Skip to main content

Wolf Tooth Goat Link

After trying to get the Green Machine set up with a 42 tooth cassette and a Sram X9 derailleur I found that it would not work.  So I moved the Praxis 40 tooth cassette back onto the Green Machine.  I put the 42 tooth cassette on the Access 29er with an SLX derailleur.  It did work, but there was not a lot of chain wrap on the cassette.  So I started looking at One Up Components and Wolf Tooth.  On the Wolf Tooth website was the Goat Link.  I read about it and figured this is what I needed.

The Goatlink!


Here is what Wolf Tooth says about the GoatLink on their website:

GoatLink

 x Wolf Tooth GoatLink is simply the fastest route to improved wear and long-term shifting performance on wide-range 1x10 drivetrains using the Shimano Shadow+ Rear derailleurs.  The GoatLink re-positions 10 speed Shimano Shadow+ Rear derailleurs to the optimal location when using the GC40 and GC42.

Compatibility:

  • Compatible Shimano Shadow+ 10 speed rear derailleurs have a Direct Mount link (including spacer, if so equipped) or B-pivot knuckle with a thickness of 7.9-8.1mm.  Shimano changed to this sometime in 2013.  Very early Shadow+ rear derailleurs have a thinner link and are not compatible.  Here is how to take that measurement:           
  • The GoatLink is optimized for use with Wolf Tooth’s 40- and 42-tooth GCs and all sizes of Drop-Stop chainrings- but will work with any 11-40t or 11-42t ten-speed cassette.  
  • Direct Mount-native frames and SRAM rear derailleurs are not supported. 
The factory link was installed very tight.  You have a small spring clip that needs to be removed and then a 5mm allen has to be removed.  These two parts you will reuse when installing the GoatLink.  If you do this conversion make sure that you cup your hand over the spring when you remove it.  Otherwise it can fly across the room and it is gone.

Reassembly with the GoatLink was simple.  You will have to cut a longer cable also when you install on the bike.

Factory link that the GoatLink replaced.

GoatLink on the SLX derailleur.

With the derailleur in place you do get more chain wrap on the largest cog of the cassette.  You also use the factory B-screw,  Shifting is smooth and quick on the work stand.  Looking forward to testing on the trail.

Now I am waiting for a few more parts for the Sarma Vortex to arrive.  Most of the parts should be in before next weekend.  If things work out I may even be able to get the bike out for a ride!

Time to head out and have some Valentine's Day fun.  Enjoy everyone. 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mother's Day Part II

On Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day at Church followed by a buffet at the Whistle Stop in Clio.  It was a very good meal and fun for all.   The Bauer's     The Garcia's   The Cody's minus Tyler   Then we celebrated at our house with Michelle's family in the evening with another big feast.    Help Yourselves!   A good time was had by all and one of the best Mother's Day celebrations yet.  Happy Mother's Day, we love you all! 

End of Summer

The Best Time to Bike! On Saturday I traveled with Raymond to the Bear Claw Epic.  This was the second annual race and the second time up there for Raymond and I.  We got there with plenty of time to spare and got ready to go. Farley ready to go. I registered for Beginner Fat Bike or at least I thought so?  I felt pretty good and knowing that I only had one lap to do I went all out.  I passed several riders through the race and felt I did pretty good.  This course has a lot of climbing and rewards you with some nice downhills. After I finished my race I put on a fresh shirt and went out on the course with the camera and my new lens.  I took over 400 pictures and headed back to the start finish after Raymond finished his race. Raymond on his second lap. And the final climb. The beginner awards were going on and they announced my name as first place for Beginner Men 50-59.  I was surprised, but did not protest.  Aft...

January 27, 2012

It has been a while since an update and the common cold has been working its way through the family.  Michelle and the boys have got the worst of it so far.  It has slowed me down but has not put me down.  Hopefully it won't get me completely.  It did cause Michelle to miss 2 days of work and I missed one.  We both missed Financial Peace University last night, we will have to watch the video.  It has caused me to miss some training. However, I did manage to get on the trainer 2 days this week and hopefully again tomorrow. Dad had a procedure today and all was well.  Had to get up early and pick him up.  He had the procedure at Covenant so I was able to work for a while when he was in.  We went out to lunch afterwards and then had a good visit with him and mom. This winter continues to be mild as we again are having above normal temperatures.  We had snow last night and most of it melted today.  They are call...