If you own a 2011 Specialized cyclocross or city/hybrid bike, be aware of a major recall issued yesterday afternoon by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. See the full statement below and see images of the recalled bikes at the CPSC website.
Specialized Bicycle Components Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Bicycles with Advanced Group carbon forks
Units: About 14,200
Distributor: Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., of Morgan Hill, Calif.
Manufacturer: Advanced Group, of Taiwan
Hazard: The brake component housed within the bicycle’s carbon fork can disengage from the fork and allow the brake assembly to contact the wheel spokes while rotating, posing a fall hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: The company has received two reports of the brake component disengaging from the carbon fork. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the following nine, 2011 model year bicycles with Advanced Group carbon forks: Sirrus Expert, Sirrus Comp, Sirrus Elite, Vita Expert, Vita Comp, Vita Elite, Vita Elite Step Thru, Tricross Sport, Tricross, and Tricross Comp. All bicycles have the brand name “Specialized” on the lower front frame tube. The model name is on the top tube.
Sold at: Authorized Specialized Retailers nationwide from June 2010 through August 2011 for between $700 and $2,000.
Manufactured in: Taiwan
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and return them to an authorized Specialized retailer for a free repair or replacement carbon fork.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Specialized toll-free at (877) 808-8154 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s website at www.specialized.com
Lighter isn’t better, it just fails more spectacularly.