W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA (BRAIN)—The adoption of quick-release devices on bicycles has led to a heightened potential for injuries due to front wheel separations. A new ASTM International standard defines the performance of primary and secondary wheel retention systems in order to prevent unintended wheel separation.
The new standard, ASTM F2680, Specification for Manually Operated Front Wheel Retention Systems for Bicycles, was developed by Subcommittee F08.10 on Bicycles, part of ASTM International Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities.
David Montague, presidentof CLIX Systems Inc., and a member of the F08.10 task group that developed ASTM F2680, said that the new standard defines the performance of primary and secondary wheel retention systems, with the focus on preventing unintended wheel separation.
“We hope ASTM F2680 will help to cause forks and wheels used together by bicycle manufacturers to be more compatible and less prone to unwanted wheel separation,” said Montague, who notes that complete bicycle assemblers as well as hub and fork makers will find the standard beneficial.
“Bicycle riding is one of the most popular recreational activities in the world,” Montague said. “When a bicycle wheel separates during riding, the resulting injuries can be substantial. Therefore, any standard that helps to reduce unwanted wheel separations could have a major impact on many riders around the world.”
ASTM International standards can be purchased from Customer Service (phone: 610-832-9585; service@astm.org) or at www.astm.org. For technical information, contact David Montague, CLIX Systems Inc., Cambridge, Mass. (phone: 617-491-7200; dmontague@montagueusa.com). Committee F08 will meet Nov. 10-13 in Atlanta, GA.
ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. ASTM’s open consensus process, using advance Internet-based standards development tools, ensures worldwide access for all interested individuals. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, please contact Christine, Sierk, ASTM International (phone: 610-832-9728; csierk@astm.org).
Established in 1898, ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions around the globe.
