The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·99104·Announced 1999-04-29

Bell Sports Recalls Bicycle Helmets Due to Chin Strap Defect

Bell Sports is recalling about 5,800 BMX and mountain bike helmets because chin strap rivets may fail, causing the helmet to come off during a crash.

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 (bicycle helmet) where a defect could lead to serious head injury, but no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

Bell Sports Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,800 bicycle helmets used for BMX and downhill mountain biking and racing in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected helmets are the Rhythm, Bellistic, and Qualifier models. These helmets were sold in red, green, black, white, and multicolored "Tear Away" designs. They feature "BELL" written on the sides and visors and have date stickers inside reading October 1998 through March 1999.

The recall is due to a defect in the helmets' chin strap rivets, which can result in the helmet coming off the rider's head during a fall or crash. If the helmet detaches, serious head injury could result. Bell Sports is aware of one incident where the chin strap assembly became detached during a crash, but no injury was reported.

These helmets were sold by independent bicycle dealers nationwide from October 1998 through April 1999 for between $90 and $125. Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately. To obtain a free replacement helmet, including shipping costs, consumers should mail their helmets to Bell Sports Inc. at Route 136 East, Rantoul, IL 61866, ATTN: BMX Department, or call (800) 456-BELL.

The recalled product

Product
Bell Bellistic bicycle helmets
Manufacturer
Bell Sports
Category
Consumer Product — Bicycle Helmets
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fall

See all →