Walmart Recall of 91,000 Defective Bicycles; Specialized Also Issues Bike Recall

bicycle_web.jpgAnyone who has recently purchased a $100 bike at Walmart wants to pay attention to a bicycle recall issued this week.

Bridgeway International of Naples, Florida has recalled 91,000 “NEXT”-branded men’s 26-inch hybrid bicycles. The products have a defective bicycle chain that can break and cause the bicyclist to lose control and fall in a bicycle accident.

The importer is aware of 11 reported incidents, including nine involving lacerations and other personal injuries.

The bicycles are red and orange and are marked “Power X” and “Suspension.” They were sold at Walmart from February 2011 through July 2011 for about $100. The model numbers are LBH2611M and LBH2611M2. The bicycles were manufactured in China.

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled bicycles. They can contact the company for a free repair at 877-934-3228 or visit www.powerxbike.com for more information.

Defective Specialized Bicycle Recall. Separately, 14,200 bicycles with a defective brake component were recalled this week by Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc., a Morgan Hill, California distributor.

The bicycles have Advanced Group carbon forks and were manufactured by Advance Group, of Taiwan. The brake component housed within the bicycle’s carbon fork can disengage from the fork, allowing the brakes to contact the wheel spokes while rotating, posing a risk for falls and bicycle accidents.

There have been two reports of brake components disengaging from the carbon fork. No injuries have been reported.

The bikes were sold at authorized specialized retailers nationwide from June 2010 through August 2011 for $700 to $2,000. Consumers should stop riding these bicycles and return them to an authorized specialized retailer for a free repair or replacement. More information is available at 877-808-8154 or www.specialized.com.
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Two Bicycle Recalls To Watch For As Weather Warms

By Sam Segal

bikeB.jpgAfter months of high snow banks, Massachusetts residents are eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring, when they can return to outdoor activities like gardening and bicycle riding.

If you’re a cyclist, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a few bicycle recalls you may want to note before the warm weather comes.

Felt Bicycles Recall
Felt Bicycles has recalled their model 2011 F3, F4, F5, and F75 bikes due to a problem with the bicycle fork (the part of the frame that connects the handle bars to the front wheel and allows for steering and balance). The forks on these defective bikes have a danger of breaking, causing the rider to possibly lose control, have a bike accident and suffer personal injuries.

Owners of these Felt bicycles are instructed to stop using the defective bikes immediately and contact their local dealer (866-433-5887) to receive a free inspection and repair.

Novara Fusion Bicycle Recall
REI has recalled their Novara Fusion bicycles with serial numbers U95Y07321, U96Y28393, and sequentially from U96Y28876 – U96Y29128 due to a problem with the bicycle fork. The forks on these defective bikes have a danger of separating from the alloy steerer tube, causing the rider to possibly lose control, have a bike accident and suffer personal injuries.

Owners of these REI bicycles are instructed to stop using the defective bikes immediately and contact their local dealer (800-426-4840) to arrange for a replacement fork to be installed free of charge.
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