Cascade Components V2 Hightower LT Link. Install & Review!
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! Learn about the single best upgrade I've done to the V2 Hightower. The Cascade Components V2 HIGHTOWER LT Link lower link upgrade for the 2020 Santa Cruz Hightower give more progression, more midstroke support, more bottom out resistance, and a slightly more supple, off-the-top feel for small bump sensitivity.
MegNeg review video: • Rockshox MEGNEG on a S...
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Cascade Components Hightower Link: cascadecomponen...
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Install: 2:37, 1st Ride: 8:38, Review: 11:07. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!
I am glad you talked about pedaling support. Seems like nobody has been commenting on that part!
Its the real deal. It really feels more supportive.
been absorbing a lot of info and reviews on this and one thing i've
heard repeatedly is how much it drops the BB increasing the frequency of
pedal strikes as a result. have you had this experience? how much does
it drop the BB compared to the stock geo in both flip chip configs?
Top notch review. Thank you.
👊🏼👊🏼
Great video. Cascade Components recommend to change SAG to 27% (from 32%). It is on their FB pages. Would be interesting to see how would you feel the difference after changing from 32 to 27%. I currently run 27% and am super happy (I had 32% with the original link).
Thanks for the info! I'll take out a bottomless token or two and see if I can drop the sag and still like it. I've been getting along really well with 3 positive tokens, 2 negative bands in the MegNeg and ~33% sag.
Great video lots of info man thank you
Oui, oui on flipchip. Bloody thing wiggles lose without lock tight. Feels like play in shock mounts.
The best upgrade I did on my Hightower LT was to take those garbage SRAM Guide R brakes off and get rid of them. I replaced them with XT rear and XT dual piston front. And upgraded to 203mm rotors while I was at it.
Cascade link went over center over compressed rear shock jamb rear tire against seatpost I went over the bars took 3 mechanics to pull it out sent link and frame to cascade for evaluation and they could not find anything wrong except minor bearing wear and they sent all it back said tuff pal we can’t find any fault with our product. Lesson learned Factory engineers design frames best not to try to make a frame travel further than it was designed for! Now I’m stuck with a damaged $4k carbon frame front triangle. I changed back to Santa Cruz standard link to be safe. I have videos without shock on that I sent to cascade they you can see how link allows head of bolt gouge into frame and jamb
nice review man! curious if you've also been curious about that progressive coil that cane creek makes now?
Thanks! And to be honest, I hadn't really heard of it but it does look like it could be a really nice upgrade. I'm actually super happy with the air shock / Cascade link setup, but curiosity may get me at some point regarding running a coil.
Dr. J MTB biggest pull for me is that it seems to be a coil that actually fits and won’t rub in the HT frame, and since it’s progressive with a linear frame design that seems even better
Great video great info. I am waiting for my Hightower to come in now. On another note what brand is the torque wrench you are using I have been looking for one and that looks perfect
Thanks! The one I'm using is here and I do love it: amzn.to/3kN0dUZ
Just went on the website looks like it's no longer available
Great vid! Thow, I would love to you try the cascade Mullet link and see what are your thoughts on it...I know it would require one 27.5 wheel and 2 tires also of 2.6 and 2.8. It would be cool! thanks anyway!
Great vid! Enjoyed your long-term review. 1) have you had any desire to go with a 160mm fork? And 2) any chance you’ve been able to get on a Sentinel V2 and how these compare?
I feel like you know me... I'm very soon putting on a 160mm air spring. I don't necessarily feel like the bike NEEDS it, but I'd like to try it to get the most capability out of it. So stay tuned. And as far as the V2 Sentinel, it's the only bike out I'd consider cheating on the V2 HT with, but they are super hard to come by right now. I've not had a chance to swing a leg over one.
Definitely keep me posted! Between the HT and Sentinel, I’d probably pick the one that ends up being more efficient and poppy. Thanks again.
Great video on this, did you removed the megneg? I hear many guys say they have a better improvement when they removed the megneg.
Great video! I have just bought a Second hand HT and I am wondering if the cascade link improves or changes the uphill capabilities of the bike.
