The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·00105·Announced 2000-05-09

Answer and Manitou Bicycle Forks Recalled Due to Failure Risk

Answer Products Inc. is recalling about 17,500 Answer and Manitou brand bicycle forks because the attachment tube can fail, causing riders to lose control.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in a vehicle component that poses a risk of harm, with reported minor injuries but no fatalities or serious injuries, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products.

Plain-English summary

Answer Products Inc. is recalling approximately 17,500 units of 2000 model Answer and Manitou brand bicycle forks. The affected components include Answer BMX forks (Carbo Pro and Mag Pro models) and Manitou mountain bike forks (Mars and X-Vert Super models). These forks were installed on more than 30 models of bicycles, including brands such as Specialized, Klein, Jamis, and Marin.

The recall was issued because the tube that attaches the fork to the bicycle can fail. This failure can cause riders to lose control of the bicycle and fall. Answer Products has received six reports of these forks failing, which resulted in two consumers suffering minor injuries, including cuts, bruises, and chipped teeth.

The forks were sold at bicycle stores nationwide and through mail order catalogs from August 1999 through May 2000. The forks ranged in price from $245 to $695, while assembled bicycles with these forks ranged from $1,200 to more than $3,000. Consumers should immediately stop riding bicycles equipped with these forks and take them to an authorized Answer Products dealer for a free inspection and repair. To determine if a specific bicycle is affected, consumers can contact Answer Products, Inc. at 888.686.3472 or via email at [email protected].

The recalled product

Product
Answer and Manitou brand bicycle forks
Manufacturer
Answer Products Inc., of Valencia, Calif.
Category
Vehicle — Bicycle Components
Hazard
Affected units
17,500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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