Lindarets GoatLink adjusts Shimano derailleurs for wide-range cassettes

Lindarets GoatLink adjusts Shimano derailleurs for wide-range cassettes

Replacement link designed specifically for aftermarket 40T and 42T add-on cogs

The Lindarets GoatLink replaces the Direct Mount link on a standard 10-speed Shimano Shadow Plus rear derailleur, repositioning it for better shift performance with an add-on 40-tooth or 42-tooth cassette cog

Lindarets

James Huang

Published: February 25, 2015 at 8:30 pm
The Lindarets GoatLink replaces the Direct Mount link on a standard 10-speed Shimano Shadow Plus rear derailleur, repositioning it for better shift performance with an add-on 40-tooth or 42-tooth cassette cog Lindarets
It likely won't be long before the Lindarets GoatLink (left) and Wolf Tooth Components add-on cassette range expander (right) are sold as a bundle Lindarets / Wolf Tooth Components
Lindarets says the GoatLink weighs just 19g but given that it's replacing another link of similar dimensions, any difference in weight should be scant Lindarets
We like the idea of add-on cassette range expanders like this one from e13 but not the degradation in shift performance that usually comes with it. The new Lindarets GoatLink promises to fix that - and at minimal cost James Huang / Immediate Media

The advent of add-on 40t and 42t range-expanding cassette cogs has brought the convenience and chain retention benefits of single-ring drivetrains to the 10-speed market but at the price of shift performance. Lindarets claims its new GoatLink – developed in conjunction with Wolf Tooth Components – will not only boost shift functionality but also improve drivetrain durability.

Whereas those add-on cogs previous required users to awkwardly rotate the rear derailleurs clockwise beyond their intended operating range, GoatLink instead translates the body and cage slightly back and down. According to Lindarets, this restores the original derailleur positioning closer to what Shimano engineers intended for shift performance that more closely resembles a stock setup. In addition, the GoatLink increases the chain wrap on each cog for more factory-like drivetrain durability.

It likely won't be long before the lindarets goatlink (left) and wolf tooth components add-on cassette range expander (right) are sold as a bundle: it likely won't be long before the lindarets goatlink (left) and wolf tooth components add-on cassette range expander (right) are sold as a bundle

As compared to the stock Shimano Direct Mount link, the Lindarets GoatLink moves the derailleur slightly down and further back

Lindarets says GoatLink is compatible with all Shimano Shadow Plus 10-speed rear derailleurs fitted with a Direct Mount link. Simply swap the two bits and you're good to go – provided your bike uses a standard derailleur hanger and not one specifically made for Shimano's Direct Mount standard.

The US-made GoatLink is made from CNC-machined 7075 aluminum plate, and claimed weight is 19g – although keep in mind that the actual difference will be negligible given that the GoatLink is replacing a similar part.

Lindarets says the goatlink weighs just 19g but given that it's replacing another link of similar dimensions, any difference in weight should be scant: lindarets says the goatlink weighs just 19g but given that it's replacing another link of similar dimensions, any difference in weight should be scant

With a retail price of just US$20, the Lindarets GoatLink is a very economical way to restore quality shifting on your modified ten-speed mountain bike cassettes

Retail price for the GoatLink is US$20 / £21 / €28 / AU$41. Market-wide availability is slated for mid-March, with pre-orders being taken now through both Lindarets and Wolf Tooth Components.

For more information, visit www.lindarets.com or www.wolftoothcomponents.com.

James Huang

Former tech editor

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