The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·06520·Announced 2005-12-22

REI Recalls Novara Dirt Rider Children's Bicycles Due to Frame Failure Risk

REI is recalling about 2,800 Novara Dirt Rider 20-inch children's bicycles because the alloy frames can fail, causing crashes and potential injury.

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 (frame failure) that poses a risk of serious injury, and one minor injury has been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where serious injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is recalling approximately 2,800 Novara Dirt Rider 20-inch 5-speed and 6-speed children's bicycles. The recall involves 2003-2004 model year bicycles in red/black or silver/blue frost colors, and 2005-2006 model year bicycles in black/gravel or white/powder blue colors. These bicycles feature 20-inch wheels and aluminum frames.

The alloy frames used in these bicycles are prone to fatigue failure. When the frame fails, the fork, head tube, and handlebar separate from the rest of the bike, resulting in a loss of control and a crash. This poses a risk of serious injury to the rider. REI has received four reports of frames failing, all of which resulted in crashes, with one child sustaining a minor injury.

The bicycles were sold at REI stores from October 2002 through November 2005 for between $200 and $210, depending on the model year, and may have been sold as low as $125 on sale. Consumers should immediately stop using these bicycles and return them to the nearest REI store for a full refund or credit. For additional information, consumers can contact REI at (800) 426-4840 or visit www.rei.com.

The recalled product

Product
Novara Dirt Rider 20-inch 5-Speed and 6-Speed Bicycles
Category
Consumer Product — Bicycles
Hazard
Affected units
2,800

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · structural failure

See all →