World class dirt jump/slopestyle rider Brandon Semanuk has signed for Canadian firm Chromag Bikes as a team rider and product developer.
Brandon is joining Chromag off the back of an astonishing 2008, winning the Red bull Rampage, Crankworx Colorado and, although definitely the most consistently performing rider, was pipped to the post at Crankworx Whistler by Andreu Lacondeguy who landed a double back flip in his final run.
Apart from trying to win dirt jump competitions, Brandon will work with Chromag on developing new products. A new saddle is high on the priority list, he said: “I have been looking for the perfect seat and wanted to work with someone who could help me develop it. Chromag was an easy choice and I’m stoked they are interested in the project. Their focus on quality and style matches my values and Ian lives right down the street from me!”
BikeRadar also spoke to Chromag founder and owner Ian Ritz about signing Brandon and his hopes for the future.
First off, why Brandon?
Circumstance played a big part, we have known each other for years and we both live in Whistler so we speak a lot about riding and products. He is also at the top of his game and one of the best riders out there, so for me he has a lot to offer when it comes to developing a product. Chromag is all about unique products and achieving this is all the more possible when working with unique riders like Brandon.
What do you hope to achieve by working with Brandon?
The reason our company (Chromag) exists is because there is so much input from riders at the highest level who are really acutely connected to the application. With Brandon our main focus is developing a saddle purposely designed for the dirt jump/slopestyle market that will be released in 2010. He has a prototype that we are working on now, but it is still in its very early stages.
Are you trying to push Chromag into a new corner of the market?
We are certainly looking for the recognition that comes from having such a high profile rider on our team. So having him develop this saddle with us is really exciting as it shows that Chromag is always pushing to innovate and utilise the talent out there.
Brandon has many big name sponsors that cover him bike and clothing wise, how does Chromag fit in?
It just worked well for both of us, Brandon was looking for the perfect saddle and I was keen to develop one for the dirt jump/slopestyle market. I would love to have him on a full sponsorship program but he already has full coverage from Trek, Sram and so on.