Cascade Components have released two new aftermarket suspension links for the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper and the Evil Insurgent, essentially offering you a new bike without buying a new bike. Both increase their respective frames’ travel and change the leverage curves, increasing overall progression. Here are the numbers and pricing.
Cascade Components Stumpjumper EVO Link
The new Cascade Components link for the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO increases frame travel from 150mm to 158mm. Simultaneously, it increases the travel’s overall progression from 19% up to 26%.
As it is with the stock link, the Stumpjumper EVO is already a bike that can run up to six different geometry configurations. This new link doubles the number of available options, adding in increased travel and progression to each of those six setups.
What does this extra progression and travel mean in terms of ride feel? As we’ve come to expect from Cascade Components, the aftermarket link increases bottom-out resistance and mid-stroke support. The company say this can help with composure in corners, g-outs, and poppier lips.
They go on to say “We have found this makes it easier to attain a suspension set up that doesn’t blow through its travel while also having excellent small bump sensitivity. No over-springing or excessive damping necessary”.
Cascade Components Evil Insurgent Link
The new Cascade Components link for the Evil Insurgent boosts rear wheel travel by just 4mm, rounding it up to 155mm. However, it concomitantly increases the progression from 21% up to 33%.
Again, increased bottom-out resistance and mid-stroke support are the intentions of the new link, similar to the Cascade Components link for the Evil Offering. The link is also said to make the suspension progressive over the entirety of its travel, as it no longer has the flat portion of the leverage curve that spans the last half of travel with the stock link.
Pricing & Availability
The new Cascade Components link for the 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO will set you back $235, while the Evil Insurgent custom link retails at $249. Both come with sealed Enduro MAX bearings already pressed in. Pick them up in black, silver or orange.