Bike Yoke Suspension Link is Good News for Specialized Enduro Owners

Feb 18, 2016
by Richard Cunningham  

Bike Yoke for Specialized Enduros 2016
Bike Yoke's alternative shock extension link eliminates Specialized's proprietary shock interface and adapts to standard eyelets.

Bike Yoke is a small design company founded by Stefan Sack of Bionicon fame, who believes that there is a healthy niche market for technical upgrades designed to enhance the performance of popular mountain bike models. Bike Yoke’s first product is an alternative shock extension yoke that allows Specialized Enduro owners to swap out the proprietary damper with any suitable shock. The replacement yokes will ship in March ’16 with an MSRP of 88.99€ (USD TBD). Bike Yoke

The CNC-machined aluminum replacement fits standard, ½-inch shock eyelets and is similar to yokes used by the likes of Pivot Cycles and Lapierre. The new yoke duplicates the stock geometry, uses the existing Specialized bearing hardware, and arrives with all the necessary bushings and bolts to interface with your chosen brand of shock. Yokes are available for 26, 27.5, and 29-inch-wheel Enduro models from 2010 to present. PB will be reviewing Bike Yoke's new link soon.

Stefan is working on additional aftermarket yokes, as well as alternative linkage offerings intended to enhance suspension kinematics and geometry. All products are designed and tested in Germany and produced in Taiwan. At the moment, Bike Yoke’s products are available directly from its on-line store.
Bike Yoke for Specialized Enduros 2016
Bike Yoke shock extensions include the necessary bushings and bolts to fit standard shock eyelets.


Posted In:
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255 Comments
  • 237 5
 Funny how the first thing EVERYONE here thinks is "this guys are getting sued".

Hmm...think SpecialEd has a bit of an image issue?
  • 19 12
 I misspell specialized the same way on my phone. not sure why autospell capitalized the E.
  • 78 3
 umm...that was not auto-correct.
  • 28 2
 because it's auto-wrong?
  • 8 2
 ...Now I see it... Smile
  • 12 2
 No lawsuit here. It's a different design, no patent infringement
  • 67 25
 They just lost ZTR case, Jesus! Leave them alone for at least a week Pinkbike, have a heart you basterds!
  • 19 0
 I'm afraid Apple's going to get sued for the misspelling auto-correct.
  • 14 5
 I stopped reading at SpecialEd.
  • 38 3
 In the end this is a good product and I think ultimately Specialized makes a good product. I think it is also just really fun to poke fun at specialized because they are big have pulled some dickish moves in the past.
  • 19 8
 Specialized bikes just not my thing.
  • 14 3
 If you don't misspell specialised, you will get sued.
  • 7 5
 Sued? That makes no sense. If the big S doesn't have a worldwide or German patent on the yoke design, no one's getting sued.
  • 23 5
 @enrico650, just because there's no valid claim, doesn't mean Spesh won't sue you.
  • 18 55
flag TheFunkyMonkey (Feb 18, 2016 at 9:22) (Below Threshold)
 F**K Specialized. Simple as that. The world would be a much better place without their bullshit.
  • 4 5
 Oh they will find a way!!!
  • 3 3
 ReformedRoadie I think it has more to do with simple minds, than the image thing.
  • 6 0
 my first though was WARRANTY issues
  • 7 1
 thats simple. just pop the old yoke and shock in
  • 1 0
 Advantage or a sales damager??? Awaiting pb review
  • 6 4
 whose to say spec isnt on board with this? alot of people are probly holding back on buying an enduro because of the rear shock bullshit. this may just lean them towards finally picking one up. not that i like spec, i actually hate them.
  • 2 1
 Specialized has laid claim to most of the words in the English language whether they have a legitimate trademark for the word or not. Bike yoke will have to advertise it as a " Retrofit squishy adapter on human powered multi round thing. Fits- ___________ _______ model only". Crap they probably wouldn't let that fly either. Hmmm...
  • 11 3
 Pinkbike is so Kanye when it comes to Specialized...
  • 6 0
 "there is a healthy niche market for technical upgrades designed to negate idiotic proprietary technology designed for the purpose of locking consumers into buying things like rear shocks directly from the frame manufacturers and eliminating any other aftermarket options"

