A Familiar Face is the New Owner of EXT Racing Shox

"In April 2025, suspension pioneer and EXT founder and technical director, Franco Fratton, sadly passed away. Since 2011, EXT has built a reputation around meticulously engineered suspension for elite performance. And under new ownership, the brand anticipates continuing in the same vein. EXT's suspension prowess stretches far back before its founding in 2011. Before opening the brand, Fratton established a reputation as a respected suspension engineer. He brought an extensive background working with Formula 1 and other motorsport racing teams."

"They entered the mountain bike scene and began building a reputation with the introduction of the Storia and Arma coil shocks. These shocks were touted for their traction and consistent support on long descents. They also stood out for their Hydraulic Bottom-Out Control, something EXT is credited with pioneering. The brand brought its motorsports philosophy of precision-machined and complex hydraulic circuits to bicycles."

"In 2014, Gaspare Licata became VP of Sales and Marketing at Crankbrothers after several years at Selle Royal. After just a year in his VP role, Licata stepped into the Crankbrother's CEO role. With Licata as CEO, the brand underwent a notable revitalization. During the mid-2010s, Crankbrothers faced criticism concerning product reputation and reliability. Licata emphasized improving quality by focusing on robust, well-thought-out products. And, the strategy paid off, reestablishing Crankbrothers as a trusted brand in the cycling space. Today, Licata leads a team"

Franco Fratton, founder and technical director of EXT, died in April 2025. EXT was founded in 2011 and built a reputation for meticulously engineered suspension targeted at elite performance. Fratton brought experience from Formula 1 and motorsports to bicycle suspension development. EXT entered the mountain bike market in 2014 with Storia and Arma coil shocks known for traction, consistent support on long descents, and pioneering Hydraulic Bottom-Out Control. The brand emphasizes precision-machined components and complex hydraulic circuits, tuning suspension for specific bikes and riders rather than producing mass-market OE units. Gaspare Licata previously revitalized Crankbrothers by prioritizing quality.

Read at Bikerumor