Cheers from France
Great video you made, I got the 2021 version, it already came with a 55mm stroke shock ( means 145mm on the back), I'm wondering if possible to install this Link with the same shock and a 160mm fork? It looks like transforming a Hightower to a Megatower. Did you already tried it? Please make a video on that. I think that's the question all Hightower owner's are waiting for. You could possibly have 2 bike in 1. Thanks and keep making this great Videos.
Awesome video! What kind of fork are you using?
This was the older style Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate, no longer in production 🤙🏼
You mentioned changes to shock psi, what about any changes to dampening? Open or closed (high speed and low speed) due to the increase in progressively?
I was able to run the low speed compression completely open due to the increased support. High speed is fixed on the Super Deluxe unless you lock it out.
Dr., did you put your bearing caps on the shock rear before rear-installing? Also, you may have mentioned it-but were you running volume spacers prior to the link upgrade and what impact did the link have? I added link only..not the meg neg....and was hoping i could pull most of the spacers (great vids!)...
Yes I did put them back on. I had 3 spacers before, and am still content with the feel of 3 spacers after the link install but could likely drop to 1 or 2 spacers. A lot would depend on riding style and preference. And thanks!
Great review! Has anyone tried the Hightower Mullet link?
Thanks! Hopefully someone will chime in on Mullet. For me personally, I get along so well with the full 29er setup that its not really been on my radar. Interesting concept that would satisfy anyone with cold feet over moving from 27.5 to 29 for sure.
I didn’t catch if you mentioned if this voids the warranty?
It's not black and white. Cascade confirmed through email to me that they felt like it shouldn't be an issue.
hey man great review - interested in this too - very informative, ive not got a meg neg but i have just bought a dpx2 at 55mm stroke so will be going to 146mm, if i get the cascade too if it will be another 10mm again, almost matching my 160mm fork
ps your bike sounds stealthy silent, did you install the foam pipe bits in the rear triangle?
I had to raise my seat post up slightly to prevent tire buzz, but I’m also on a medium frame. Just know this is a possibility if you’re on a smaller frame size. That combo should be deadly though! And as far as the ride quietness, I didn’t install anything for the rear cables but I could definitely see where that would help!
Dr. J MTB hey , I’m on a size large so should imagine the tire buzz won’t be a issue, can’t wait to try it out, yeh get the foam installed it definitely quietens down trail chatter
Have you tried the link without the MegNeg? Do you recommend using the cascade link with or without the MegNeg? Which of the two combinations did you lile better and why? I'm wondering if the link + MegNeg setup makes it too hard to use all your travel even without tokens.
It’s really rider preference. I’d start with the cascade link WITHOUT MegNeg and then see if you can get by without it. If you still need more progression, get the MegNeg air can. I’ve ridden the Cascade link without it and it’s still a significant improvement over the stock setup. The MegNeg just adds more options regarding tuning. I can definitely still bottom the shock out with the MegNeg and Cascade link if I don’t have more than 2 tokens in the positive chamber If that helps you. I weigh 150.
Did you end up keeping your MegNeg on? Did you ever try running the stock can again after you installed this link?
So that link looks like it does not have a grease port, how do you feel this will work out over time with the need to replace bearings more?
The sealed bearings that come with the Cascade Link have held up extremely well for me. I’ve not needed to replace them yet in the 6 months I’ve been running the link. When the time does come, you can just use your SC lifetime bearings and it’s a super easy job. I show how to do it here. ua-cam.com/video/s83FZJBEwfI/v-deo.html
Great video! Question….what shocks have you tried using to gain that progressive feel? There are many shocks out there that can give you the same result without changing the link. I’m running a DVO Topaz T3 on my HT V2 and I’m running 2 volume spacers on the positive and 2 on the negative chambers and its perfect and I still have the stock link! So I’m not sure what you’re looking for with the new link but I didn’t see any issues with the stock link. Now I know it’s not going to be the same for everyone but a good shock that you can tune and adjust like the DVO Topaz can make a massive difference!!
