Specialized Turbo Levo with Cascade Long Travel Link

[72dan]

I went from my Canyon Strive On CFR that I had to return due to battery issues to the Specialized Turbo Levo.
The Specialized gets rave reviews, I felt like the suspension on the Canyon was better.

So I read some reviews on suspension and Cascade Components gets lots of rave reviews.
I called talked to Max, ordered the 165 mm long travel suspension and an EXT coilover.
Then Max called back said because I have a S2, size 2 frame there may be fitment issues and I should go with their regular linkage and a stock size shock.
Stock is 210 x 55 and the long travel takes 230 x 65.

But they accidentally send the long travel suspension and the standard length 210 x 55 EXT coilover as pictured.
I put it on and right away noticed the bike was sitting too low and went on their website looked at the pics and sure enough I have the long travel suspension linkages.

First off I will say the quality of the parts is first class, the fit, the clearances and very precise. I decided to take it for a ride around the block.

Yes the EXT is much more sensitive to the small bumps, but also having a one piece linkage instead of a two piece tightened up the rear end.
I got this bike less than a month ago and with the stock linkage I stopped this weekend while riding and started checking everything as it felt like the back end wandered a bit, there is a little flex in the stock rims.
Aside from the extra travel I like the feeling of the back end tracking better.

I told Cascade I want to keep the long travel linkage. They do have another kit that is 160 mm but the linkage is two pieces like stock. I want the one piece so the EXT 230 x 65 mm might rub and I may need to go to Ohlins. Why did Specialized make the linkage two pieces to begin with?

 

[Ou812]

Wait…you’re riding the bike with the long travel linkage with a 210x55 shock? I have a S2 with the long travel linkage and I’ve tried a few different shocks. The Ohlins TTX M.2 coil, the RS Super Deluxe ultimate coil and the Push SV8 all fit. I’ve had the Push SV8 on mine for a few months now. If you’re wanting an air shock then the Fox Float X and the RS Super Deluxe Ultimate fit. IMO, the linkage should have been one piece from Spesh, no idea why they didn’t make it that way. With that being said I have the original version of the long travel linkage that is 2 pieces just like the stock linkage.

 

[72dan]

Wait…you’re riding the bike with the long travel linkage with a 210x55 shock? I have a S2 with the long travel linkage and I’ve tried a few different shocks. The Ohlins TTX M.2 coil, the RS Super Deluxe ultimate coil and the Push SV8 all fit. I’ve had the Push SV8 on mine for a few months now. If you’re wanting an air shock then the Fox Float X and the RS Super Deluxe Ultimate fit. IMO, the linkage should have been one piece from Spesh, no idea why they didn’t make it that way. With that being said I have the original version of the long travel linkage that is 2 pieces just like the stock linkage.

It needs the longer shock it was a mistake on their end, no I want a coil, more sensitive, I am a purist. My BMW M3 all spherical rod ends, 3 way adjustable coilvers. But that one piece Cascade link makes the rear track properly.

 

[72dan]

And here it is, the new Gen 4 Turbo Levo, they made the rear link one piece. It isn't just me. Why it took until the fourth generation is beyond me. And 48 volt, when all the Space X engineers come over and try to figure out why my carbon planes are faster than everyone else, higher voltage, less amps, part of it anyway. Gear ratio, a lot of things. I am tempted to build my own brand of e-mtb.

 

[Chuckolicious]

I'm about to take delivery on a Gen4 S2 Pro. Curious about the long travel link. So it's been working for you? My thought is LTL and a TTX as I love Ohlins coils. And with the increase in progression from the link it seems almost required to go coil.

 

[72dan]

I'm about to take delivery on a Gen4 S2 Pro. Curious about the long travel link. So it's been working for you? My thought is LTL and a TTX as I love Ohlins coils. And with the increase in progression from the link it seems almost required to go coil.

I’m happy with the Cascade setup. Their parts are very high quality, precision fit. I’ve heard Ohlins are about the same quality as the EXT coilover I got and a little less money and easier to adjust.

 

[Chuckolicious]

I’m happy with the Cascade setup. Their parts are very high quality, precision fit. I’ve heard Ohlins are about the same quality as the EXT coilover I got and a little less money and easier to adjust.

So the long travel link ended up being fine on your S2?

 

[72dan]

So the long travel link ended up being fine on your S2?

 

[72dan]

Yes. I got the proper longer EXT coilover 475 lb rate, I’m 175 lbs they said it is a close fit on an S2. First I used playdough to check clearance then blue tape no rubbing on the frame. It definitely keeps,the rear planted on downhill sections with lots of tiny rocks. I don’t ride that hard, I don’t do jumps.

 

[otbmaster]

Interesting thread . I just bought the levo 4 and since I'm not made of money I have to sell my Megawatt , which I have a EXT 230x62,5 that could be rebuildt to a 65 . It makes sence to keep the coil then and sell the bike with oem air shock .
So with the longer rear stroke I would guess one alter the front stroke to match ?

 

[Ou812]

Interesting thread . I just bought the levo 4 and since I'm not made of money I have to sell my Megawatt , which I have a EXT 230x62,5 that could be rebuildt to a 65 . It makes sence to keep the coil then and sell the bike with oem air shock .
So with the longer rear stroke I would guess one alter the front stroke to match ?

If you’ve got the Levo 4 I’d just pick up the Evo link from Spesh, it’s $70 compared to $370 for the Cascade link and you’d keep your warranty as it’s a Spesh part. It uses a 230x62.5 shock so you wouldn’t have to send the shock back in to change the stroke. The only advantage the Cascade link has is it raises the progression to 30% vs 13% for the Evo link, it’s better for a coil shock but a coil will work on the Evo link.

You’d have to change the air spring in the fork either way, you could go 170 or 180 up front and be fine. If you’re on a budget I’d definitely do the Evo link would be the way to go.

 

[otbmaster]

If you’ve got the Levo 4 I’d just pick up the Evo link from Spesh, it’s $70 compared to $370 for the Cascade link and you’d keep your warranty as it’s a Spesh part. It uses a 230x62.5 shock so you wouldn’t have to send the shock back in to change the stroke. The only advantage the Cascade link has is it raises the progression to 30% vs 13% for the Evo link, it’s better for a coil shock but a coil will work on the Evo link.

You’d have to change the air spring in the fork either way, you could go 170 or 180 up front and be fine. If you’re on a budget I’d definitely do the Evo link would be the way to go.

Nice . Thank you . I cant really say I'm ln a budget per say , but I am married and have several hobbies and I rather keep it a little low budget than having my wife question my spendings .