Suspension Pioneer and Industry Icon Passes Away
Briefly

Franco Fratton, a renowned suspension engineer in the mountain bike industry, passed away on April 20, 2025, leading to an outpouring of tributes and shared memories. Known for his technical innovations in damper systems since the 1980s, including pivotal work with Ferrari F1, his influence extended beyond engineering as he fostered genuine relationships within the industry. The funeral was held on April 23, 2025. Franco's legacy encompasses both his professional contributions and his warm personality, which will be profoundly missed by peers and friends alike.
...Beyond the technical, Franco was just a good guy. I always enjoyed connecting with him at events and catching up. We lost one of the good ones.
Outside of his incredible innovations in the world of suspension, Franco was always someone who never forgot the importance of genuine human connection and placed more emphasis on the relationship than just another business deal.
Franco Fratton was one of the most seasoned suspension engineers, globally recognized and praised for his accomplishments and in-depth understanding of suspension intricacies.
His impact has been pivotal in introducing several technical breakthroughs in racing damper solutions since the mid-80s.
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