The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced two separate product recalls for bicycles for fall, loss of control, and injury hazards. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product.
Novara Fusion Bicycles
About 160 Novara Fusion Bicycles, which were manufactured in Taiwan and imported by REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) dba Novara, of Kent, Washington, were recalled because the alloy steerer tube could separate from the fork causing the rider to lose control, posing a fall hazard to consumers. To date, the firm has received one report of a steerer tube detaching. No injuries have been reported.
This recall involves Novara Fusion Bicycles with serial numbers U95Y07321, U96Y28393, or in the sequential range of the last four digits U96Y28876 through U96Y29128. Serial numbers are located on the underside of the bike. The espresso-colored bicycles were sold in two styles, the Step Through and the Fusion. The Step Through was sold in extra small/small, while the Fusion was available in medium, large, and extra large. The recalled bicycles were sold exclusively at REI stores nationwide and at REI.com from November 2009 to November 2010 for between $600 and $900.
The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop riding the bicycles and contact their local REI store or the REI customer service center to arrange for a replacement fork to be installed free of charge. REI can be reached, toll-free, at 1.800.426.4840, anytime, or at REI’s website at http://www.rei.com/help/recall/index.html.
Felt Adult Bicycles
About 1,550 units of the 2011 Felt Adult Bicycles, which were manufactured in China; imported by Felt Bicycles, of Irvine, California; and manufactured by ADK Technology Limited of Guang Dong, China have been recalled because the bicycle’s fork can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer injuries. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported.
The recall includes all 2011 Felt F3, F4, F5, and F75 bicycles with carbon fiber frames and carbon fiber forks, which are described, as follows. “Felt” is written across the down tube of the bicycle frame:
• 2011 F3: Satin carbon/satin white with red decals.
• 2011 F4: Satin carbon/satin white with grey decals.
• 2011 F5: Satin carbon/satin red or matte black with diamond shape design.
• 2011 F75: Gloss navy.
The recalled Felt Adult Bicycles were sold at bicycle specialty stores nationwide from July 2010 through November 2010 for between about $1,400 and $5,000 per bicycle.
The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact their local Felt Bicycles dealer to receive a free inspection and repair. Felt Bicycles can be reached, toll-free, at 1.866.433.5887 or 1.866.4.FELT.US between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, or at the firm’s website at www.feltracing.com.