The goal of the Cascade link to add more progression in the leverage curve of the bike in the initial part of the stroke, which forces you to run more air pressure. The leverage then tapers toward the end of the curve which gives better bottom out resistance. By adding volume reducers to a shock, you are increasing the progression of the air spring. As noted in the video, with the CC, you increase rear wheel travel, all while adding a much more natural progression to the leverage curve of the bike. Adding volume reducers is causing more ramp up within the air chamber of the shock, which to me can feel more unnatural as if you are hitting a wall of resistance toward the end of travel. If you aren't hitting large drops and features which demand more ramp up at the end of travel, you may very well be fine with the stock link. Also worth noting that the V3 Hightower has noticeably better progression.
Have you noticed a need to adjust the deraileur? I'm getting some skipping on 2 or 3 gears away from easiest pedaling. Not exactly sure whats up yet.
I'm assuming you mean after the Cascade install? I did not. It does require your chain to lengthen 5mm in theory so I could see where some folks might.
@@DrJMTB Yes after install. Thanks.
Hello, very interesting video, I’ve just got the Megneg installed and just placed the order for the link but it will take time to be delivered in Italy. I still have to test the Megneg and as you are almost my size and weight I would like to ask you which is you final configuration in terms of tokens, bands and PSI without the CAscade link and also after the link installed. I am also curious if you have experience with soft foam spacers like “Andreani Proimpact” or “formula Neopos” instead of classic hard plastic spacers, thank you Paolo.
Congrats on the Cascade link purchase, I think you'll really like it. I sold the Hightower for a Megatower a few months back, and its been even longer since I went through the setup with MegNeg. I know I had to bump up to ~210-215 psi AFTER the Cascade link install due to the increased leverage ratio. I think I had settled on 3 bands in the MegNeg, and 2 tokens in the positive chamber. There's definitely not 1 configuration that is exactly correct though. Do your own experimentation and expect to have to start over after the Cascade link. I'd try 2 negative bands and 2 tokens as a starting point, and expect to have to add quite a bit more air after the link. I'd set your sag around 30% as a starting point.
@@DrJMTB Thank you very much for your answer, which bike do you prefer between HT V2 and Megatower?
@@pfailli Both definitely have their high points, and I really like both. Stay tuned for a comparison video where I'll compare the two. And I forgot to respond to the foam spacers suggestion. I actually haven't been privy to try those, but would be super interested. I'll look into it!
Great Video! Did your chainlength still fit? (Because of the longer chainstays)
And do you know how much a 160mm fork would put the BB height up again?
Thanks! And no changes necessary to my chain. I’m going to be going 160 soon and will be posting a review of it. As far as the actual effect on BB height, it will probably be a nominal of a change going up as the Cascade link is going down.
Dr. J MTB Thanks for the Quick answer! Ill go direct on the 160 mm forks and the cascade. Looking forward to your review ✌🏻👍🏻
Great vid! When you say you had to add more air to get to your 30-31% sag, was that comparing from stock can PSI or megneg PSI?
Thanks! I kept the MegNeg on, so it was more air above what I was running with the MegNeg... but to be clear, you'd have to add air to the stock can as well to get to the same sag. Hope this helps.
I just got installed cascade link and it's insane! I run megneg before but wanted to get more travel... Can I ask what's your weight and megneg air can config?
I just got the Cascade Components link for the Hightower but it feels too ramped in the beginning, not enough dampening. I think I'm going back to the original link. Also BB is dangerously low. Any ideas?
BB are lower if i understand
Good thing for striking the rocks no ?..
So you now ride it with the MegNeg and the Cascade link? Or did you Chance something
Hi Doctor! Does cascade custom made linkages? Shame my bike is not on his list. Thanks!
nice but damn expensive of an upgrade for what it is
Great video, I wasn’t aware of this option until I saw it. Any idea what changing the linkage does to the head tube angle? I’m guessing it’ll increase it. I figure that’d be corrected if you increase the stock fork to 160mm. I’ve been looking for something that will help decrease the harshness of the rear end on smaller bumps while breaking, as well as decrease bottom out...seems like this could help.