Good on Bike Yoke for doing what they're doing.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns pinkbike is publicly begging Mark Zuckerberg for a billion dollars?
  • 5 1
 Hahahaha martis Big Grin No I meant getting extremely butt tight as soon as the word comes out, as Kanye used to be paranoid about someone laughing at him
  • 1 0
 Never mix business with diarrhea.
  • 2 0
 @martis if they were there'd be an app and a seperate messenger app and another seperate buy/sell app for pinkbike by the end of the week. plus you have to sign in to pinkbike with your facebook account. and to top it all off soon enough every twat on the planet has a pinkbike account and the entire home page is covered in fail videos and pictures of pets expressing various emotions.
  • 112 4
 this is a yoke... right?
  • 54 4
 left
  • 72 2
 It comes as a shock.
  • 6 2
 local yokel?
  • 12 13
 They would be foolish to sue... other than support their ego it wouldn't do anything but propel their already large sales. Many folks (including myownself) wont buy another specialized cycle simply due to the lack of swappability...I think they have great bikes and I have had two of them... but the shock thing was a hassle for me so if the prospect of this little adapter was in the mix and I was in the market they might be in that mix as well...
  • 40 9
 Does that turns bikes into a Stumpyumpers, Endyuros, Deymos, not even mentioning the Yepic.
  • 7 0
 You had to be there.
  • 17 0
 practical yokers
  • 6 6
 I find it a bit shocking to be honest
  • 1 3
 beat me to it by 5 hrs!
  • 6 9
 Things that I am certain of in my life: Paying taxes, death, and never owning a Specialized.
  • 11 1
 Oh you really made a life long commitment cmkneeland, it is not going to be easy, but no matter how hard it gets to avoid owning a Spec bike, never give up. Never stop believing, never stop pushing. You are a hero.
  • 7 0
 Thanks man. That was inspirational.
  • 60 17
 the will get sued in 3...2...1...
  • 16 3
 Buying one for my Enduro SX before any lawsuits go down, methinks.
  • 9 2
 SO should all manufacturers of alternative seatposts, stems, wheels etc...Come on. Its simple upgrade. You bought the bike - Its yours and you decide what you will do with it.
  • 33 2
 specialized will be upset that someone found a go around to their proprietary system.
  • 9 1
 I understand the proprietary mount on stock Specialized bikes.. okay..no, I don't. But custom shock stroke? You can't even sell the stock shock easily, and your selection of shocks is limited to that stupid ass length that exists nowhere else. I suppose that is what Specialized intended...
  • 4 0
 Ron-C I haven't seen anyone else mentioning the stroke. The newer ones all use a 216/57 shock and most aftermarket 216 shocks have a 63mm stroke. People better take care to cycle the suspension completely through it's travel before riding to make sure parts don't collide on bottom out if they just slap a 216/63 on these things.
  • 6 0
 I don't think Spech could win this battle, with 3D printing and affordable CNCs this is the future of domestic markets, need a part?? ok let me cut it/print it, come back this afternoon. Think Global Act Local.
I CNCd the RP2 lever for one of my shocks a couple of weeks back, works just as good and it has my initials.
  • 3 3
 @adrennan you have no basis to sue if you have no patent on the item in question and in this case it would have to be a worldwide patent as Stefan's comapny is German, not American. What's the likelihood that Specialized filed a world wide patent on a shock yoke? Pretty effing miniscule and quickly approaching nil.
  • 2 0
 @ron-c Suppose you have a few year old bike with a history of premature shock failure. This is a great idea as it fixed 2 problems at once. If Specialized wanted to do some damage control, they should admit they are wrong and either endorse this company or sell a similar yolk.
  • 6 1
 @Satanslittlehelper :
The strokes and shock lengths are noted here and the differences between original and Specialized shock lengths are also described:
bikeyoke.mysimplestore.com/p/technical-information
Specialized uses standard strokes on their shocks, only the length is different. And using a BikeYoke with the recommended standard standard shock will get you the same overall length and and stroke as original. So it won´t change geometry or travel.
  • 1 0
 63mm stroke works fine. We have a couple enduro's with Ohlins !
  • 2 0
 The yoke converts to a 200/57 shock, therefore making it a size easier to get hold of.
  • 2 0
 www.dropbox.com/s/e1my6rnb83uho4s/shock%20sizes%20-%20BikeYoke%20vs.%20Specialized.pdf?dl=0
  • 2 3
 Specialized came up with their proprietary mounting for a reason. (Ibis are using it now too so is it really that proprietary?)

The old style yoke is super prone to creaking and it puts a lot of extra force on the shock. Back in like 2011 specialized used a yoke just like this and all their bikes creaked. The new design is a much stiffer interface.
  • 2 0
 both interface areas (for the yoke and the shock) will be flexing upwards creating friction between the 4 faces that touch, resulting in creaking, just like an old BB30 that needs replacing.

I still think is good that small companies are doing aftermarket parts though.
  • 4 6
 The specialized yoke uses a positive metal on metal contact.

The aftermarket one has a DU or igus bushing in between. As soon as that wears from being cycled in an unintended direction it's going to introduce a lot of bending to the system. (And be REALLY bad for the shock)
  • 3 0
 1) Ibis does not use a proprietary shock mount, their yolk sandwiches the shock eyelet same as this one. The shock is clamped in there tight, so I wouldn't worry about bending.

