Cascade Components Announces Specialized Stumpjumper Link

Mar 11, 2020
by Cascade Components  
Black Stumpjumper link


PRESS RELEASE: Cascade Components

After a winter full of prototyping through mud and snow, we are pleased to officially announce our new Stumpjumper link. This link is compatible with ALL current generation Stumpjumpers (Stumpjumper EVO, Stumpjumper, and Stumpjumper ST). We designed the link to offer a substantial increase in progressivity along with increased travel. This most notably allows a coil to be run with much greater success.

The link allows you more bottom out resistance, more small bump sensitivity, and more mid travel support. As a result, the bike feels more planted through rough terrain while also having more pop off jumps and a more solid platform to push against in g-outs and corners. This translates to a more confidence inspiring ride that lets you push the bike even further. These improvements are apparent regardless of whether you are running an air or coil shock. That said, for coil users especially, this link is the missing piece of the puzzle. Our Stumpjumper link accomplishes all this without having to change any of the bike's geometry and of course pedaling performance remains the same as before.

Stumpjumper link color options
The Stumpjumper link is currently available in black, silver, and blue

Along with the link we are also publishing specifications for how much travel is achieved by different shock sizes. Between all the various configurations as little as 125 mm of travel (Stumpjumper ST) and as much as 167 mm of travel (27.5" Stumpjumper/EVO) can be ran. This range of travel makes it easy for anyone to set their bike up specifically for their riding. Coil users keep your eye out for the DHX2 and Super Deluxe spring retainers that we are working on which will allow the shock stroke to be modified in 2.5 mm increments without having to remove the shock eyelet. If you deviate from the stock shock size just be sure to cycle the bike through its travel before running it. Every bike is a little different and an abundance of caution is always good here. For example the regular Stumpjumper can't run a 55 mm stroke shock in the low setting or the seat stay arch might contact the seat tube at full compression.

Specs and Details

• All links come with sealed Enduro MAX bearings pressed in and are a direct replacement for the stock link. No extra or different hardware necessary.

Stumpjumper travel specs
Stumpjumper travel specifications

29 Stumpjumper leverage curve
.
27.5 Stumpjumper leverage curve

Pricing and Availability

The links are $235 USD and can be shipped anywhere in the world.

For more information visit cascadecomponents.bike/stumpjumper-lt-link-2018-current/ or email info@cascadecomponents.bike

Silver Stumpjumper link on a stump
Stumpjumper link engraving


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Cascade Components


Author Info:
CascadeComponents avatar

Member since May 21, 2019
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148 Comments
  • 58 3
 Pinbikers be like can I run air shock with this link.
  • 29 2
 Nah that’s the dorks at mtbr
  • 13 2
 @DHhack: No, ridemonkey. But they’re too busy slinging banshee screams and marzocchi super t’s to care about linkage. All about the gazzaloddi 24” in the rear bro. I mean remember ridemonkey. #rememberridemonkey
  • 14 9
 @usedbikestuff: I remember and it’s been a the greatest couch engineers/physicists meeting Place. Everyone talked like Geometron and Pole owners.

Where else could you have early 650B adopters if not MTBR and Ridemonkey... on Pinkbike you have a-hole show but MTBR is full of dorks and dweebs who try to “improve” stuff. They cannot ride for sht but they will discuss merits of fitting 29” wheel into 27,5/27,5+ fork due to lower axle to race and offset, making all the change in the world to their Intense or whatever... just look up MTBR threads on fotting 650b wheels to 26” bikes...
  • 7 0
 @WAKIdesigns: you guys should check out the german site mtb-news.de... every review or product news the comment section is pure gold Big Grin
  • 3 6
 @striveCF15: I have Swedish Happyride.com It's in the bloody name Big Grin Classifieds are gold too. People sell wheelsets not knowing what wheelsize it is but they claim they have the receit! The most important part of every purchase - The Receit! And some even add: I have a receit with my name on it.

