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, High-Performance Pioneers
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.
Motorsports is precisely where Fratton and EXT started, before entering the bike industry in 2014. 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. EXT’s philosophy was to focus on suspension specifically tuned for a bike, rider, and use rather than mass-produced OE offerings.
And it seems they will continue with that same philosophy.
Gaspare Licata Takes the Wheel
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 of investors that has acquired a majority stake in EXT.
Since his time in the bike industry, Licata has admired EXT’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities. He has a great deal of respect for the brand’s proven technological platforms and depth of workforce talent.
“I’ve admired EXT’s factory, engineering culture, and the people behind it for years,” Licata said. “This acquisition allows us to build on that foundation with the flexibility and focus that a privately led structure enables. The company has untapped potential in both the bicycle and motorsports categories, and I’m committed to honoring its heritage whilst pushing it to fulfil that potential.”
According to EXT, the future looks bright:
“Under the new ownership structure, EXT plans to invest in new technologies that elevate their products’ performance. The company will strengthen its global dealer and distributor relationships and enhance supply chain capabilities while preserving its high-precision, Italian-based manufacturing model. EXT will continue to serve as an R&D partner to leading motorsports racing teams and bring advanced suspension solutions to market segments including mountain bike, motocross, e-moto, UTV/SSV, ATV/Quad, and kart cross – where the brand already offers a comprehensive range of products for its consumers.”
