After at least three crashes caused by a quick-release lever catching in disc-brake rotors, this week 17 brands are participating in a recall, one of the biggest ever seen in the bike industry.
The problem is the same one that plagued Trek earlier this year (see “Rider Paralyzed, Trek Corp. Recalls 1 Million Bikes” ). Bikes equipped with quick-release levers on the front wheel and disc brakes can cause a crash.
If not closed, the lever can wedge into the disc rotor, causing the bike to abruptly stop. Tragically, a rider was paralyzed when this happened on a Trek bike.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association are tasked with getting the word out.
A new website ( www.quickreleaserecall.com ) was launched to address questions and direct riders to resources to act on the recall. Check the site to see if your bike applies, then get it to a participating shop to get the fix.
Bikes back to 1998 are affected. Brands include Raleigh, Diamondback, Breezer, Fuji, SE, Cannondale, GT, Felt, Jamis, Giant Bicycle, Haro, Norco, Access, Quality Bicycle Products’ Civia Cycles, Recreational Equipment Inc.’s Novara brand, Ridley Bikes, and Specialized.
–See quickreleaserecall.com for all information.