Mafac
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MAFAC, or Manufacture Auvergnoise de Freins et Accessoires pour Cycles, was a French manufacturer of bicycle brakes, tool kits, and racks. MAFAC was founded in post-war France under the name "Securite" which was changed to MAFAC in the fall of 1947. Initially MAFAC manufactured cantilever brakes, brake levers, and tool kits. Later MAFAC brakes were of a center-pull design where a cross cable links the two arms of the brake, which is actuated by pulling from the center of this cable. MAFAC's rubber brake hoods, originating in the late 1940's, had built-in adjusters, allowing a rider to adjust the brakes while riding. Additionally the center-pull brakes were of a design that allowed them to clear fenders, front rack mounts, handle bar mount bags, and large tires. This versatility made MAFAC brakes one of the most popular models from the late 1950's through the 1970's. The ability to clear larger diameter tires also led to the use of MAFAC brakes on many of the earliest mountain bikes, including one of the first package-built mountain bikes, the 1982 Specialized Stumpjumper. The center-pulls were solid brakes and were well made, but were relatively inexpensive. This put MAFAC in the enviable position their components being specified on everything from the highest end race bikes to run of the mill bikes. The lack of exclusivity in the brand, however, may have contributed to MAFAC's disappearance in the 1980's.
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[edit] Brake Models
Early Models included the cantilever (which remained in production at least until the 1970's) and the early center-pull (marked Dural Forge). MAFAC is probably best known for the later brakes, including:
- Tiger
- Racer
- Competition
All of these brakes followed the same basic design with minimal changes during their evolution.
[edit] Tool Kits
MAFAC sold tool kits which were universally useful for bike maintenance while on the road but more specifically aimed at allowing a rider to maintain MAFAC brakes. They were sold in a plastic folder-type bag which could be hung from the back of many period bicycle saddles.
Models included:
- The Constructor 6 tools
- Touriste 7 tools
- Randonneur 10 tools
[edit] Racks
MAFAC produced a front rack which was built to mount under their center-pull brakes. These racks could be fitted even to bikes which were equipped with fenders. The racks were of a small design and were popular equipment on city bikes throughout Europe in the 1960's and 1970's.
