Building on the success of their RoadLink and GoatLink 10, Lindarets and Wolf Tooth now introduce the GoatLink 11 aimed at optimizing Shimano 11-speed derailleurs for use with SRAM XD and aftermarket extended-range cassettes.
From the moment thatLindarets and Wolf Tooth realized that Shimano and SRAM’s 11-speed mountain cassettes shared the spacing, they knew that they wanted to have it all – Shimano’s ergonomics, pricing, and reliability combined with SRAM’s wide-range cassettes. What they found, however, is that while they could run XT or XTR shifters and derailleurs with a SRAM 10-42t cassette without modification, performance fell short of what we’d come to expect from each company’s flagship products.
The result of extensive CAD optimization and eight months of field testing, the GoatLink 11 re-positions M8000 XT and M9000 XTR rear derailleurs such that free chain, the primary driver of shifting performance, is within 1% of what Shimano intended while engagement is improved by 27%.
But they didn’t stop there. Knowing that certain situations call for a range beyond that provided by stock 10-42t or 11-42t cassettes, we tweaked the GoatLink 11 to such that it significantly improves Shimano 11s rear derailleur performance with extended-range 10-44t and 11-45t cassettes.
So now you too can have it all:Â ideal performance from Shimano derailleurs and 10-42t SRAM XD cassettes as well as wide-range capability for bigger days.
Each GoatLink is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum, anodized, and laser etched at Wolf Tooth Components’ Minneapolis facility.  Their second-generation design does away with the B-tab pin and comes fitted with their proven stainless steel bolt. The GoatLink 11 weighs 19g with hardware, for an 8g net weight when replacing the stock XTR Direct Mount link.
GoatLink 11s are available now from Lindarets and Wolf Tooth Components online stores for $27.95 and will be available through distributors and shops shortly.
Compatibility and Technical Details
|
Cassette Range |
Free Chain |
Chain Wrap |
Notes | |
|
11-40 |
264% |
M9000 Stock | ||
|
11-42 |
282% |
 |
 |
M8000 Stock |
|
11-45 |
309% |
36% |
-8% |
|
|
11-46 |
318% |
32% |
12% |
|
|
10-42 |
320% |
99% |
27% |
XX1/X01/X1 |
|
10-44 |
340% |
32% |
-9% |
|
|
10-45 |
350% |
28% |
-7% |
Not Optimized |
|
9-44 |
389% |
26% |
-8% |
Not Optimized |
- The GoatLink 11 is compatible with M8000 (XT) and M9000 (XTR) series eleven-speed Shimano rear derailleurs.
- The GoatLink 11 mounts only to standard derailleur hangers.
- Double chainrings are not currently supported
- Triple chainrings are not supported.
- Direct Mount-native frames and SRAM derailleurs are not supported.
- All improvements are based on nominal Shimano-specification derailleur hanger geometry. An unmodified Shimano rear derailleur adjusted for the specified cassette serves as the baseline (0%), and an unmodified rear derailleur adjusted for a 40t top cog as the target (100%).
- Due to variations in derailleur hanger geometry, chainstay length, chainring size, B-screw adjustment, and suspension configuration, individual results will vary.
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