NOBODY:
Happy ride user: I'd actually pay you more if you had a receit
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I couldn’t believe the url still worked. Now to remember my login and hunt down nwd clips of Robby bourdon hucking to flat. I think it was Marz888Freeride, or 8884lyfe.
  • 4 4
 @usedbikestuff: oh man that was the era to have some epic product in your username, often something you didn’t even have Big Grin

I had ShermanBreakout150mm as a login to my online banking once
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: where else to learn a 26 fox 40 fits a 650b and 27.5 fox 40 fits a 29 if you grind off the bottom of the arch a couple mm?
  • 1 0
 @striveCF15: Was already waiting for this comment and agree so much !
  • 41 1
 I applaud companies that are willing to make something different to add a benefit to something that already exists. Especially if that something isn't broken and works fine. SJ's are great bikes, but that doesn't mean they can't be improved, and who doesn't want to make their bike better? People spend far more for less gain all the time. I'll be sending a link to this article to my friend who rides a SJ ST.
  • 9 20
flag jaame (Mar 12, 2020 at 0:41) (Below Threshold)
 I don't know what you're talking about. This is a waste of money. There are tons of stuff I would rather buy. A dropper with 180 travel to replace my 170, and one of those Hydra hubs with the 1080 POE.
  • 18 1
 @jaame: No, I need carbon bars and carbon stems and the newest pair of POC enduro glasses mate

230 usd for a link that actually makes my bike ride way nicer?
Nahhh
/S
  • 2 0
 @jaame: I have all those already and this cc link is in the post Smile
  • 1 4
 @jaame: why would you buy a dropper that lower your saddle to the top of your rear tire at SAG level?
  • 2 0
 @jaame: My sarcasm detector just hit 100.
  • 2 0
 This kinda stuff is great. Nice to see it here on PB.
  • 1 0
 @Duderz7: I'm sorry you seem to be lost. This is the comments section and is reserved for those who run their mouths while totally disregarding facts regarding actual knowledge and experience...
  • 1 0
 @Monster-G: my bad, and besides that was over a month ago, sooo in MTB years it doesn't matter anyway... Is that more like it?
  • 1 0
 @Duderz7: I think you made a good point. Not all of us are just buying our bike(s) or beginning the sport today and buying "that perfect bike". People want different things from their bike. These insignificant adjustments may not appeal to us all but you can bet they have an audience or they wouldn't waste the time. But yeah things are progressing at a rapid pace these days.
  • 29 3
 You call it a “Missing Link,” but when I attached it to my KMC chain, it destroyed my drivetrain.
  • 1 1
 Yeah spot on, magic link- makes like magic, disappearences !!! Magically ruining your quality time...
  • 14 0
 I have been riding this link on my Stumpy Evo for past 4 weeks. Absolutely an improvement to stock link. Added progression really helps out. Zero downsides. So stoked for Cascade Components on this design!
  • 1 0
 Cant wait to test mine out when it arrives for the normal Stumpy.

Do you run a coil shock or Stock setup?

Ive still got an 11-6 which I can put in the Stumpjumper afterwards- should be as capable AS my bigger bikes then
  • 1 0
 Mine should be here Tuesday - just paid UK customs charge to release it. I'm running a coil setup on a mulleted 27.5 S3 that's been long shocked, so really looking forward to getting more progression as it's currently too linear.
  • 5 0
 @NotNamed: i am running a Cane Creek DB coil. The stock Fox coil that came on my Evo was about as useful as a block of wood. Switching to the DB Coil was a significant improvement. However, putting the Cascade Components link in the mix with the DB Coil completely sealed the deal. Really liking it. And for what its worth my past quiver of squish bikes has included a Wreckoning and Hightower LT, which both have great suspension characteristics. Im not just a Specialized Fan Boy, who hasn't experienced good suspension set ups.
  • 2 1
 @JDFF: So what was the issue with the original link? Too easy to bottom the coil shock? I thought this product was created for the Stumpy that didn't run the coil originally, could do so? I thought if you had the coil version already you wouldn't need this?
  • 4 0
 @ChazzMichaelMichaels: As with the conventional Stumpjumpers - you can run either an air or coil shock with this link. The stock suspension is linear and yes it's easy to bottom out. Basically, the rear end needs help. This link adds some needed progression along with 5mm of extra travel.
  • 1 0
 Curious, did you change spring rate with the new link. CC on insta said a 10% rate increase for the increase in leverage ratio, if i remember correctly. Wondering what your experience was. Currently saving up for one, and possibly a new spring. Also, what rear shock are you running? Thanks!
  • 2 0
 @ChazzMichaelMichaels: what @bakemono said.
  • 3 0
 @Hunterchek: I am running a 600# Cane Creek Vault spring. This was deliberately a tad stiff to avoid bottoming out too often (once in a while ok IMO). When i switched to the Cascade Components link, the 600# coil worked great. Infact, its perfect now. Much more supple and only bottom out on rare occasions. Im 165lbs on an S3 size frame. Expert level (not pro) riding level.
  • 1 0
 If anyone is interested in photos and more of an explanation check my Insta account @canopyclosure
  • 1 0
 @JDFF: Cheers for the imput. Im not 100% sure if I should fit the 11-6 or another coil shock.
But good to hear that the link is working like a charm :-)
  • 1 0
 Has it effected your BB height at all? I just got a 27.5 wheel size 2020 Stumpy EVO frame in S2 and swapped all my components over to it. With the flip chip in low setting and using 170mm crank arms I've been getting wayyyy too many pedal strikes and I'm trying to figure out if theres anything I can do to fix this besides get 165mm cranks.
  • 1 0
 @Heeven: I've found I'm getting way less strikes than before - I'd recommend running in High setting as the extra travel then means your sag figure (in mm rather than as a %) is higher, getting you back into the same position when loaded.

