Ritchey Design Recalls Bicycle Rear Wheels Due to Hub Failure Risk
Ritchey Design is recalling approximately 2,000 bicycle rear wheels because the hub may fail to engage, causing a loss of pedal resistance and potential falls.
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 risk-of-harm product where injury has been reported (minor bruises and abrasions), but no serious injuries or fatalities are documented, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products.
Plain-English summary
Ritchey Design, of San Carlos, Calif., is recalling approximately 2,000 bicycle rear wheels. The affected models are the Ritchey WCS - Protocol, Carbon, DS, DS Aero, and Girder. These wheels were sold separately as wheel sets or rear wheels only, and also as original equipment on 2004 model year Fuji and Motobecane USA bicycles and the 2005 model year Prestige road bike from Raleigh. The recalled wheels feature high flange hubs measuring 60 millimeters in diameter with a straight hub body between the flanges.
The recall is due to a defect where the hub in the rear wheel can fail to engage properly. This failure causes no resistance when pedaling, which can cause the bicycle rider to lose balance, fall, and suffer injuries. Ritchey Design has received one report of a bicycle rider who suffered minor bruises and abrasions after experiencing no pedal resistance and falling from the bike.
The wheels were sold at bicycle specialty stores nationwide from January 2003 through July 2005. They were sold separately for between $350 and $700. As original equipment on the specified bicycles, they were sold for between $2,100 and $4,000. Consumers should inspect their hub to determine if the wheel is included in the recall and contact Ritchey to schedule a free repair. Consumers can contact Ritchey Design toll-free at (888) 776-8625 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit their website at www.ritcheylogic.com/wcsrecall.
The recalled product
- Product
- Ritchey WCS - Protocol, Carbon, DS, DS Aero, Girder models (all rear wheels only)
- Affected units
- 2,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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