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.