Other Cascade Components 2023+ Levo SL Link

[cosas_genericas]

I am coming off a gen 3 Turbo Levo with an EXT E-Storia and Cascade Components long travel kit. On the Turbo Levo this link and shock absolutely transformed this bike.

I haven't received my new SL yet and will give it at least 20 rides of tweaking before trying anything new.

In the meantime I was interested in collecting people's observations and experiences with this new link.

Turbo Levo SL Link (2023-Current) | US | Cascade Components

Our new Turbo Levo SL link takes everything we've learned from the Stumpjumper, Levo, and the Orbea Rise, our best selling links, and applies it to the latest rendition of the Levo SL. This link takes the amount of progression and pushes it up to 24% from 12% while putting travel at 160mm even...

cascadecomponents.bike

 

[Lightme]

I have it paired with a Storia. Personally I really like it - the increased progression suits my riding style and the trails I ride. With the stock link and shock I was running sag in the high teens in order not to bottom out.
Very happy with my decision.

 

[ccornacc]

Do you need a new shock length for this modification, or will the stock size work?

I’m currently on a gen 3 levo with the LT Link, and if I try out the SL, the extra 10mm of travel seems intriguing.

Thanks!

 

[cosas_genericas]

Do you need a new shock length for this modification, or will the stock size work?

I’m currently on a gen 3 levo with the LT Link, and if I try out the SL, the extra 10mm of travel seems intriguing.

Thanks!

From the link above to their site:

• Fits Turbo Levo SL (2023 to current)
• Travel: 160mm with stock shock

 

[ccornacc]

Completely missed that!

Thank you!

 

[Tonester]

This just came in today. I'll be installing it and pairing it with my bike's stock Fox Float X. The seal kit for my shock won't be in for another week so I'll be waiting to try anything different with volume spacers. I do intend upping the sag a bit until then. Will report back.

 

[cosas_genericas]

This just came in today. I'll be installing it and pairing it with my bike's stock Fox DX2. The seal kit for my shock won't be in for another week so I'll be waiting to try anything different with volume spacers. I do intend upping the sag a bit until then. Will report back.

Curious, how did it turn out? Did you mean DHX2? Was expecting it not be supported by Fox given their documentation and therefore only options would be steel shaft 23+ super deluxe coil, EXT Storia, Ohlins TTX. The DHX does have a slightly thicker steel shaft and is more yoke compatible than the DHX2 but still not as robust as the alternatives. Interestingly the new SJ15 alloy has a DHX spec'd so the new yoke design must not scare Fox as much as before, however the kinematics between the SJ and Levo SL are different

 

[Tonester]

Curious, how did it turn out? Did you mean DHX2? Was expecting it not be supported by Fox given their documentation and therefore only options would be steel shaft 23+ super deluxe coil, EXT Storia, Ohlins TTX. The DHX does have a slightly thicker steel shaft and is more yoke compatible than the DHX2 but still not as robust as the alternatives. Interestingly the new SJ15 alloy has a DHX spec'd so the new yoke design must not scare Fox as much as before, however the kinematics between the SJ and Levo SL are different

Corrected. Its just a Fox Float X. It turned out well. I can't say I feel a huge difference yet, but I haven't been able to get much riding in due to rain, hurricanes, etc

 

[cosas_genericas]

Corrected. Its just a Fox Float X. It turned out well. I can't say I feel a huge difference yet, but I haven't been able to get much riding in due to rain, hurricanes, etc

What spacer do you have in the float x?

 

[Tonester]

I didn't use anything additional. The stock shock and the link just fit.

 

[ripeinmay]

Jumping in here for some info. Do you need a different sized shock for the cascade link vs stock to get 160mm? I.e. what's the eye to eye value and stroke value?

 

[cañonaco]

210 x 55
Original Shock

 

[Tonester]

Jumping in here for some info. Do you need a different sized shock for the cascade link vs stock to get 160mm? I.e. what's the eye to eye value and stroke value?

I did not need any additional hardware to install the link. I only had to switch my shock geometry chip to the "High" position.