But the crucial difference is the dynamic ride height - because you're not blowing through 3/4 of the travel so easily, you're not sitting in the pedal strike zone for as much either.

Well worth it - also pop out the ridiculously big negative spacer from the shock if you're still running the DPX2 and that'll help too.
  • 9 0
 @CascadeComponents eagerly awaiting hearing about your attempt with a Sentinel link (still in the works, yay nay?). I've modeled it for a one-off and couldn't make a progressive travel bump work with the stock stays (or cutting the seat bridge off) but you guys seem to have magic dust on tap
  • 10 0
 @cascadecomponents: yep. Sentinel link would be a no brainer
  • 2 1
 Super sentinel. Coming soon!
  • 4 6
 I found a solution to my Sentinal’s “hard off the top/soft at the bottom suspension feel”....Sold it in the classifieds!

Brought a new bike, designed by engineer’s this time round. I will also tryyyy not to believe, all the test bike media hype in the future. As everyone rides at different levels i guess.
  • 1 0
 I understand its going to be looked into now this product is out and about in the wider world. Fingers crossed.
  • 12 0
 About time, Stumpy's are waaaay too linear.
  • 4 0
 True. The new kinematics of the Enduro - with or without the extra linkage - will probably make their way into the next version of the Stumpjumper and beyond.
  • 5 0
 Interesting that the rallon was too, rhen orbea came out with new links.
  • 1 1
 big hits and stumpys do not mix, feels like im killing the bike just a little bit every time
  • 6 0
 I have one on my 29er Stumpjumper, been running it a couple of months now.

Definitely provides a very planted feel and I like the increased progressiveness. I have a 55mm strock shock sitting on the bench, but will get around to that later. Right now I am running it with a 210x50 shock.

For grins and giggles, I ran it with a shockwiz. It did say before that I needed volume spacers and when I ran this link it did not indicate the "need" for a volume spacer in the rear.
  • 7 4
 Just my luck that this comes out the week AFTER I sell my stumpy Evo.

that rear end kinematic is terrible for the intent of it's geometry.

The META AM that replaced it is a total beast Smile
  • 4 0
 @CascadeComponents With your link - what are your thoughts on using a Dhx2 with the stock spring vs the Cane Creek progressive valt spring?
  • 5 0
 I personally like really progressive suspension because a lot of our local trails have heavy hits and it's really the best way to balance small bump sensitivity and bottom out resistance. So personally I think the progressive springs are great here. If the initial spring rate is close to the recommended spring rate it will have good small bump off the top without feeling like a sofa and have plenty of ramp to not have to rely on damping at all to prevent harsh bottom outs.
  • 3 0
 @CascadeComponents: Thanks for the information
  • 1 0
 @CascadeComponents: Just picked up one of your links. I'm interested in running a Sprindex spring with your link. Sprindex says that the "first 80% of the stroke has a linear rate while the last 20% of the stroke has a progressive rate." Do you think this would create any weird behavior, or is this a good thing?

