The Recall Desk
Our severity:ModerateCPSC·78091·Announced 1978-11-15

Columbia Bicycles Recall for Inadequate Chain Guard Coverage

Columbia is providing free chain guard kits for specific 1976-1978 models to meet federal safety requirements for chain coverage.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 2/5 (Moderate).

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is a voluntary precautionary measure to comply with federal regulations, and the source explicitly states that no injuries or complaints have been reported.

Plain-English summary

Columbia Manufacturing Company is providing free chain guard kits to consumers who purchased specific Columbia bicycles manufactured between November 13, 1976, and August 13, 1978. The affected models include 3-speed, 24-inch "Miami" racers (girls' Models 1433 and 1439, boys' Model 1434) and "Gold Crest" 3-speed 26-inch racers (men's Model 3648). These bicycles were distributed nationwide.

The recall addresses a safety defect where the existing round disc-type chain guard does not provide full coverage of the top of the chain or the chain to the rear of the front sprocket. Federal bicycle regulations require full coverage chain guards on bicycles with single front and rear sprockets to prevent the entrapment of clothing or body parts. To date, no consumer complaints or injuries have been reported.

Consumers should contact the place of purchase to receive the free chain guard kit. The kit includes a new chain guard that fits over the existing disc-type guard and instructions for installation, which can be easily accomplished by the owner using a screwdriver.

The recalled product

Product
Columbia Gold Crest, Miami bycicles
Manufacturer
Columbia
Category
Consumer Product — Bicycles
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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