 

[ah1]

For those that did install the Cascade link - what's the verdict? How does it feel on the Levo SL if you use the same shock you've used without the Cascade?

 

[Lightme]

For those that did install the Cascade link - what's the verdict? How does it feel on the Levo SL if you use the same shock you've used without the Cascade?

It’s great. Increases progression, giving more confidence on rougher, faster trails. I changed to an EXT Storia which I also bought from Cascade.

 

[Greeno]

Purchased my Levo last summer and rode it a few times before the upgrade and it seemed fine.
I installed the Long Travel Link as well as replacing my original shock with a Fox float x 230x65 and love the way it rides.
It seems to have made a positive noticeable difference in being able to push harder in corners and the occasional jumps.
Sold the original 210x55 shock for 3 bills so that haelped.

 

[P00KIENRAYRAY]

Purchased my Levo last summer and rode it a few times before the upgrade and it seemed fine.
I installed the Long Travel Link as well as replacing my original shock with a Fox float x 230x65 and love the way it rides.
It seems to have made a positive noticeable difference in being able to push harder in corners and the occasional jumps.
Sold the original 210x55 shock for 3 bills so that haelped.

I recently upgraded to a 170mm Fox 38. Front end feels like a completely different bike now. Now that I’m riding harder and faster, the rear feels squirrelly and I’ve been drifting more than I’m used to. Does the link help with this?

 

[Greeno]

My bike came with the stock Fox 36 Rythem and I sold that too and put a Fox 38 factory (170mm) on the front.
My figuring was that raising the front up, and also running a 29’r and keeping the headset in the center position was good since I was going with the longer travel shock and flipping the rear chainstay chip to the higher position kinda leveled it all out.
Plus it raised the bottom bracket up and using 160mm cranks I rarely get pedal strikes.
Really happy with the performance.

 

[Carlos_C]

I am also considering the cascade link for my Levo SL 2024. Does any know if I will have to custom-tune my already-installed EXT Storia V4 again when I put the cascade link?

 

[Lightme]

I am also considering the cascade link for my Levo SL 2024. Does any know if I will have to custom-tune my already-installed EXT Storia V4 again when I put the cascade link?

Yes, you will. The leverage increases significantly, so the spring rate has to go up. I increased mine by about 75lbs.

 

[cosas_genericas]

I am also considering the cascade link for my Levo SL 2024. Does any know if I will have to custom-tune my already-installed EXT Storia V4 again when I put the cascade link?

I think you will have enough tunable range in the shock as is. The one thing that will tell you really quickly is if high speed rebound is too slow recovering from landings

 

[Carlos_C]

Thank you both! I have too much sag as-is (and too many bottoming out), so will probably move up the spring around 25-50lbs. Will share the results when done.
Ultimately, what I am aiming at with the Cascade link, is less bottoming out and more travel. I hope that’s going to work- but I am open to hearing different views if others have experienced this EXT/Cascade combo differently.

 

[cosas_genericas]

Thank you both! I have too much sag as-is (and too many bottoming out), so will probably move up the spring around 25-50lbs. Will share the results when done.
Ultimately, what I am aiming at with the Cascade link, is less bottoming out and more travel. I hope that’s going to work- but I am open to hearing different views if others have experienced this EXT/Cascade combo differently.

My opinion is the following - leverage ratio is only one part or the equation, for example, you can state the percentage of progression of kinematics for a new link but it’s hard to tell how that relates across the length of travel and where it is in relation to sag vs bottom out vs whatever “mid platform” feel people often search for. The kinematic design on the levo sl is pretty dam good for an average weight rider riding at above average ability. I wouldn’t be reaching for the link unless I was really struggling with bottom outs after already trying volume reducers in an air shock and a heavier spring, even a progressive spring on a coil shock. Also although the levo sl is not very modern in terms of rear center or front center ratio, you can get close by running the rear mulleted but with the Horst pivot in long (“29er” mode). The ext Storia is arguably the best shock on the market - I think between the HBO and running a springdex coil which is inherently progressive in last year 20% of compression, you can get tons of support without needing the link.