Thanks!
  • 2 0
 @Squirrel-155: My personal opinion is that it is a good thing. The SJ uses a relatively short stroke shock so I've always felt a progressive spring is a better bet.
  • 1 0
 @CascadeComponents: Thanks for the insight. Just installed the link. Fit and finish was great.
  • 1 0
 How do you get more bottom out resistance with the custom link but the leverage ratio is higher than the stock? Wouldn’t that give the rear wheel more leverage on the shock and easier to bottom out?
  • 14 0
 What it largely comes down to is what spring rate works with the linkage. Because of the higher initial leverage ratio the link is designed to work with a stiffer spring. Since the amount of energy. Stored by a spring is proportional to its rate (0.5*k*(x^2)) the bottom out resistance increases. The only ways to increase bottom out resistance are stiffer spring, longer shock stroke, or more damping force. More damping force makes the bike not respond to high frequency impacts as well and often times running a longer shock isn't an option or desirable. This leaves increasing spring rate. If the spring rate is increased with the stock link the sag becomes less than desirable, which makes the rear not track as well. So the link gets you the benefit of the stiffer spring without having to comprise on the bikes ability to track. Hopefully that sums it up and wasn't to long winded.
  • 5 0
 I can see why you might think that, but really it’s very simple, you see: the antisquat couples with the antirise, which you then combat with docking the longer stroke, and friction is both reduced and increased.
  • 3 0
 @billymac1370: it’s all so clear now!
  • 3 0
 I’m a 225lb rider trying to dial in my new SJ ST and I approve of this message. Order placed. Smile
  • 2 2
 I believe heavier guys should in fact steer clear from this. Higher leverage ratio is the opposite of what we need.
  • 3 4
 @jollyXroger: how? Do you use oil of different viscosity as well? If a 165cm tall rider uses Stumpy Evo shouldn’t a 190cm rider use Enduro to compensate? Fork offset? Shouldn’t that change too? What else?

Trailer man voice:
How far would you go to optimize your ride (epic vengeful music playing in the background)
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I'm not going down your rabbit hole. Just check what RAAW did with two LR linkages to suit riders of different weights. You being out of this size zone might not find much merit in this but fact is most of the bikes were and still are designed around the parameters of the theoretical average build M-L person, a category most of the bike testers fall in as well (it's why I also take PB reviewers' comments on suspension feel/behavior with a grain of salt and when asked for comment they stay shut). So it happens that when the outliers get to test the product they may come out with a different opinion altogether. www.mtb-news.de/news/raaw-madonna-test-review
  • 3 0
 People who are around 225 lbs should still be able to run this link without issues. One of the guys who has been on this link for the longest is around that weight and he's been getting along with the link well. Weight does become a limiting factor at some point of course, but the real solution to that is a bike with a longer stroke shock.
  • 1 0
 @CascadeComponents: Wouldn't you still need to run a higher air pressure / firmer coil spring than you would with the standard link?
  • 1 0
 @jollyXroger: This is true. This only is an issue for people who are at the limit for spring rate or air pressure already and running less than 30% sag though. For someone running a stiffer spring to avoid bottom outs at the expense of having less sag than desirable they can actually continue to use the same spring.
  • 1 0
 @CascadeComponents: Well, we'll have to wait for@DrPete to report his experiences. Smile
  • 2 0
 @jollyXroger: I’ll do that. I’ve got some wiggle room on air pressure but definitely feel like the stock setup is very linear. Not doing anything crazy On the ST but it does tend to bottom out pretty hard on landings etc.
  • 1 0
 ..
  • 1 0
 A 160mm travel, lightweight 27.5 bike... Bump the fork up to 160mm too, and you have the makings of one helluva fun all-mountain rig.
  • 3 0
 Reminds me of the old BETD days.
  • 2 0
 Had the Mountain Speed(MRP) X-link on my 2000 Sworks FSR.
  • 3 2
 Assuming this will also fit on the Levo, it would be really nice to get a more progressive spring rate when using a coil shock.
  • 3 2
 I have one in the mail to arrive Friday to test on my Levo SL (same link). Going to give Cascade some feedback, but it should work well.
  • 2 1
 seen on another forum to NOT fit levo.
  • 2 1
 The SL uses the same link as the Stumpjumpers but the rest of the Levo line uses a different one. We haven't verified the fitment with the SL but @Jcmonty wanted to give it a go so he should have word on that soonish.
  • 3 1
 Will not fit the standard Levo. Checked on my Levo tonight with my new link.
  • 1 0
 @CascadeComponents: Thanks for clarifying!
  • 2 0
 wait, so they're saying this can increase frame travel without f*cking up the geometry? how would that work?
  • 7 0
 The different travel amounts are achieved by different shock stroke lengths. That means the head angle, BB height, etc... are unchanged.
  • 2 1
 @mikekazimer: yeah but isn't it the case that if the wheel only goes so far up before it or a piece of the rear triangle hits the frame, than that's the maximum travel? like you can't just put a shock with like a 75mm stroke length on a bike designed for a shock with a 50mm stroke and 120mm rear wheel travel and expect to have 160mm travel without just bottoming out at 120mm. (if that makes any sense)
  • 4 0
 @Marininmaine: People have been long stroking frames for a long time. Just because it's got X amount of travel doesn't mean it isn't capable of more.
  • 1 1
 @Marininmaine: I believe it makes the wheelbase longer to achieve more travel. At least I think that’s how it works with the nomad link
  • 2 0
 @Marininmaine: the Stumpjumper happens to have a lot of clearance. It's almost like Specialized designed the bike with this in mind. With the non-EVO SJ a 55 mm shock can only be run in high though.
  • 1 0
 @CascadeComponents: but that chart says a non-st 27.5 gets 167mm of travel with a 55mm shock. That's 17(!) mm more than stock (150 with 52.5 shock). That's impossible (on mine there is only about 3-4 mm of seat stay bridge to seat tube clearance with 52.5 shock in low, times 2.8ish ratio at the end means 11 mm max additional travel, and that's pretty much with parts actually touching) without changing the starting position, which would definitely change the geo...
  • 1 0
 Unless you guys are pushing the seat stay pivots upwards to help give the bridge more clearance... And then accounting for the slight change in dropout position... Or something else awesome... Shit, nice work!