I definitely think it will do exactly what you're looking for. The change in head tube angle is minimal, but if anything it ends up being slacker as it lower the BB and very slightly lengthens the chainstays.
Dr. J MTB thanks...slacker is better! Time to put an order in!
Dr. J MTB one other question. Do you need to increase the chain length with the increase in chain stay? You didn’t mention it in your video, so I’m guessing no. Thanks.
Great information. I’m having difficulty with getting the right sag for this shock. If I pump the shock up to almost max psi of 320 I’ll get about 30-35% sag. This is with 3 spacers. Do I need a different shock or something? I’m 6’7” 280lbs on the v2 HT XXL. Thank you.
Are you running the Meg neg or cascade link? If not, I’d say something is off.
Dr. J MTB running neither.
Hi , how’s the casscade link on steep and technical climb. Have you tested it yet ?
Great videos Dr J. MTB. What's the trick to get the bolt out of the LL at 3:50. I can't get mine out for the life of me.
Thanks! If you're having trouble getting it to break lose initially, put the front shock eyelet bolt back in, or push down on the rear tire while turning like I did. If the trouble is getting it to slide out after you've loosened it, use your hex key to put a slight lateral torque on the bolt while simultaneously pulling out. You may have to hold up slightly on your shock to unweight it while pulling the bolt as well. Let me know if I didn't answer your question.
@@DrJMTB Thanks. The trouble was being able to pull it out. It was fully loosened, but I couldn't get any grip on the bolt to be able to pull it out. I will try your technique next time. I ended up removing the bottom bolt from the upper link and pushed the bolt out.
Is it possible to ride a Fox X2 with this link?
I really don't know for sure. I have had really good luck with getting responses from Cascade Components. I'd reach out to them and see if they've had anyone do it successfully. It would be a great shock to run for sure.
Hey bro. Great vid. I have a 2020 HT and have noticed rear shock bottoming out off 4 foot drops. Running 200 and I weigh 180. I noticed the shock is not as plush as when running 180 psi. Do you think the meg or cascade would allow it not to bottom out and give more of a plush feeling?
Yes, it gives a more supple top end and significantly improved bottom out resistance. Both upgrades help, but the Cascade link much more so.
@@DrJMTB did you run the cascade link with the Megneg? Wondering if both are needed or if the cascade is good alone
@@stuartthomasson5027 I ran both. The MegNeg gives more adjustability to the shock, but you can certainly get by without it.
Do you think the Fox x2 shock would fit the other way around so with the air chamber towards the front wheel?
I haven't tried it so I'm not sure. Anybody else?
Getting ready to build my 2021 HT. I have the rockshok super deluxe ultimate. Also have the MegNeg for it . I've read where people cut out the plastic spacer in the shock to give it more travel. Just curious if this is legit and what you know about it. Thanks
It is legit, but I'm not finding that I would need that extra travel. Additionally, if you have a small or medium frame, it would be hard to believe that if you run that configuration with the Cascade link that you would not have some serious clearance issues at full compression. As I mentioned in the video, I had to raise my seat to get rid of tire buzz at full travel after the Cascade install and I wouldn't personally want it to go any further.
I'm on the medium frame and I've removed spacer bumping travel to 157mm.. It feels great! Had to pull the seatpost up a bit to avoid tyre buzz while bootoming out, but not more than 1cm so I bearly notice it while riding.
Mantap 👍👍👍
I got a 2019 hightower lt c do I need this lol
is it worth spending $ 300 for 5mm of travel? feel those extra 5mm?(2021 frame said 145mm)
No, it would not be worth $330 for 5mm of extra travel. The increase in travel is 10mm per Cascade (and it probably wouldn't be worth that either). It is, however, completely worth the increase in progressivity of the rear suspension that gives a more supple top end of the shock stroke, as well as significantly improved bottom-out resistance.
Did you remove the megneg ?
@Jon Mottern Yeah I've heard many guys have removed the megneg and leaving the cascade link instead.
You used red locktight, thought it was suppose to be blue...
The newer 243 locktite takes the place of the older blue 242. The bottle is red but the product is blue.