2) Spesh can't sue, but I'm certain they wouldn't honor a warranty on a frame running one of these....
  • 1 0
 @Nobble this system has each of the shock eyelets turned 90 degrees to one another (unlike Specialized's original Enduro yoke... which was really dumb) and there is no rotation of the one attached to the yoke. It won't cause any problems with bending that don't already exist (and they do already exist).
  • 1 0
 commencal use the same kind of yoke on their meta V4
  • 25 1
 This is what I like to see... Innovation.
  • 16 5
 it's not innovation Spesh should've done it
  • 6 1
 ^^^ yes but they didn't despite having a history of failed shocks using the fixed-yolk design. As an Enduro owner this modification is double cool.
  • 9 1
 This is a solution to a problem we shouldn't have.
  • 1 0
 I'm surprised it took so long for someone to put one together.
  • 24 4
 Imagine if Spesh had made it like this from the get go? That would make way too much sense for the consumer...not the Big S way.
  • 6 2
 yes, but Spesh doesn't like it that way
that's why I will not buy a Spesh in the future (although I love to ride their bikes)
  • 3 1
 Interesting! Care to name 1 manufacturer that does? I own an Enduro 29er and it is highly unlikely that I would ever want to change out the CCDB for anything else. Why would Spesh spend extra to make alternative yoke designs when the current one is superior? Goes against all manufacturing practices imo. The aftermarket industry did wonders for the cell and sport compact industry. Aftermarket parts are a good thing. Only hope Spesh realizes the benefits!
  • 2 0
 @djcrossmax you're right, aftermarket parts ARE a good thing - but Specialized really made it needlessly difficult for people to swap out their shocks with the stuff they come up with.
  • 1 0
 Not sure if it is truly their intent or a short coming of the design. Trek has been force feeding the DRCV shocks for so many years with no options other than aftermarket mods to be able to run a different shock. If the industry is looking to standardize shock design and connecting bits they would have to start with harmonizing the shock mounts not the frames.
  • 2 0
 I think aftermarket industry is OK.
but it's a shame, that for some parts, we NEED an aftermarket.
and it would be soooo easy to avoid it - linke in this case (Spec. Enduro)
I've had one and swapped the CCinline because it unfortunately didn't work properly. I had to wait for the replacement (Rock shox). When that shock needed to be repaired, I couldn't ride my bike, because there was no replacement shock available (due to the proprietairy shock mount)
  • 13 1
 Nothing will happen to these guys because it in not illegal to create after market parts. The bike owners (including me) that will use this yokes will have their warranty voided if there is an issue with their bikes and Specialized finds out that they used this yoke or anything outside of the three bike specs.

For example many Enduro 29 owners use the 27.5 yoke to slacken the head angle and despite the fact that it is made by Specialized it still voids the warranty.

Personally I knew the Enduro restrictions before I bought it so I won't bitch about it.
  • 11 0
 those claims to void warranty with aftermarket parts are so dumb, just keep the old part and switch it out if you really need to warranty it. they'll be none the wiser
  • 5 4
 Believe me, they'll find something to sue him for if they really want to.
  • 1 0
 I don't think that they can do anything. It is as if Apple will sue Chinese unofficial cases manufacturers. They (Apple) would like to do it but they can't.

Personally I think that these are good news also for Specialized since there will be people who will reconsider buying a Specialized bike now that they can put a standard shock.

As far as I am concerned I have already put a proprietary Monarch Plus Debonair in my E29 but I will order the yoke anyway when in stock because it is good to have.
  • 4 0
 The difference with seeing Chinese companies is that the Chinese government will say "no it doesn't look like your product at all, case closed!"
  • 14 2
 Good news everyone! What is great about this design is that it negates the purported side-loading issues that some Enduro owners claim to have. These issues include premature failure of certain shocks.
  • 6 2
 @ryan83
You are correct sir.
This design will correct the issue.
  • 6 16
flag poah (Feb 18, 2016 at 8:46) (Below Threshold)
 no it won't
  • 4 2
 This shock mount design is the reason for "side loading issues". It's the whole reason specialized invented the yoke interface they use today.
  • 3 4
 unless this new yolk changes the fact there is no pivot attached to the end of the shock then it won't negate any side loading issue
  • 1 0
 actually, it should allow more side flex... be interesting to see how it holds up over time. has anyone looked at how whyte bikes does theirs? they have some kind of adaptor on the ends of their yokes - no idea how it deals with this issue though.
  • 3 4
 People seem to have forgotten what the issue is here. The issue is that the connection being not firm enough allows forces to be applied in the direction of the shock eyelet (so in this case vertically) It puts a lot of stress on the shock, remember the old demos breaking shocks?

I'm not sure what "side flex" you guys are talking about in a good way or what side loading issues the current design has. Mine has zero issues even with bike park use.
  • 3 1
 Kona has been doing this for their processes from the first year
  • 1 2
 I see this as adding additional stress to the lower suspension link that it was not designed to handle. The fixed yoke design forced the shock to compress in a linear fashion and not try to tweak sideways.
  • 2 2
 Probably the upper bushing that'll have trouble.
  • 3 1
 Why would the upper bushing have issues? it will have the same amount of stress as before. There is absolutely no difference except you can fit any shock you want
  • 3 3
 Because a useless pivot was just added where there used to be a solid part. The shock is not going to willingly compress perfectly straight, it's going to now attempt to force outwards and the upper bushing is one of the points now fighting this force.
  • 1 2
 Not true! Failure is due to the shocks not the yoke design.
  • 2 1
 @djcrossmax The yoke loads the shock in a way it wasn't designed for. Therefore the failure point stems from the yoke.
  • 6 1
 YOU PEOPLE DON'T KNOW HOW SUSPENSION WORKS! IT WILL DO NOTHING! The Triad design is junk, and nothing will happen to the shock. It has been done on the Processes from Kona, show me those failures. I owned one and beat it up, absolutely nothing bad happened to that shock. Other companies like Lapierre use it and they have no troubles. All this is doing is allows specialized owners to have other options than just Fox and Ohlins
  • 2 0
 @Nobble agreed with that, but the stock yokes aren't much better. The problem is that where the shock strut pivots is now FAR further away from where it is supported than it used to be, regardless of how stiff the connection between shock and yoke is, and that means the unit as a whole has much more of a buckling tendency. It really is the lazy man's system when it comes to trying to package your suspension design IMO. The reason the Demos broke shocks was because of a combination of factors:
1. The fact that it had a yoke on it to begin with, creating a far longer shock/strut unit that has a huge buckling tendency because the load is now going through the pivot instead of the DU, which is now 120mm or so from the shaft bushing at bottom out instead of 20mm. Only five or six times worse...
2. The shocks that were breaking were CCDB coils, which had an 8mm shaft (low 2nd moment of area compared to a half inch alloy shaft)
3. The CCDB coils also have very low buckling rigidity to begin with - they all have noticeable play in the shaft bushings and piston that most shocks don't. This makes buckling even easier.