I'll keep this in mind if I ever decide to lengthen my fork: current 150 goes nice with 145ish in back (I understroked my 27.5 with a 50mm dpx2 factory (deluxe rt3 is poo) takeoff from an SJ 29 ;-), but if I go 160 in front, 153 or even 160 in back would be sweet!
  • 3 0
 This is some good stuff @CascadeComponents
  • 1 0
 So ,this mean it’s time for a new project like maybe a new upper link for Santa Cruz HT (similar to the outsider bikes link) which seems to no longer be available .
  • 3 1
 Voids bike warranty in 3-2-1..
  • 23 0
 Keep the old shock and link, problem solved.
  • 3 0
 Buying one for my EVO.
  • 2 0
 Why do they have no pictures of it actually on a bike?
  • 3 0
 They aren't the highest quality so they weren't included. Here are a couple.
m.pinkbike.com/photo/18384601
m.pinkbike.com/photo/18386234
  • 1 0
 @CascadeComponents: thank you, if it ends up working well on the Levo SL I'll be ordering Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Gonna make a dropper next??

Seems like aftermarket links for FSR bikes are the path to bike part glory.
  • 1 0
 Please make a link for the new Enduro!!!! I want to push this bad Larry up to 190mm!!!
  • 1 0
 This with a 160mm Fox 36 on a Levo SL?
  • 1 0
 Stay tuned. We might have something to announce regarding that soon!
  • 1 0
 Please, in Green or Purple or Orange... Please Smile
  • 1 0
 This is awesome! Great to see the lineup expanding
  • 1 0
 I dig it, but wonder if its a quick way to void a frame warranty.
  • 3 3
 This link is broken!
  • 1 2
 Work on a Levo SL?
  • 2 0
 I have one arriving Friday for mine. Cascade believes it will work well, but I am testing it out to see.
  • 1 0
 @Jcmonty: now this is interesting.
  • 1 4
 Hopefully this works on a Levo?! @CascadeComponents
  • 4 0
 The SL happens to use the same link as the Stumpjumpers and the rest of the Levo line uses the same bearing spacing. We want to make sure it's a decent pairing before officially saying anything though.
  • 7 3
 This is for the stumpjumper not the motorcycle
  • 2 2
 @tempest3070: tool.
  • 2 0
 @CascadeComponents: Thanks for the response. Hopefully you can come up with one for the regular Levo ASAP.
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