Does this affect the warranty with this?
I reached out to Cascade Components and their response indicated that from what info they'd received from Santa Cruz, this wouldn't directly void the warranty unless the issue was caused by this link. So, in theory it shouldn't unless SC could somehow prove that a frame failure was caused directly by it. I'd recommend doing your own research though.
What about frame warranty?
It's my understanding that unless the frame failure was the direct cause of the aftermarket part, SC is still obligated to warranty it. And I kept the stock link as well.
Your description of this video is off. You mention LT which makes most HTLT owners think it’s about their bike. Takes about 3 minutes of the video to realize that you’re “upgrading” a HT v2 bike and giving it longer travel (LT). Please change your title to include HT v2 someplace ...
To be fair, I titled it "LT Link" which is what Cascade Components titled their link. My intent wasn't to imply anything to HTLT owners. I changed the title to include V2. Thanks for the heads up.
his description was accurate actually - its exactly how cascade labelled it
Does anyone know the specifics on geo changes?
This is the info I went by... cascadecomponents.bike/v2-hightower-lt-link/
Dr. J MTB cheers. In the meantime, I had a reply from Jimmy at Cascade:
‘The link lowers the BB 2.5 mm relative to the low setting with the stock link, increases the chainstay length by 5 mm, and slackens the bike 0.2 degrees. The BB height and angles aren’t noticeably different due to how minor they are though.’
I purchased short after. Today was my first proper ride and I am well impressed!
Great detailed install and nice ride. Just curious as to your weight and total setup with magnet and spacers both neg and positive. I also have the link magneg hightower and 160mm fork 😁
Thanks! I’m currently using three positive tokens, and three negative bands in the megneg, but I’m definitely planning to take 1 positive token out as I no longer can bottom the shock at all. I weigh 155. I have a 160mm I’m considering putting in as well. How do you like the 160 spring in it?
@@DrJMTB I'm currently running just under the 30 sag. More like 28 as cascade recomended to me as its relates more to the travel the wheel actually travels 😊. Or something.
I was running zero token tokens in the positive and 3 bands and could bottom it out.
I'm not much over 140 pounds. So thunk the megneg might be a little much for me and making it a little harsh over chuck.
Going to give it a try tomorrow with the stock aircan and one token back in the positive.
The forks nice but also not ridden since the new 2021 air sleave fitted.
Hopefully all will be good.
@@russc5269 You could also put one positive token and the possibly even the 4th negative band in WITH the MegNeg. You might be surprised as I was that when you find the sweet spot with the MegNeg how much less harsh it is. I had to try several configurations before I didn't feel like it was too harsh. I know it stands to reason that it would be more harsh with another positive token, but mine was less harsh with 3 tokens than it was with 1 token and 1 negative band as an example.
@@DrJMTB I've never ridden the bike without the megneg so I need to give it ago as the guy in the vids at cascade on the hightower is using the stock aircan and only one token in the positive.
I can already tell that the stock aircan isn't as supple off the top without even riding it 😂
@@DrJMTB Tested bike with stock aircan and it was less harsh on chuck that with the megneg..
The small bump wasn't as good though. Think I'm going to ride without the megneg for now as it felt much plusher without.
How are you finding your new link and megneg combo?
that will probably void the frame warranty if anything were to happen ...
I checked with Cascade Components... "The warranty question isn’t a simple one. I called Santa Cruz about this last summer and their explanation, which is inline with the Magnuson-Moss warranty act like one person mention on the FB group, was that the warranty would not be voided but wouldn’t cover any damage caused by the link. This is the case for just about any aftermarket part really. Santa Cruz is only obligated to cover defects in their product. Now the hard part is proof of what caused the failure. In theory the burden of proof falls on Santa Cruz, but in practice companies typically just say the aftermarket part caused the issue and there’s not much that can be done about it."
So, Santa Cruz should void any warranty to people like you who modify the bike! Amazing to see MTBers who do modifications and they are not even pro cyclists 😂
Thanks for the positivity! I'm sure you're a fun guy and have GOT to be a "pro cyclist".