Long story short - yokes suck. But if you're going to have a yoke in the first place you might as well be able to swap out a shock when you break it.
  • 3 1
 Care to elaborate on how a shock yoke loads a shock in a way it wasnt designed for? I was referring to the bad batch of CC inlines that were shipped to Spesh. All of those shocks were bad not due to the Yoke. Hard to believe the Engineers at Spesh would not identify this loading issue with the yoke.
  • 1 0
 Normally the shock is free to rotate on both ends so the only forces it's seeing are purely compressive. Putting a yoke on there allows it to experience a bending moment and be subject to buckling.

The specialized yoke is stiffer than the bikeyoke one or the ibis/kona designs. Meaning it's much less susceptible to buckling than the other designs.
  • 2 0
 Why doesn't someone who is going to buy this just ask bike yoke to prove that it's not as susceptible or request a written legal guarantee. If they want you to buy it make them earn their money.
  • 9 2
 This is cool but a bit late. You can all ready buy fox float or float x, and maybe x2? Also any cane creek, and rocksox monarch. Oh and Ohlins, what else do you want to run on this bike? I do wish Spec just made the yoke this way in the first place though.
  • 13 0
 Yes, but shocks with conventional mounting eyelets can be purchased a lot cheaper than Enduro specific equivalents.
  • 3 0
 Actually from my experience, the Spec specific shocks are cheaper because the market is smaller. Take a look at Buy/Sell right now, there are countless Spec shocks (especially from Enduros) languishing, just take your lowball offer right down the list and I can't imagine you won't find a taker.
  • 1 0
 This opens up the market for used shocks as well.
  • 2 0
 An all new Enduro will be out this year . The shock issue will be fixed.
  • 1 0
 @TheRaven
I was talking about new shocks. It's economy of scale. Higher production volumes and wider availability of normal shocks results in a lower price.
  • 3 0
 @enrico650 You have anything to back that up by chance?
  • 7 0
 What a great company! Within minutes of contacting them I’ve had two responses.

Hi Jeremiah,

We are getting really a lot of inquiries about Stumpjumpers.
May I redirect you to here:

bikeyoke.mysimplestore.com/products/bikeyoke-for-stumpjumper

You can find all the information about our plans regarding Stumpjumper in the red link in the article description

However, here is the direct link:
www.dropbox.com/s/blhqm18sp2ku1sa/Stumpjumper%20BikeYokes.pdf?dl=0
It seems like you are one of the lucky ones, since your shock has a stroke of 51mm... ;-)

It would be nice, if you could follow us on facebook or give us some likes and share our news. We will always keep our fans updated on new projects.
www.facebook.com/BikeYoke

greets
Sacki
--
Stefan Sack
CEO BikeYoke / R&D / Engineering / distribution / sales / service


BikeYoke Germany
Jella-Lepman-Str. 39
81673 Munich
Germany

Tel. +49 (0) 176 208 108 48
Mail: sacki@crankingsolutions.com
Web: www.bikeyoke.com
  • 1 0
 Answered my question. Thanks!
  • 16 6
 I think the lesson to learn here is to not buy a Specialized bike.
  • 5 1
 I wonder how the life of the DU bushing is. The big S stock link uses a bolt to connect it to the shock shaft. This keeps all the forces in line with the travel of the shock shaft. With this setup the DU busing is used to transfer the load. I can't see the DU bushing lasting too long in this application.
  • 6 0
 It's the same bushing that's in the other side of the shock and used in adjust every other full suspension bike, so there is no reason to believe it will be over stressed.
  • 3 0
 I've always felt one of the benefits of Spec's mounting system was there is no lower DU bushing to wear out. In most conventional shock mountings (DU bushing mounted horizontally, a lot of pivoting and wear & tear happening) that lower DU bushing wears out first. Anyone who has ever had to replace a DU bushing knows it can be a pain in the ass. Now that this yoke shares vertical mounting, (like Pivot and Ibis?) I'd expect a much better/longer wear rate at least. Spec will claim a little lateral rigidity is lost due to the use of DU bushing and bolt but I think most anybody would be hard pressed to really notice a difference.

