Thirteen companies and 17 brands participated in the voluntary recall of an unspecified number of models equipped with the quick release and front disc brakes since 1998. The recall marked the first time the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) has coordinated a recall, said Executive Director Ray Keener.

The recall aims to help consumers replace certain quick releases that can become entangled in the front disc brake rotor of affected bikes when left open or not properly closed as shown in the graphic below. Participating brands know of only three incidents in which that has caused the front wheel to come to a sudden stop or separate from the bicycle. In one incident, an adult male suffered a broken finger, a wrist injury, shoulder injury and abrasions. No injuries were reported in the other two incidents.

However, Trek cited the same issue as contributing to an accident that left a rider of one of its bikes quadriplegic. That incident prompted Trek to recall nearly 1 million of its bikes in April, after 16 years of using quick releases without incident. Trek’s recall seeks to remedy the issue by replacing quick releases with levers that open greater than 180 degrees when improperly adjusted or left open, with ones that do not.

After a rash of inquiries from manufacturers and dealers and consulting with legal counsel and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, BPSA stepped in to coordinate an industry-wide response that included creating quickreleasecreall.com. The website features a video showing consumers how to use a #2 pencil to determine whether they needed to replace their quick release, as well as a list of FAQs and links to recall pages set up by all 17 brands.

While the CPSC’s September 29 recall notice does not specify models, the majority of bikes affected are mountain bikes, which embraced disc brakes

in the early 2000s. Disc brakes are increasingly common on urban commuter bikes and will make their debut in professional road cycling next year.

The recall was issued by the following companies for the following brands and model years:

  • Accell North America: Diamondback and Raleigh, 2014-15
  • Advanced Sports International: Breezer, Fuji and SE, 2005-15
  • Cycling Sports Group Inc.: Cannondale and GT, 1998-2015
  • Felt Racing LLC: Felt, 2006-15
  • F. Jaonnou Cycle Co. Inc: Jamis, 2005-15
  • Giant Bicycle Inc.: Giant, 2003-04
  • Haro Bikes: Haro, 2000-15
  • LTP Sports Group Inc.: Norco, 2000-15
  • Performance Bicycle Inc.: Access, 2009-15
  • Quality Bicycle Products: Civia Cycles, 2008-12
  • Recreational Equipment Inc.: Novara, 2002-15
  • Ridley Bikes: Ridley, 2014-15
  • Specialized Bicycle Components Inc.: Specialized, 2002-15