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MAFAC’s story is that of a specialist brake innovator facing the rise of integrated groupsets. For 20 prosperous years, MAFAC filled a crucial gap by creating brakes—like the pioneering Criterium cantilever and revolutionary Racer center-pull models—that were revolutionary in their effectiveness and adjustability, setting the standard for bicycle braking until the late 1960s. As cycling transitioned toward more compact, reliable side-pull brakes perfected by giants like Campagnolo and Shimano, MAFAC’s attempts to adapt with its own side-pull versions proved late and unreliable, leading to a rapid decline despite efforts like the French component partnership Spidel. MAFAC’s legacy lies not in its 40 year duration, but in establishing the foundational designs for effective cantilever and center-pull braking systems that remain influential (well, straight up copied) today.
Here is an historical timeline that includes major MAFAC corporate and product events over the years:
1894
Corporate/Personnel
Auguste Bourdel, MAFAC founder, is born.
c. 1920
Corporate/Personnel
Auguste Bourdel begins dedicating himself to industrial interests, including building his own bicycles.
1946
Corporate Founding
The company is founded by Auguste Bourdel in Clermont-Ferrand, post-war France, under the initial name “Securité”.
1946
Product
The “Securité” cantilever brake is introduced, known as a “foundational triumph” and marketed under models like Kathy, Driver and Criterium. The Criterium series remained in production for some 40 years.
Late 1940s
Product
MAFAC introduced rubber brake hoods (initially half-hoods, later full-hoods) that featured built-in barrel adjusters, allowing riders to fine-tune clearance while riding.
1947 (Autumn/Fall)
Corporate Rebrand
Securité changes its name to MAFAC (Manufacture Arvernoise de Freins et Accessoires pour Cycles).
1947 (Post-Rebrand)
Corporate
The factory and headquarters were established at the former Michelin workshop at 25, Rue d’Estaing in Clermont-Ferrand.
Pre-1953
Product
Early MAFAC center-pull brakes featured tiny oil holes located above the pivots.
1951 (November)
Product
An advertisement for the MAFAC Racer appears in Le Cycliste.
1952
Product Breakthrough
The Racer center-pull brake is unveiled at the Paris bike show, hailed as MAFAC’s “undisputed magnum opus” and the first effective center-pull design. Its superiority allowed for the bold slogan: “Un doigt suffit!” (“Braking with one finger is enough”).
1952 (Debut Period)
Product
Center-pull calipers were initially forged from durable duralumin and stamped “Dural Forge”.
1953
Market
The MAFAC center-pull brake design became available in Britain.
1954 (June)
Corporate/Personnel
Founder Auguste Bourdel dies at age 63.
1957
Product
The Tiger center-pull model is introduced (a 1950s design featuring wider-set arms to increase leverage).
1957
Product
The Top 63 center-pull brake is introduced (a 1950s design manufactured for only a short period, making it a rare component). This model was advertised in 1964 as being tested at 60 m.p.h. under load.
1958
Corporate/Personnel
Paul Bertrand begins his stewardship as manager of the factory.
1960
Corporate/Personnel
Mme. Mazen-Bourdel (Auguste Bourdel’s daughter), who played a pivotal role in advancing sales and industrial capacity after her father’s death, dies in a road accident.
Mid-1960s
Product
The stamping on center-pull brake stirrups changed from “Dural Forge” to “Racer”.
End of 1960s
Product
The stamping on levers changed from “Mafac” to “Mafac France”.
1968
Market
Campagnolo launches its first Record caliper, increasing competition for MAFAC.
1970
Product
The Raid center-pull model is introduced, featuring a longer-arm length to increase clearance, aiding 650 B and 700 C wheels with fenders.
1970s
Product
The Racer brake iteration featured red bushings framing the engraved script.
Mid-1970s
Product
The Competition center-pull model is introduced as a later high-end brake, featuring brass bushings (instead of plastic) and using a straddle cable with double ball ends.
1970s
Product
The MAFAC 2000 model is introduced, offered as a variation of the Racer design and available in gold-anodized finishes.
Late 1970s – Early 1980s
Product/Market
MAFAC attempted to adapt to new trends by producing side-pull brakes (LC, LS, LSX, and LS2 models) concurrently with their center-pull lines. These models ultimately suffered from reliability problems.
Early 1980s
Product
Production of the legendary Racer brake ceases.
1980s
Corporate/Market
MAFAC joined the Spidel consortium (with Maillard, Simplex and Stronglight) to compete with groupset manufacturers, supplying Competition and MAFAC 2000 calipers and levers.
1981
Product
MAFAC cantilever brakes appear on the Specialized Stumpjumper, one of the first commercially built mountain bikes, highlighting their superior tire clearance.
Mid-to-Late 1980s
Corporate Closure
Economic pressures and strong competition from Japanese and Italian manufacturers led to the company’s disappearance. MAFAC ceased operations around 1985.
Post-Closure
Legacy
The engineering principles of MAFAC’s cantilever and center-pull designs influenced later systems by companies like Dia-Compe and Shimano, and their designs are considered current even by modern standards.
Join the MAFAC Heritage Discussion!
Does your build feature rare ‘Dural’ stampings? We are building a visual database of every MAFAC variant. Post your photos and help us expand the definitive guide.