All in all, a great product I think but really late to market as there are now major player options for aftermarket shocks anyway.
  • 6 0
 Replacing DU bushings is a pain in the ass? Not really. Takes like 5 minutes. Maybe 10 if you've had a few beers.
  • 11 4
 if specialized weren't such tw*theads this wouldn't even have to be a thing.
  • 3 0
 Yup, I hate twitheads,
  • 2 0
 Apparently these guys will make a similar yoke for 2009-2012 SX Trails if enough people show interest! I think it's a great idea personally, I hate being limited to a DHX coil on my SX Trail. Would love to run something newer like a CCDB/air or similar. Comment on their facebook page to register interest: www.facebook.com/BikeYoke
  • 1 0
 @darwins
The SX 4x frame shock mount will work on the Trail models with the 7 and 7/8 by 2" stroke shocks.
Travel will be around 155mm.
If you want to run the 170mm trave,l you
Will need to cut about an inch from the mount and run a 2.25" stroke shock
  • 1 0
 Well yeah, but it only fits Fox air shocks (DHX air and RP23) which are no better than the DHX coil already on it (saves some weight though). To be fair a Float X may also fit, never used one though so don't know if it would be an upgrade or not.

What I and I think others are looking for is a universal shock mount to give the freedom to mount different and better shocks. Vivids, CCDBs, BOS etc.
  • 1 0
 even getting the Sx 4x shock mount is really difficult in countries outside of US. the specialized dealers here in italy just tell you they cant get parts for bikes that are not imported.
  • 3 0
 This would be great for me, because the freaking bolt that holds the shock in on my 2015 650B will not stay tight! its really convenient to have to take off the entire linkage to do up as well..
  • 1 0
 I'm sorry if this is a dumb question but have you used a threadlocker on the bolt? I only ask because I also have a 2015 650B and also experienced the bolt loosening after I swapped out my DB Inline for Monarch Plus. Re-applying the Loctite Threadlocker (Blue) fixed this for me. It takes 24 hours to cure so make sure to let it cure properly.
  • 2 0
 I have a 2010 enduro with an unimpressive looking Float R2 and propedal. This was just before CTD and Kashima came out. After riding several friends bikes and a few demos, I think my "plain" shock works VERY well. I'd like to keep my 26" for years to come even though I have a new bike now. I will definitely be buying one of these before any lawsuit happens just in case my current shock ever blows up.
I'm not sure Specialized can stop them from making this part, if they can and do then I will have to boycott Specialized for life. I already bought an Ibis because of Specialized proprietary shocks and mounting. The Stumjumper evo I test rode had a broken shock twice. After the first time I had to wait over a month for the shop to be able to fix the shock (it had CTD and auto sag-what a joke that feature is) I flipped the blue switch to start a long fire road climb and the shock lost ALL damping. both compression and rebound. riding the downhill portion of the trail was like riding a pogo stick. the poor quality of that shock combined with the difficulty I would've had getting a replacement was the main factor I didn't get a Stumpjumper evo or an Enduro 29.
This product is needed and fills a niche that no one else has filled yet. And if Specialized is smart they will begin making their own version of these yokes instead of suing all the small guys.
  • 1 0
 Fox makes an X2 that fits.
  • 1 0
 the stroke... not the link
  • 1 0
 Both
  • 1 0
 can you give me the link? i just cant find the specific shock for the 2010 enduros!!
  • 1 0
 gotta talk to the guys over at mojo www.mojo-store.co.uk/2016-float-x2-f-s-215-x-57-enduro-strut-mount-c2x18787799
  • 1 0
 That's it, my son has one. He says it's better then the Ohlins he has been running, and that's saying a lot ! ! !
  • 2 0
 "there is a healthy niche market for technical upgrades designed to enhance the performance of popular mountain bike models."

There was when I got my first mountain bike in '89. There hopefully be someone that makes more improvements to make awesome things even more awesome!
  • 3 1
 Why's everybody hoping Specialized sues this guy?
He saw a need for something, then had the balls to fill it-on his own dime.
This is not unlike the 42t cogs companies like Wolf came out with(I can't remember who the first one was) so you didn't have to spend through the wazoo for an 11-spd to get a shorter climbing gear, and a lot of people are really happy about that.
Prior to Fox 'custom' manufacturing individual shocks for people with Enduros, you had the choice of paying Specialized around $800 for a link and the shock off the Evo.
If you wanna run a RS Vivid on your Enduro, now you can spend around $100 to be able to do so.
What's wrong with someone coming out with a cheaper alternative to that?
  • 1 0
 I don't think anyone hopes especialized sues anyone. I think everyone is sick of that kind of behavior out of them.
  • 5 1
 Get the 650b yoke. Slap it on the 29er and boom, enduro 29 Evo. Or you could just get a Wreckoning.
  • 2 0
 Not all frame sizes and rear shocks have enough clearance to use the 650b yoke. The medium carbon frames are tough, and some shocks like the cane creek inline compress a tad too much so there isn't enough clearance for the seatstay bridge.
  • 1 0
 @hamncheez that's good to know. I've thought about doing this. I wonder if it would work on a large with the ohlins coil....
  • 1 0
 Mitch Ropelato runs the 650b yoke with the Ohlins coil, so I htink it would work
  • 1 0
 GREAT. this is what i've been waiting for.

of course i just upgraded my old RP23 with the corset air can. damn.

