better than before, but steering seems to be less confidence inspiring than stock. Have to experiment.

Anyone care to comment?

 

[lokbot]

I ordered the alloy long shock link. They said they're still out for anodizing, will ship out right after new years at the latest. Excited to see how this works. I'm 6'2" 200 lbs on a s5. The fox float x bottoms out pretty easily at 30% sag for me. I should try some volume spacers.

 

[Sofaboy73]

Has any consensus been reached on how much the long shock kit is raising the BB compared to stock?

Very tempted to get one but 15mm increase or so seems quite a lot.

What are peoples real world impressions when riding?

 

[ebikerider]

Has any consensus been reached on how much the long shock kit is raising the BB compared to stock?

Very tempted to get one but 15mm increase or so seems quite a lot.

What are peoples real world impressions when riding?

It raises the BB approx 14-15mm.

If you maintain the 27.5 rear wheel it isn't an issue, it's actually a positive depending on your terrain as it reduces pedal strikes. I can only comment on the tuned shock that I've been using with the link but it basically makes everything better. The back end is more active and controlled and so provides more grip both going up and down.

If you use a 29 rear wheel....with the raised BB plus the bigger rear wheel it lost the good front end feel because the head angle was too steep in anything but the slackest setting. Unfortunately in the slackest HA setting it sacrifices reach and for me it just felt too short.

 

[Mr. Light]

Wanted to add my experience to the conversation, as I was skeptical to spend the extra money over the “regular“ Cascade link.

I just bought a 2022 Levo Expert and was not happy with the rear end feel at all. No amount of volume spacers and fiddling with pressure made it not feel harsh on drops, bigger landings. Granted this was meant to be a trail bike more than enduro……but I’ve had plenty of bikes with similar travel that didn’t feel as harsh as the new Levo. I emailed the owner and asked his opinion of regular vs long shock kit, as I’m not a big guy, might be 165lbs fully kitted up. His advice was, hands down, the long shock kit because of the extra air volume and that, in his opinion, the Levo never should have been designed with the 210x55. So I took his advice and bought the LS kit…….AND a new shock

I cannot express how much happier I am with the bike than I was a few weeks ago, it was money very well spent. I also upped the fork travel to 170mm but that hasn’t really affected the bike in any noticeable way (I was happy enough with the front end feel).

I was previously running the bike in the low position so even with the added height the difference in handling is not noticeable (to me) as the bike just feels so soooo much better. It hasn’t lost any ”playfulness“ or pop, just takes hits better, feels so much smoother in all conditions. I consider myself an above average rider, like chunk as much as flow. I can’t imagine anyone being unhappy with the kit, might not make as big of a difference to someone only riding green/blue trails.

Happy new year everyone!

 

[ebikerider]

Wanted to add my experience to the conversation, as I was skeptical to spend the extra money over the “regular“ Cascade link.

I just bought a 2022 Levo Expert and was not happy with the rear end feel at all. No amount of volume spacers and fiddling with pressure made it not feel harsh on drops, bigger landings. Granted this was meant to be a trail bike more than enduro……but I’ve had plenty of bikes with similar travel that didn’t feel as harsh as the new Levo. I emailed the owner and asked his opinion of regular vs long shock kit, as I’m not a big guy, might be 165lbs fully kitted up. His advice was, hands down, the long shock kit because of the extra air volume and that, in his opinion, the Levo never should have been designed with the 210x55. So I took his advice and bought the LS kit…….AND a new shock

I cannot express how much happier I am with the bike than I was a few weeks ago, it was money very well spent. I also upped the fork travel to 170mm but that hasn’t really affected the bike in any noticeable way (I was happy enough with the front end feel).

I was previously running the bike in the low position so even with the added height the difference in handling is not noticeable (to me) as the bike just feels so soooo much better. It hasn’t lost any ”playfulness“ or pop, just takes hits better, feels so much smoother in all conditions. I consider myself an above average rider, like chunk as much as flow. I can’t imagine anyone being unhappy with the kit, might not make as big of a difference to someone only riding green/blue trails.

Happy new year everyone!

What shock did you use?

 

[Mr. Light]

What shock did you use?

Fox Float X2 Factory

 

[squeegee]

I've done the last few rides chain stay to "low" and I don't think I'll go back to "high" because the bike feels more neutral and confident to me in low/long setting with this kit. I don't like feeling too upright in fast corners so I guess this is just a preference of mine. HTA feels right to me. Only downside I've felt is the bike is harder to pull up, have yet to put down a proper big mountain descent but anticipate a big smile. Sworks S3, X2, Fox 38 170mm, mullet.

 

[gbarfoot]

just installed the new alloy link on an S2....FYI the clearance of the bridge at full compression gets REALLY close to the ST at bottom out....like 1mm of clearance which is too close for comfort for me.....I reduced the stroke on my shock 2mm slightly to get a little more OH S!!!t clearance in case anything flexes. that bridge is super thick and there is no reaason that they could have made it thinner locally to get that clearance....bit of a disappointment but oh well.

lost about 5mm of travel but progression looks like it should still be up there. I found that its a super tight fit for the high position and it wants to be assembled in the low......the BB raised 10mm or so but came back down a bit with in the low......HTA is also slightly steeper but still looking like 64 degrees with the slack/low position and a 170mm fork........so all in all it should ride similar, but is definitely not a "retains standard geo" situation. Looking forward to the ride to see how it does. Now I just have to wait on this snow to melt.....bring on the sun

 

[Mr. Light]

I've done the last few rides chain stay to "low" and I don't think I'll go back to "high" because the bike feels more neutral and confident to me in low/long setting with this kit. I don't like feeling too upright in fast corners so I guess this is just a preference of mine. HTA feels right to me. Only downside I've felt is the bike is harder to pull up, have yet to put down a proper big mountain descent but anticipate a big smile. Sworks S3, X2, Fox 38 170mm, mullet.

Per Cascade, the LS kit is intended to be used in the low position