Cyfac is a manufacturer of bicycles located in La Fuye, in the Loire Valley region of France. With a focus on fit and personalization, Cyfac's product offerings are targeted towards the cycling enthusiast through professional racer, with models designed for Bicycle racing, Track cycling, Bicycle touring, Randonneuring, and Cyclo-cross.
The name "Cyfac" is an acronym that translates from French to "Handmade Bicycle Frames". "Cy" represents cycle (bicycle), "f" for fabriqué (made), "a" for "artisanal" (artisan), and the final c stands for cadres (frame).
The Cyfac Postural System is an advanced bicycle fitting system based on more than 20 years of scientific research at the Lyon Center of Sports Medicine. The Cyfac Postural System is the world's only fitting system that conceives of a rider's optimal riding position and frame geometry.
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History
Founded in 1983 by Francis Quillon, Cyfac began in Francis' garage with the assistance of his wife, Mireille. Quillon was a successful amateur racer having specialized as a sprinter for the French National Team. During his racing career he worked for one of his team's sponsors, a local bicycle manufacturer. Quillon repaired his teammates' bikes, started making bikes from scratch, and eventually started to outfit a large contingent of pro racers who would have their frames painted to match their sponsor obligations. As demand for his frames increased, Quillon opened the Cyfac workshop to supply bicycle frames to the sport's top racing teams.
The company was sold to Jose Alvarez, a now-defunct French distributor for Specialized, LOOK, Easton, and BMC bicycles.
In 2008, the ownership structure of Cyfac changed with the Managing Director (Aymeric Le Brun) and US Distributor (Eric Sakalowsky) purchasing the company from the original owner. Cyfac's founder, Francis Quillon, returns to the fold as Honorary President.[1]
Manufacturing Process
Cyfac manufactures all their frames in their workshop in La Fuye, France, including the cutting, welding, painting, and finishing. Tubing is sourced from Asia. As of 2009 they produce 1000-1200 frames a year.
Cyfac uses both traditional and modern materials in the frame-building process: steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon. All products exceed the EN manufacturing standards for bicycle strength and durability as set out by the European Union.
Cyfac only uses environmentally friendly water-based paints from AkzoNobel during the manufacturing process, also within full compliance of EU standards.[2]
Cyfac is one of very few bicycle manufacturers in the world that can produce a carbon frame with completely custom geometry and paint.
Current Products
- Absolu - carbon frame designed for ultimate performance[3] [4]
- Gothica - carbon frame designed for ultimate comfort
- Cadence - carbon frame designed for enthusiast riders wanting a mix of performance and comfort
- Infini Carbone - aluminum/carbon frame designed for race performance
- Osmose - titanium/carbon frame designed for high-end riders wanting a mix of performance and comfort
- Nerv - aluminum frame designed for enthusiasts for all-round riding conditions
- Mega Cross - aluminum cyclocross frame
- Mega Piste - aluminum track racing frame
References
- ^ CYFAC is now "CYFAC International"
- ^ Cyfac to offer bicycles exclusively in 'green'
- ^ Bicycling Magazine review of the Absolu
- ^ Cyclingnews.com review of the Absolu
External Links
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