The story...
EFFIGEAR, is first and foremost the story of a committed mountain biker, Guy CAVALERIE.
EFFIGEAR, is also a beautiful story of passion. That of being on your bike, of riding, of descending cleanly and fast.
EFFIGEAR, is especially an idea, a concept that flowered in the mind of this rider: “What if we made a gearbox?”
After years of life-sized testing and the arrival of David Roumeas to the project, in 2011 they are ready to present their innovation to the world at the Mountain of Hell (2 Alpes) and at the ‘Roc D’azur’ (Fréjus). An enthusiastic reception leads to the creation of the brand EFFIGEAR.
They then decide to make their own bike frames. The name is perfect: CAVALERIE, after the founder. A name that invokes horses, their power, elegance, and loyalty without a fault.
Today Guy has stepped back from the operational management of the company and puts all his experience at the service of the two brands. David, alongside Vincent Lecornu, commercial director, took over the project in 2019.
David and Vincent have chosen to settle in Maclas, in the Loire, one of the most beautiful playgrounds of the Massif Central. Maclas, is also not far from Saint-Etienne, historical capital of cycling, perhaps no coincidence.
Effigear is also collaborating with large industrial groups to offer their technology on mountain bikes of course, but also on road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes or even gravel bikes. EFFIGEAR anticipates and is part of the mobility of tomorrow, for individuals and professionals alike.
Passion and constant innovation are the leitmotifs of these pioneers of the made in France gearbox, which will revolutionize your way of cycling.
Launch of the mimic
The new gearbox Effigear is lighter, more compact, and compatible with all types of bikes : mountain, gravel, urban, and cargo with or without electrical assistance.
Signature with Valeo
In 2020 Effigear signs with Valeo, leader in electrification, for the development of the smart e-bike system. Effigear's gearbox system coupled with Valeo's technology will revolutionize the E-Bike world.
New production workshop
The workshop EFFIGEAR and CAVALERIE settle in Maclas, in the Loire, at the foot of the Pilat, known for its 100% natural riding.
First electric prototype
Presentation at Eurobike of the first Effigear prototype with electrical assistance for the automobile brand MUBEA.
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Effigear at the World Cup of Downhill
Benoît Coulange - Team DORVAL AM, French DH champion in 2020 - Started his career on a Nicolai equipped with an EFFIGEAR gearbox
A new shifter
Effigear adapts a SRAM shifter for its gearbox to satisfy the most demanding customers.
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Anakin at the ‘Roc D’azur’ !
CAVALERIE expands its lineup and gets into enduro with the presentation of the ANAKIN at the ‘Roc D’azur (Fréjus)’, accompanied by the DH bike ION 20 EFFI from NICOLAI..
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Creation of Effigear and CAVALERIE
Creation of Effigear and CAVALERIE. Beginning of industrialization: frames and gearboxes are produced and assembled in France.
New patent, new prototype !
The filling of a new patent. Conception and realization of the first bike prototypes: the Falcon and the Squirrel.
Presentation of the gearbox at the ‘Mondial du VTT (Les 2 Alpes)’, at the ‘Salon du Cycle (Paris)’, and at the ‘Roc d’Azur (Fréjus)’.
New selection system
Development and testing of the new selection system. Assembly of the German brand Gates Carbon Drive belts on some prototypes.
3 axle gearbox
Conception and production of the new gearbox with a 3-axle architecture allowing the integration of differently shaped housings.
The production
Production of gearboxes with two axles, integrated to bikes of the brands Hot Chili and Cannondale Prophet. Prototyping of replacing the traditional chain with a belt in a left sided swingarm.
David, a young graduate from a IUT Génie Mécanique Productive and passionate about mountain biking, joins Guy on his adventure..
Filing of the first patent
Conception and realization of the gearbox selection system. The very first patent is filed for Effigear gearboxes.
First bike prototype
Realization of a frame equipped with the gearbox. The tests continue to improve the differents crossing systems
First tests
The first bike gearbox prototype is created in Guy’s workshop. Inspired by old Vespa transmissions, the system works but needs to be perfected.
The beginnings
With this experience, Guy CAVALERIE gives himself a challenge: conceive and realize a gearbox for his DH bike.
The bet
Guy CAVALERIE helps a friend, Christopher, build his DH bike. He integrates a head angle adjustment system.