Disc Brake Recall Affects 1.3 Million Bikes

A bicycle recall is being issued due to a problem with front wheel disc brakes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall involves 13 manufacturers and affects 1.3 million bikes. Popular brands such as Giant, Cannondale and Specialized are affected by the recall. The CPSC advises consumers to “stop using the bicycles immediately and contact the recalling company for free installation of a new quick release on the front wheel,”

The issue involves the open quick release lever on the bicycle’s front wheel hub, which can catch onto the front disc brake rotor; this may cause the front wheel to stop or separate from the bike and injure the rider. The CPSC says three incidents have been reported, including one injury. The recalled bikes were sold from 1998 to this year. Roughly 1.3 million units were sold in American and over 250,000 were sold in Canada and Mexico.

Traditional brake pads use rubber pads to squeeze the wheel rim. Disc brake pads, on the other hand, have metal or ceramic pads clutching the disc brake rotor, making it easier for riders to brake in rain, dirt or mud. As such, they first became popular on mountain bikes.