Radical Reveals: Fox 40 RAD Forks Hit the Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup
Two Canadian riders turned heads at Mont-Sainte-Anne as they rolled into the final World Cup weekend with what appears to be a new FOX technology: the RAD 40 fork. Jackson Goldstone and Gracey Hemstreet, both part of The Syndicate, were spotted aboard forks marked with FOX’s RAD (Research and Development) branding. The sighting has racing fans buzzing about what could be a bold leap in fork design, and perhaps even a window into other secret clip-ons for downhill bikes oriented toward speed and stability on high-speed courses.
A Closer Look: The RAD 40 vs. the Old 40
Goldstone’s Santa Cruz v10 carried the distinctive RAD 40, featuring rainbow bands and a black/white color scheme that echoes a world-champion aesthetic. The fork’s arch is noticeably different from the current FOX 40, hinting at a geometry and internal layout reminiscent of recent FOX offerings like the 34 and 36SL. The open space visible through the arch suggests internal changes that FOX is quietly testing in a high-stakes World Cup venue. While Fox has not confirmed details, the RAD designation implies ongoing experimentation with lighter materials, stiffer tuning, or perhaps a new damping approach designed to extract more performance under the duress of Mont-Sainte-Anne’s fast, rugged courses.
Inside the RAD: What We Might Be Seeing
Beyond the fork itself, Goldstone’s bike demonstrated another piece of tech that’s drawing attention: a CounterSycle tuned mass damper mounted in front of the fork. Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are a relatively new concept in elite downhill racing, aimed at reducing vibration and smoothing the ride, potentially easing rider fatigue during long finals runs. The visibility of the TMD and its mounting system suggests FOX and partner teams are exploring payoffs in stability and grip that could translate into faster, more consistent runs.
More than Forks: Possible Shimano Brakes in Development?
Hidden behind the front fork leg, observers spotted what appears to be a new brake caliper from Shimano. Goldstone’s bike was equipped with XTR levers, while the caliper’s raw alloy finish and prototype-like markings hint at a design iteration in the Saint family or a broader rethink in Shimano’s gravity brake strategy. The silhouette resembles a Saint-caliper lineage, but the heft and stamping lean toward a prototype in development. If Shimano is testing a new gravity brake in parallel with FOX’s RAD forks, it could signal a broader push toward lighter, stronger, more modulated stopping power for elite downhill racing.
Qualifying and the World Cup Title Picture
Despite the intrigue, the day’s results remained fiercely competitive. Goldstone and Hemstreet both advanced to the finals on Friday. Hemstreet finished sixth in a tightly packed elite women’s field, while Goldstone placed third in the men’s field, trailing leader Loïc Bruni by a narrow margin. As the final showdown on Saturday looms, the race for the World Cup overall title is tightly contested—Bruni and Goldstone separated by 72 points. The question on many minds: could Fox’s RAD program help push Goldstone into a position to reclaim the lead and deliver Canada’s second elite men’s World Cup overall title?
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Downhill Tech
While Mont-Sainte-Anne has long been a proving ground for suspension and brake breakthroughs, the RAD project appears to push the envelope in ways that blur the lines between production components and high-end development prototypes. If the RAD 40 proves itself on sheer performance—whether through improved damping, a stiffer arch geometry, or a new damping strategy—it could influence the next generation of forks across teams and disciplines. Combined with potential brake prototypes from Shimano, riders could be looking at a future where forks and brakes operate as a coordinated system tuned for peak downhill performance.
As the finals approach, fans will be watching not only for the podium results but also for glimpses of the evolving tech that could redefine what’s possible on the mountain. The RAD forks and the associated prototypes represent more than a single machine; they mark a moment when the sport’s leading brands test boundaries on the world’s biggest stages.
What Could Come Next
Whether FOX will confirm RAD 40 as a production release or keep it as a field-test program remains to be seen. The same goes for Shimano’s potential new brake design. Until official announcements arrive, the Mont-Sainte-Anne weekend serves as a live laboratory where the world’s best riders push the gear to its limits—and where fans catch a rare peek at the future of downhill racing.
