A new American brand has entered the world of trials. Their name is Caelifera and they’re causing a stir on the English language trials forums, and for good reason: they have developed a 20" and a 26" frame, with an impressive quality and finish, designed with UCI competition in mind, 100% made in the USA and with several innovative design features (unusual design, chain tensioning system on the 20" models, etc.)

We have already talked about this new brand and presented their early prototypes in an article in October last year, when the project was called "44trials", and the designer, Hinmaton Hisler, revealed his plan of action, listening to riders and designing accordingly; "A large part of my project consists of listening to what riders have to say, understanding their wants and needs, profiting from their experiences and developing my products accordingly. Of course, there are plenty of riders who ride shonky bikes, without realising or caring, but there are those who really know what they’re talking about and will pay for the quality of a product designed specifically for them." He is putting himself in direct competition with the discipline’s world market leader, Koxx, and their new range. "The 2009 range has aggressive geometries that certain pros want, but I’m not ready to call it a day there." (44trials, made in the USA)

Since then, Hinmaton’s project has continued to take shape and we have followed the evolution of Caelifera day by day on the English language forums. This trials fanatic is a daily presence, constantly questioning and debating with riders in order to be closer to their needs. The progress made by the brand over just a few months is impressive, with a 20" and 26" which are anything but average and some very nice components. The distribution of these products was kept top secret, but Caelifera still seem set to take over the world. They have just appointed a new ambassador, one of the best known street riders on the planet, top Norwegian rider Thomas Remvik Aassen, aka TRA, who has just returned from a seven month absence with an injured wrist. TRA will be riding the brand’s 26" model, the 44twentysix (TRA on Caelifera). Here’s an update on this new American brand, brought into the public eye by TRA...

TheCaelifera.com!

To begin with, Hinmaton draws our attention to the new Caelifera website which presents their products in more detail and allows you to order them online. It is one of the most modern and professional sites that we’ve visited, and it shows the dynamism of this young American company. Head over there and judge for yourself!

Caelifera?

Hinmaton quickly tells us about his company and his projects for 2009n and 2010...

Why the name change?

I had to change the change the name of the company- 44trials is no longer, some one had 44 Bikes before me, so I had to stop using the name.

Why Caelifera? Can you tell us a bit about the name?

I pronounce it: (kah-lee-feh-rah) The primary definition is the scientific order of Grasshopper. The Latin translation is "Sky Bearer" or "holding up the heavens". I chose this name because the design process delved into Biometrics some, particularly with the similarities between trials riding, frame designs, and insects.

Tell us a bit about your company! Is it 100% Made in the USA?

Caelifera is a small company based in Richmond, Virginia, USA. These frames and component lines are designed and created by hand, one at a time by the avid riders who work for Tektonics Design Group. These frames and components are design by riders for riders. Our emphasis is high end Natural and UCI Competition based products.

Tell us about the 2009 range?

For 2009 the production of frames will be limited to a small batch of custom geometry orders and a few limited run productions of standard size frames as we iron out the bugs and work to bring the weight down while maintaining the incredible ride quality of the Caelifera frame.

What projects does Caelifera have for the future?

I am trying to get the frames into Europe right now, but the cost of production on my end makes the frames very expensive by the time they get to Europe. I am currently working towards creating a working partnership with a manufacturer to help produce these frames in a manner that makes them available to riders world wide by 2010; have no fear I will still continue to make custom geo frames for the discerning rider. Plus I have more models and ideas in store. There will be much more to come on the components - I am currently working on a lighter version of the frame. There is also talk of a super light Pro signature model to come soon. I have a few pro riders that are going to be hitting the comp’s this year and make some video appearances, keep your eyes peeled, you will see more of the Caelifera frame.

Conquering the world...

A few months ago, Hinmaton launched an original and unprecedented initiative on the English language forums in order to promote his new frames...

Here’s what he had to say about it...

The project is a marketing event and social experiment that has potential to build excitement and awareness for the sport. I am building a limited run of high end UCI Competition style frames, three of which I am sending around the world. Each person is asked to build up the frame, take photos, ride it, shoot some video, talk about their experience on the forums, break it down after their month long riding time is up and send it on to the next person. Each person is required to pay for the shipment to themselves. This will go on for a year, at the end there will be an account of 36 different riders riding the same frame built up the way they like. I will then compile all the information and make a DVD of the video and stills.

I will also be giving away the three frames to three different individuals from the list of riders. I plan to do a press release of this as it unfolds more, to a few of the major MTB and Cycling magazines (There has not been anything done like this by a bike manufacturer that I know of).

The sponsors of the event thus far are: Trials Pads, Midwest Bike Trials, Tarty Bikes, Tektonics Design Group (ma société) & UPS. I have asked the retail sponsors to contribute some components and give support to the riders in their region. This initiative is open to all riders, wherever they may be from. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact Hinmaton!

The 44twentysix:

Here is the standard 26" Caelifera model, the 44twentysix. The frame is constructed from 7005 T6 Aluminium and has vertical dropouts. It is compatible with both hydraulic rim brakes and a rear disc, and has a nice little feature that we’ve never seen before: the disc mount is detachable and can be removed if it is not being used!

 Geometry with a 415/45 fork:

• • Wheelbase: 1085mm
  • BB height: +40mm
  • Head angle: 72°
  • Chainstay length: 385mm (vertical dropouts)
  • weight: 1.995kg

 Black model:

 World model:

 The dropouts:

The 44twenty:

The 44Twentysix’s little brother, the standard 20" Caelifera model, the 44twenty, compatible with both hydraulic rim brakes or a rear disc and which features a very clever chain tensioning system which is adjusted via TPA style adjusters on the dropout. Very innovative!

 Geometry with a 375/45 fork:

• • Wheelbase: 1018mm
  • BB height: +55mm
  • Head angle: 71.5°
  • Chainstay length: 363mm
  • weight: 1.769kg

 Black model:

 The horizontal dropouts and their innovative chain tensioning system:

Caelifera components:

Hinmaton and his team want to create components that are unmatched in the industry, filling the gaps in the current market. "We have worked hard to find out what riders want, what isn’t currently available and also to improve on certain products from a new perspective. These parts have been developed and tested by a large number of riders."

V-Brake components:

Brake boosters:

Rock rings: