While so much of the focus on defects and recalls in transportation is on automobiles, it’s important to remember that even the most basic forms of alternative transportation can also face unnecessary dangers as well. In this case, a new danger has surfaced with the recall of approximately 12,000 bicycles manufactured by Kinesis and sold and distributed by Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
The company’s latest recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today in the wake of reports of a defect that causes the front fork to break. To date, the company has received four reports of fork issues that have resulted in bicycle crashes and falls. The falls led to injuries such as facial fractures and cuts.
According to the CPSC, the affected models are men’s and women’s Globe bicycles that were manufactured and sold in 2008 and 2009 and retailed from $550 to $1,100. In a statement posted on the Specialized website, the company urges consumers to “Stop riding these bicycles immediately and return your bicycle to an Authorized Specialized Retailer for a free replacement fork.” For additional information, Specialized can be reached at (877) 808-8154.
The Globes announcement marks the third recall of 2012 for Specialized. In January, the bicycle distributor announced the recall of the 2012 Tricross Comp bicycles because of an issue that caused the front brakes to become detached. Once the units separated, they were at risk of becoming entangled with the bicycle chain, which could have caused serious falls.
Specialized subsequently announced the recall of various 2012 S-Works Shiv modules because of a defect that caused the Tektro TL-83 brake levers to malfunction and become essentially useless in April. This recall was expanded in August, as more reports were made regarding non-functioning brakes.