 

[Carlos_C]

My opinion is the following - leverage ratio is only one part or the equation, for example, you can state the percentage of progression of kinematics for a new link but it’s hard to tell how that relates across the length of travel and where it is in relation to sag vs bottom out vs whatever “mid platform” feel people often search for. The kinematic design on the levo sl is pretty dam good for an average weight rider riding at above average ability. I wouldn’t be reaching for the link unless I was really struggling with bottom outs after already trying volume reducers in an air shock and a heavier spring, even a progressive spring on a coil shock. Also although the levo sl is not very modern in terms of rear center or front center ratio, you can get close by running the rear mulleted but with the Horst pivot in long (“29er” mode). The ext Storia is arguably the best shock on the market - I think between the HBO and running a springdex coil which is inherently progressive in last year 20% of compression, you can get tons of support without needing the link.

Pretty interesting perspective. I moved indeed the HBC to nearly closed and opened up the rebound hoping it will make a difference. I have too much sag and need for sure another spring with least 25lbs more stiffness.

The local EXT distributor, here in Norway, says that progressive spring is a no-go. I found a technical explanation in the Sprindex website which concludes that “You are welcome to try, but we caution you that Sprindex might not work properly with your EXT shock.”

Nevertheless, after three snake bites and a damaged wheel (all due to bottom out) in just three rides it needs some serious adjustment. Enduro tracks here are quite rough.

 

[cosas_genericas]

Pretty interesting perspective. I moved indeed the HBC to nearly closed and opened up the rebound hoping it will make a difference. I have too much sag and need for sure another spring with least 25lbs more stiffness.

The local EXT distributor, here in Norway, says that progressive spring is a no-go. I found a technical explanation in the Sprindex website which concludes that “You are welcome to try, but we caution you that Sprindex might not work properly with your EXT shock.”

Nevertheless, after three snake bites and a damaged wheel (all due to bottom out) in just three rides it needs some serious adjustment. Enduro tracks here are quite rough.

You can safely achieve a 25lb difference on collar preload alone, for example cane creek sells nice springs at 50lb increments instead of 25 like fox. How much do you weigh?

 

[Carlos_C]

You can safely achieve a 25lb difference on collar preload alone, for example cane creek sells nice springs at 50lb increments instead of 25 like fox. How much do you weigh?

Currently have an EXT C65-575 spring. I weigh 84kg with gear.

 

[cosas_genericas]

Currently have an EXT C65-575 spring. I weigh 84kg with gear.

I’m at the same weight. I think a 600 spring would be a better starting point with less lsc/hsc dampening and more lsr. The starting point on their even more progressive enduro link is 600 and I found that recommendation too low for hard riding. I’m surprised you have to go that high on the stock link though.

When you experience bottom outs is it in an area you were braking in?

I also am not a fan of immediately reaching for a Cascade link because I think they often understate the actual geo changes, which to me matters more than suspension.

 

[Carlos_C]

I’m at the same weight. I think a 600 spring would be a better starting point with less lsc/hsc dampening and more lsr. The starting point on their even more progressive enduro link is 600 and I found that recommendation too low for hard riding. I’m surprised you have to go that high on the stock link though.

When you experience bottom outs is it in an area you were braking in?

I also am not a fan of immediately reaching for a Cascade link because I think they often understate the actual geo changes, which to me matters more than suspension.

Bottom outs happen at relatively high speed with consecutive mid drops. Will try your suggestion; start with higher spring before adding Cascade link.

 

[cosas_genericas]

Bottom outs happen at relatively high speed with consecutive mid drops. Will try your suggestion; start with higher spring before adding Cascade link.

Where are your LSC/HSC settings? Was the shock tuned for your weight and riding style or did you buy it used?

 

[Carlos_C]

Where are your LSC/HSC settings? Was the shock tuned for your weight and riding style or did you buy it used?

Bought it new and was tinned for my weight and riding style 10/10/9/5 HDC/LSC/R/HBC. Spring: C65 575
The dealer confirmed that I just need a bigger spring. Will try that next week