(don't mistake me, @Vorsprungsuspension dudes, the corset is really awesome. but it can't improve the old rp23 more than a certain level)
  • 4 0
 Buy an Ohlins TTX and forget about air pressure and the rear of the bike in general.
  • 1 0
 I think this is cool. Imagine if fine tuning a linkage's characteristics to suit your trails was something you could do as easily as playing around with stem length via the aftermarket. That'd be mad! That being said i bet 99% of sales will go to people looking to escape those proprietary mounting arrangements.
  • 2 1
 you will be able to mount a larger variety of shocks, however, they company has to make the shock in the stroke length that is compatible with the enduros... or pinkbike can do a "how to shimming your shock" article.
  • 2 1
 Easy fix if you put volume spacers inside the air chamber .
  • 2 0
 They should make one to slacken it out. It's the main complaint everyone I've talked to who owns these bikes. HTA is way too steep for what kind of bike it's suppose to be
  • 3 0
 You can always get an offset bushing (offsetbushings.com) or if you have the 26" or 29" You can trow the 650b yoke .
  • 2 3
 You can only use 1 bushing with the stock yoke, and not every frame/shock combo for the 29" can use the 650b shock yoke; cane creeks shocks compress just a little too much and the seatstay bridge contacts the seat tube. It seems kind of janky to me to buy an aftermarket yoke and have to buy offset bushings as well. I bet he'll make yokes that are the appropriate length. For me I'll just save up for the new Evil bike and sell my enduro 29 to someone who wants a more XC, trail oriented bike (which the E29 is really good at)
  • 6 2
 @theedon "Way too steep?" I have an enduro with 66 degree head angle on what is essentially a long travel trail bike. I bought a dual position damper in my lyrik so I could steepen the HTA on the climbs. The front end was all over the place when I had to move slow on many climbs.
I used full travel on the downhills of course and the bike is super stable and confidence inspiring. I don't see how slackening the front end out would help at all, in fact I think it would make it ride worse.
Is really the "main complaint" everyone you've talked to who owns these bikes? I have a 2010 enduro and the only complaint I can think of is it's a bit of tank to pedal up big mountains. I think it is a great bike, and I have a blast overtime I ride it.
  • 3 0
 We are talking about the Enduro 29
  • 2 0
 @ChampionP Talking about the E29. Way too steep. 67.5. It's the most common complaint. Everyone is using offset bushings up here which help a little, but some people are having a problem with hitting the seat tube. You think a big monster company would have their finger on the pulse. The consensus is that people will be switching over to the Wreckoning.
  • 1 0
 Oh, sorry for the rant then. is there not an angleset to fit the 29er frame? I'm getting a Works angleset for my Ripley.
  • 4 3
 Certainly not my complaint. The last thing I would want on my E29 is a slacker HA. In fact I also use a DA fork and ride it in the down position 90% of the time, meaning I'm rocking a 68.5 HA. I even leave it down on milder or snakier downhills because it makes the bike so much more nimble. LIke that article in Bike a few issues ago, it wouldn't surprise if 2 years from now the big fad on new bikes will be "tightening up the head angle for more responsive steering". I find overly slack HA's are only useful on seriously steep trail sections which might be common in Squamish but even in gnarly Washington there are not many real pedal trails that are that steep.
  • 3 0
 @ChampionP All specialized bikes use a proprietary integrated headset, so no angle adjust.

@preston67 95% of E29 owners will disagree with you.
  • 2 0
 Odd how all their marketing material shows it fitted to a monarch which is available in enduro mount for not so many euros anyway...
  • 1 0
 Just got one of those, it's actually cheaper in retail than the non spesh version
  • 6 6
 How is this an improvement over the OE arrangement? We got rid of DU bushing and M5 bolts for a reason: they're weak. The OE solution is much sturdier.

Furthermore, 90% of bike riders want to alter their bike for reasons that are unknown even to themselves. "Well, my buddy did it, so I need to keep up," or "It looks cool," or "Why should I let a bunch of engineers tell me what's good? I know I'm just a line cook at Chili's, but I think I know a bit or two about suspension design. I can read Wikipedia."

If you can't clearly define what is wrong (or right) with your suspension, then you shouldn't be touching it.

"Well, it just doesn't feel right," does not cut it. "What's sag?" does not cut it. If you think a 'spring curve' is the term for a hot chick in Lake Havasu, then you shouldn't get anywhere near considering altering your bike's stock setup.
  • 7 1
 How many shock bolts have you broken? What I thought- solution to non-problem.

The improvement is called choice.
  • 3 0
 The improvement is running a shock that is not specialized specific. It allows for any shock you want to run, as long as it fits the eyelet and eye to eye measurements. I am wondering the same thing as @TheOriginalTwoTone
  • 3 1
 Lol those are not M5 bolts Big Grin . And the OE solution has a bolt and a bushing at the other end of the shock anyway.

