Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Bike recalls: Do they come in threes?

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced three bicycle recalls this morning.
  • Norco full suspension mountain bike frames can crack. The recalled bicycle frames include the following model year and model names: 2007 Team DH, 2008 Team DH, Aline Park, Aline, Atomik, Shore 1,2,3, 2009 Atomik (without gussets). These are some of Norco's higher end full suspension mountain bikes. Norco is kind of weaseling by claiming that the product is not defective because the frames only crack when the bike is abused, like when you jump the bike without using a "down ramp [that] must be properly designed, in height and length, to absorb the landing from the jump." Of course anybody who ever jumps their full suspension mountain bike always uses properly designed ramps. More here at Norco USA.

  • Trek comfort bikes with suspension forks. The "JD" fork used on some of Trek's comfort bikes are sprung below the head tube but above the fork crown. Apparently, something can come lose, resulting in the front tire turning on its own. "This," claims the CPSC, "can cause the rider to lose control of the bicycle and crash." More at Trek's safety & recall information page.

  • Cannondale comfort bikes with suspension forks. Hey look! Cannondale got their "JD" forks from the same supplier that Trek did. The recall involves model year 2008 Cannondale Adventure 2, Adventure 3, Adventure 2 Feminine and Adventure 3 Feminine bicycles. Cannondale recall information page.

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