Cascade Components is a machine shop based in Everett, Washington that is becoming known for creating aftermarket CNC machined suspension linages that address shortcomings in a number of suspension designs.
One of the biggest complaints about the Transition Sentinel is that the suspension is too linear for aggressive riding. You can optimize it for big hits or cornering, but as it doesn’t ramp up well it suffers when ridden hard. It’s probably the only thing that nags me on my personal Sentinel; sometimes I’ll look down to make sure my back tire isn’t flat. I have yet to find its the tire, instead chalking it up to the lack of progressivity on the rear end. While Transition addressed the rate in the design of its newest iteration (the V2 model) For riders looking to ramp their rear ends, Cascade Components created an aftermarket link that increased the progression of the rear from 7% to 20%. Not only does it offer better mid-stroke support, (which would rid me of that flat-tire feel) but it also increases small bump sensitivity and bottom out resistance.
It effectively upgrades the V1 Sentinel to the suspension performance of a V2, and should greatly improve the feel for riders running coil shocks, which are already known as being far too linear. (which is why I’m happy sticking with my air can)
The link also brings a small increase in suspension travel from 140 to 146mm.
Cascade also recently added a new link for the Patrol, which addresses the same issues. In addition to links for Transition models, they’re also manufacturing links for Santa Cruz, Specialized, and Yeti models.
Unfortunately, the manufacturing of links isn’t cheap in small batches, and it’s reflected in the retail price. However, its a lot less than a new frame; for riders looking to upgrade their rocker link the V1 Sentinel LT Link runs $315 plus shipping.
In the meantime, I’m still doing the best I can to soup up the performance of my stock rear end and have been meaning to install a volume spacer that’s been sitting on my workbench for some time.
Learn more and preorder yours at CascadeComponents.bike.