And this is an obvious improvement over the fairly retarded OE design because of what JumboJack said. The rest of the original comment honestly has nothing to do with the product.
  • 1 1
 Cease and desist!! In all seriousness though the CCDB air that comes stock on my enduro 29 is an off the shelf eye to eye and stroke but with the last bit of travel non use-able...hence why you set the sag to 15mm and not to 30-35% of the overall stroke. Has this been taken into consideration in the design of these yolks or am I going to run the risk of over extending a rear shock with this and wadding it up into my top tube? Does one need to install a voluminous bottom out bumper say into a Monarch or whatever they choose to run to prevent something happening of the likes? Please explain/advise!
  • 1 0
 Could you please explain again, what exactly you mean? I would like to answer your question, but I don´t quite understand, what you mean, or what you want to know.
  • 1 0
 The ccdb air on a my 2014 enduro is setup to use 57mm of it's 64mm of stroke. My concern is that if I were to spec an off the shelf shock that uses it's full 2.5"(or 64mm) of stroke I may get some unwanted tire rub upon bottoming the shock out or possibly hyperextending the upper swing link upon passing that 57mm. Forgive me for my previous post. It may be confusing because I may have been under the influence of substances that impaired my ability to convey my thoughts eloquently.
  • 1 0
 @thebigschott
That´s why the Enduro 14 29 uses a standard 200x57 shock with our BikeYokes. Our Yokes are designed to have the same overall length (shock+yoke) as the original combination with the shock length, we define. And the stroke also is same as original (57 vs. 57). So you will have same travel and geometry.

You may check the compatibility chart and the shock lenght information here:
bikeyoke.mysimplestore.com/p/technical-information

However, it is also described in the product description itself, which shock you need for your bike with the correspnding Yoke.
Just look for your bike model in the shop and then click on the BikeYoke. Then you will see, that you need a 200x57 shock for your bike.

By the way: How can your CCDB on your Enduro be an off the shelf eye to eye shock with 216mm? How do you mount that to the original Yoke?
  • 1 1
 Heckuva idea. I just wish it came out a year or so earlier, 'cuz now Fox will make you pretty much any 'Enduro' shock in their lineup, air or coil for your Enduro.
My buddy is running an X2 on his 27.5" Enduro and loves it like the hot step-sister he never had.
Of course they charge more, but IIRC it's not any more than this link costs anyway.
  • 1 1
 I have hated spec for years and refused to ever own one - until last week when I got a screaming deal on an Enduro. I knew about all the proprietary stuff, but figured screw it. Well, I love the bike and I'm glad my timing worked out with this product! It's actually very liberating to break your own paradigm. I feel like I broadened my horizons and options by getting over my anti-spec mantra.
BUT, I will still always talk shit about the companyWink
  • 1 1
 It's about damn frickin' time a normal yoke is made to accept standard shock eyelets rather than the stupid proprietary one that Specialized and Fox originally made. If you've ever owned a Specialized bike with their stupid proprietary clevis yoke design with a Fox shock, you'll know how painfully hard it is to find a replacement shock and how expensive that shock is as compared to one that has a normal eyelet. I'm surprised no one sued Specialized and Fox over this. I was just glad that Rockshox and other few companies decided to make aftermarket shocks to adapt to Specialized clevis yoke. I have to say "f*ck you Specialized and Fox" for doing this. Sorry for the fowl language, but you deserved all of it.
  • 1 0
 How do you turn the shock eye to use this??? Im in a situation where i think this would be the best fix from the rp2 not having du bushings and developing play on a 2010 enduro..
  • 6 3
 Does it make Scrambled Legs?
  • 4 2
 the bear has been poked.. but with a 3% net loss at specialized, maybe they wont have the cash to sue... hahaha
  • 1 0
 finally!!! great frame, shock sucks (s-works enduro 2010)!!! i´ve order one yoke, hope it arrives before specialized closes them!!! lol
  • 3 0
 And De Germanz sayz: eat my yoke spec!
  • 2 0
 Now I only need a kit to fit the tapered fork to the straight 1.125 head tube and I'm happy.
  • 6 6
 Poor guy probably had no idea what type of company Specialized is. R.I.P. dude. Let us know when you start a fundraiser after Specialized sued you for $100,000.-

#f*ckspecialized
  • 1 0
 My understanding is that specialized could sue a number of companies over the yoke design (a patent they own), but they have chosen to let this one slide.
  • 1 0
 I seriously doubt that. If they sue over a stupid name, you really believe what you just wrote?
  • 1 0
 Shame that didnt come out 3 years ago and its come out just in time for the new 2017 Enduro to be released in a few months :-|
  • 1 0
 Good point.
  • 2 0
 Great job, now I can finally get a up to date shock on my Enduro. Did I say great job! TY : )
  • 1 0
 I love my E29!! Been riding 20+ yrs. Best bike I've owned hands down!!! Has replaced every bike I have. Except my Turner DHR for the good stuff.
  • 1 0
 Yokes make for a good solution to overcoming constraints on pivot placement etc, but doesn't it in fact create a bigger leverage force on the shock seals?
  • 1 0
 Lets see them make something that allows you to mount Cane Creeks in Trek EVO Link.
  • 3 0
 @gatorfireman
We´ll have a look at that. Thanks for the idea! If you have any more ideas, then just let us know. We´d love to realize any interesting ideas.

