WATERLOO, Wis. (BRAIN) – Trek is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall bikes spec'd with quick releases that have a lever that opens greater than 180 degrees and can be caught in a front disc brake if left in the open position.
The company said that the issue is not a manufacturing defect on the QR but due to improper use or adjustment. Riders who leave the QR in the open position can potentially have the lever caught in the front disc brake while riding.
Trek found out about the issue when it was investigating an accident. Spokesperson Eric Bjorling said the company notified the CPSC about the potential problem. Trek has learned of three cases involving the relevant QR. According to the CPSC recall notice, one incident resulted in quadriplegia, one in facial injuries, and the third in a fractured wrist.
The CPSC notice said that about 900,000 bikes are affected in the U.S. and 98,000 in Canada. Bjorling said the recall involves bikes sold globally. The notice said the bikes were sold from September 1999 through April 2015 for $480-$1,650.
"It's one of those things that we clearly were not aware of until recently," Bjorling said. "The QR has been used for a number of years without incident."
The QR was spec'd on a wide range of bikes, from hybrids to entry and mid-level mountain bikes going back to model year 2000. Trek has stopped spec'ing the QR and begun shipping replacements to dealers.
Bjorling said this specific QR with a throw of greater than 180 degrees is widely used in the industry and bikes from other manufacturers are likely affected.
Trek will provide a replacement quick release — one that does not have a throw greater than 180 degrees — through its authorized dealers. The replacement and installation is free. Consumers who bring in an affected bike will receive a $20 coupon good toward any Bontrager product and redeemable through Dec. 31 at Trek dealers.
Retailers will receive a credit of $5 for every release they switch out. The fix should take a mechanic less than five minutes to complete, according to Trek.
Trek is instructing all consumers who have a bike with a quick release and disc brake to bring it to a dealer for inspection. The company also stresses that consumers check their bicycles' quick releases before every ride to make sure they are securely attached. It has uploaded videos on proper quick release use to its YouTube channel and also has instructional videos at Trekbikes.com.
More information: CPSC recall notice.
