The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·15253·Announced 2015-09-29

Bicycles with Front Disc Brakes Recalled for Crash Hazard

Thirteen manufacturers recall about 1.3 million bicycles with front disc brakes and quick-release levers due to a crash hazard. Consumers should stop using the bikes and contact the manufacturer for a free replacement.

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 (bicycles) where injury has been reported (broken finger, wrist, shoulder, abrasions), but no deaths or severe injuries are documented, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for injury reports without fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Thirteen manufacturers and distributors are recalling bicycles equipped with front disc brakes and quick-release (QR) levers on the front wheel hub. The recall involves approximately 1.3 million bicycles sold in the United States, with an additional 245,000 sold in Canada and 9,000 in Mexico. The affected bicycles were sold at bicycle stores nationwide from about 1998 through 2015 for prices ranging from $200 to $10,000. The recall includes specific brands and model years from companies such as Accell North America (Diamondback, Raleigh), Advanced Sports International (Breezer, Fuji, SE), and Specialized Bicycle Components Inc.

The hazard exists because an open quick-release lever on the front wheel hub can come into contact with the front disc brake rotor. This contact can cause the front wheel to come to a sudden stop or separate from the bicycle, posing a risk of injury to the rider. Three incidents have been reported where this mechanism caused the wheel to stop or separate. In one incident, an adult male suffered a broken finger, a wrist injury, a shoulder injury, and abrasions. No injuries were reported in the other two incidents.

Consumers should stop using the bicycles immediately. To determine if a bicycle is included in the recall, check if the front QR is fully opened and if there is less than 6 mm (the width of a #2 pencil) between the QR and the disc brake rotor. A video demonstrating this check is available at www.quickreleaserecall.com. Consumers should contact the recalling company for the free installation of a new quick release on the front wheel. Contact information for the specific manufacturers is available on the CPSC website or the recall website.

The recalled product

Product
Bicycles equipped with front disc brakes and quick release levers
Manufacturer
Accell North America
Category
Consumer Product — Bicycles
Hazard
Affected units
245,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · crash

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