Bright Racing Shocks launches next generation third generation fork – mountain bike press release

NEXT is the dedicated enduro MTB fork from Bright Racing Shocks (BRS), and the second generation (with the first fork being produced from 2021 to date) brings significant improvements over the initial model. BRS was born with a commitment to innovation and with the third generation of the NEXT model called NEXT-3RC (where RC stands for Regularity Competition) scheduled for release in February 2024, Bright has decided to push the boundaries even further.

Pablo Fiorilli, owner and designer of BRS, decided to create a USD fork for the MTB world based on the Sliding Bushings structure found in motorcycle forks, a solution he has been using since the 1990s with his FIMOCO Engineering developed the first brand in the downhill sector. BRS was the first to develop the sliding bushing for MTB forks, solving the typical problems of USDs. Using a combination of slide bushings and an innovative carbon composite top tube construction. When this combination is perfectly tuned, the dynamic response of the carbon fiber can be harnessed with the precision and incisiveness of the sliding bushing system, creating a uniquely rigid yet resilient chassis.

For 12 years, BRS forks have been providing athletes and enthusiasts with a high level of riding precision, thanks in part to the performance of the ACAD (Anti Cavitation Active Damper) hydraulic cartridge, designed to provide greater support and stability compared to traditional available enduro forks. The ACAD cartridge has also been completely redesigned due to intensive use, especially in recent years, using telemetry and simulation programs and is now in its eighth edition (ACAD #8). What is notable and is integrated into the ACAD is a dynamic sag that the fork practically does not have. The built-in negative travel reduces the actual measurable sag compared to a traditional fork, keeping your axle accurate as you ride the bike, so the bike’s head angle and handling characteristics don’t change.

Pablo Fiorilli, the brains behind it, comments: “When I started thinking about the Bright Racing Shocks project in 2009, there was widespread skepticism about my idea of ​​developing a USD suspension from scratch.” Today we can proudly say that our F929 fork in NEXT, XCO and Skunk versions was the first USD fork to overcome the typical structural and functional problems of this type of fork in the MTB world, an achievement that made history. Our ongoing efforts are now focused on optimizing the hydraulic systems of our forks, with the further development of our ACAD cartridge, now in its eighteenth version (for each fork model). In addition to the mechanical structure, we believe that a driver really needs a system that continuously adapts to his driving style. Here at Bright we work tirelessly to achieve this. We believe that the key to success for a high-performance suspension manufacturer is to offer every user, whether professional or amateur, a customized and upgradable setup. Our motto “Competition Prototype, Sold to the Public” perfectly reflects our philosophy.”

Below you can find out what changes with the third generation NEXT.

In the previous version, the outer legs had a diameter of 49 mm and a shape designed for high rigidity. The outer legs of the NEXT-3RC are modified with a new shape and design, reducing the diameter to 48mm but introducing reinforcing ribs on the sides to specifically increase rigidity and follow lateral stress flows. This new shape further increased mechanical performance while reducing weight and giving it a sleek, tapered finish.

The fork crown, which retains its complex processing as a billet-machined piece of 7075-t751 aircraft aluminum, has been reshaped with a new design and refined using special active mass identification software. This analysis allows the creation of a design with greater dynamic stiffness compared to previous models.

The crown also functions as an air chamber bypass system. The crown is hollow on each side and features a chamber that traps and expels air as the fork swings. This system is connected via the steering tube, allowing an increased volume of air to flow over the legs. The idea of ​​connecting the two outer legs comes from EVERFLOW of Italy, which implemented this design two years ago by adding outer channels to traditional forks. Bright brought this concept back to USD architecture by incorporating air ducts through the crown and steering wheel.

The supports now overlap more with the outer legs to accommodate more travel while increasing stiffness. The manufacturing process has been refined to achieve more perfect roundness and straightness. Finishing is done almost entirely by hand using special grinding stones to achieve a precise finish. The high-thick anodization process with high microporosity ensures smooth standpipes even under high stress.

Previous dropouts were equipped with reinforcing ribs to increase twisting at the axle (torque caps are not optional). This design remains unchanged except for the introduction of fork guard integration. Previous NEXT forks had stanchion guards that attached to the top tubes (still available as an option), but now the dropouts have mounting points.

The new support guards are manufactured using SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printing to obtain an elastic but strong material. The fork will be available with or without stanchion protection and as already mentioned in two versions: DCMS with the classic BRS top mount and new MX version with leg-mounted stanchion protection.

The caliper bracket has undergone extensive modification, but remains backwards compatible with previous years’ forks. Reinforced and equipped with an additional dedicated brake line bracket, it provides stiffer braking support to the top of the outer leg compared to previous generations. This optional, removable part weighs only about 30 grams. The new design also aims to provide greater stability, resulting in greater braking performance.

As the first company to specialize its product line using sliding bushing technology, BRS has increased the torsional rigidity of the latest NEXT fork by increasing the length of the sliding bushings. The hardness of the bushing raceways has also been increased to further prevent premature wear and enable smoother running.

The brains of the fork is the new ACAD #8 cartridge. In this version, the initial sensitivity and elasticity increase, while the stability in the event of strong impacts increases again significantly due to a longer air spring. According to telemetry tests, the ability of version #8 to copy the terrain profile has increased by approximately 20% compared to version #7. The rebound stop has been redesigned and features a hydraulic valve to control its limits.

Maximum travel increases to 195mm, with the last 15mm acting as negative travel, pushing the fork into the ground. There are two different standard versions of the ACAD cartridge available (they also offer customized versions). The two series units are “RACING” and “COMFORT”. Featuring Active Sag Control in classic Bright style, the Racing cartridge offers 15mm of negative travel, a more controlled, active initial stroke with more downward progression, where the Comfort cartridge offers the same travel but a more ‘traditional’ feel negative travel, less responsiveness with a gentler initial stroke. All can also be configured to the driver’s preference at the time of ordering.

BRS added a compensating blow-off valve to the top of the new crown that works with the air chambers in the crown. This valve helps control the feel of the fork mid-stroke. Because the crown serves as additional volume for the air spring, the new external valve allows you to regulate how much air is in the chambers, allowing you to quickly reduce the volume when needed.

For more information or to order, email Pablo directly at: info@brightracingshocks.com or visit the website https://www.brightracingshocks.com/