If you’ve been following us, you know we’ve had a Fox 40 fender in our lineup for a while, but it was time for an update for the 2021 and newer models. This project is the result of our collaboration with the guys at HR Racing Team, who push their gear to the absolute limit and shared some great feedback from the trails.
The previous version of our Fox 40 fender was a solid product, but the riders from HR Racing Team noticed that under extreme loads and on the roughest sections, the sides could be even stiffer. While we could have addressed this with a few simple tweaks, we realized the original project was starting to show its age. Instead of just patching it, we decided to redesign the fender from the ground up, incorporating all the technical know-how and experience we’ve gathered over the years.
We got to work, and the HR Racing Team even provided us with a fork so we could dial in every detail. The result is an updated model with new side stiffeners and a completely refreshed look. To be honest, we think it’s currently the best-looking fender in our entire collection. The construction is now fully stable, and there’s no chance of the material bending or folding, even in the toughest terrain. Along with these changes, we’ve also expanded our size range with the new Long version. We know many of you were waiting for this to get that extra protection against the mud.
But the most interesting part of the story happened almost by accident. Since we had the fork in the workshop anyway, we decided to make some full carbon fiber versions for the team. At first, the riders were pretty skeptical. We gave them two units, and they later admitted they only planned to use them as “jewelry” for photo shoots or videos. They were simply worried that carbon wouldn’t survive a real beating and would just snap at the mounting points during the first serious run.
Reality quickly proved them wrong. After the first test laps and a few days of heavy riding in rough terrain, the guys were pleasantly surprised. It turns out the carbon version is not only incredibly light but also very durable. Instead of sitting on a shelf as a decoration, these fenders are now a permanent part of their training and race bikes. Now, both our classic plastic fenders and these stiff carbon versions are performing perfectly in the wild. If you’re looking for gear born from the real needs of pro riders, the new Fox 40 lineup is for you. See you on the trails!
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