Talking to everyone...

Just contact us at sacki@crankingsolutions.com

That´s how this project started:
bikeyoke.mysimplestore.com/products/bikeyoke-for-specialized-sx-slash-sx-trail-2009-2012
  • 1 0
 Thanks! I'd be really interested. I think that a bunch of people with Fuels and Remedys would like to put Cane Creek DbInline CS on their bikes! I know I would. I've even contacted Cane Creek about it and they've said there's nothing they can do.
  • 2 0
 Awesome idea. Now if this would only come out for stumpjumpers as well...
  • 2 0
 Make a replacement link for Trek Remedys please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Any trek for that matter...but the rocker is a cast piece.
  • 1 0
 im sure a CNC one could be fabricated
  • 1 0
 There are other alternatives in the works at the moment. I've seen ohlins, push and a odd fox shock that might be in the works. No one is talking though.
  • 2 0
 Make one for Stumpjumpers please
  • 1 0
 Go to site. Theyve gor stumpys
bikeyoke.mysimplestore.com/products
  • 2 0
 Or you could just buy a Kona. They already do this....
  • 2 1
 How does this yoke help to overcome the issue of the 2.5" shock with 2.25" travel?
  • 3 0
 I suspect you get a shock with the 2.25" stroke thats going to be shorter, and the yoke is longer to make up for it. I agree though, the Specialized proprietary shock sizing/mounting is really stupid.
  • 2 0
 There is actually no issue. The shock stroke defines which standard shock is being used (200 or 216). And the BikeYoke length will have the according length to reach original shock+Yoke length.

If you want to know more, then please read this
bikeyoke.mysimplestore.com/p/technical-information
Go to shock sizes file...
  • 2 0
 I'm so glad you have made these @Sacki ! I want the 2014 EVO one as soon as possible!!!
  • 1 0
 @tbgd
We´ll just wait until the pre-order deal is over. Then we´ll go on with also taking orders for 13/14 EVO versions.
Taking pre-orders for them now would make it too complicated to communicate, handle and also cause delay for the shimpment of the other versions.
BUT: We already placed the orders for 13/14 EVOs to suppliers. So everythign is already set-up. Just need to be patinet for 10 more days then you can order. ;-)
  • 1 0
 So I can finally run a vivid air instead of the monarch plus?looking forward to the reviews pb
  • 2 0
 I'm seriously happy about this
  • 2 0
 Those Germans are so smart
  • 2 0
 Good deal. I like spesh bikes but not the proprietary parts bullshit.
  • 1 1
 I am done with specialised.too many brains to build one bike.too many compromise have to be done to keep every brains happy. I love my knolly
  • 1 0
 So basically what commencal put in there meta v4 2 years ago.
  • 7 6
 Can't wait to see what Specialized does to these guys
  • 4 1
 Hopefully nothing (fingers crossed).
  • 3 1
 In theory, this does nothing negative for them, but could possibly increase sales in case where someone who invested in a CCDB or other high-end shock could transfer it over.
  • 4 2
 good idea, i like it !
  • 2 0
 Halleluja!, Hallelujah!
  • 2 0
 Does it void warranty?
  • 3 0
 Yes.
  • 8 0
 if you need the warranty just put the original part back on
  • 3 3
 Now that Fox makes an X2 that accepts the Specialized mount this yoke is irrelevant !
  • 1 0
 i dont think so... to the 2010´s models?? the shock must have that kind thread on it... does it? i cant find it
  • 3 0
 What's your length and stroke? My son has an X2 on his 2015 Enduro !
  • 1 0
 216mm lenght, but it´s for a 2010 enduro. the probllem its not the stroke, that you can reduce. it got some kind of specific thread in the shock, to fit the link, thats the problem
  • 1 0
 Please make one for Spicy. I need another 1.5 deg.
  • 2 2
 I'm looking forward to a review. I never realized the hate for Specialized here on PB, this must be a new thing.
  • 1 0
 Would this work on an SX trail?
  • 1 1
 Elaborate. I have a hard time believing an American moved to Taiwan to work on a factory floor in Taiwan.
  • 1 0
 Finally. Get this to canada. Order and click. Thankyou.
  • 1 0
 specialize can't do it so someone else has to and i bet now they will
  • 2 2
 or you could buy any other bike that is just as good or better than a specialized that doesnt use proprietary garbage.
  • 1 0
 What a fantastic idea! Proprietary hardware can do one!
  • 1 0
 The are in the cannondale book
  • 6 5
 Let the Lawsuit Begin!!!
  • 1 4
 The gentlemen with Le suit will bring the lawsuit.
  • 3 3
 in before dumb lawsuit from the big S
  • 1 1
 The Yokel's bringin' the game to the Big corporates! Love it!
  • 4 4
 Letter from lawyers arriving in 3.....2.....1.....
  • 1 1
 That product is a complete yoke
  • 1 0
 I will order one
  • 2 3
 They are going to get sued boiiiiiiii
  • 1 1
 I wont buy it
  • 1 0
 Congrats dude
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