American Classic, voluntary recalled about 2,850 of their road and mountain bike wheels. The company stated that the hub in the bicycle's rear wheel can fail to engage properly, causing no resistance when pedaling. The bicycle rider could lose balance, fall and suffer injuries. No injuries have been reported.
The recall includes all American Classic aftermarket rear wheels and hubs, as well as the following 2005 bike models which use American Classic rear wheels or hubs:
- Fuji Team Super Lite, Team SL
- Orbea Aletta, Onix, Lobular 50, Dama Race, Mitis and Mitis Dama models
- Felt F55 and F2C
- Fetish Cycles Road and Mountain Bikes
- Argon 18
- Motobecane LeChampion SL
The recalled models were made at the start of January 2005 and the outside of the rear hub shell has a serial number that starts with the letter “S.” The serial number is printed on the center of the hub shell opposite to the American Classic logo. Front wheels and front hubs are not included in this recall.
The wheels were sold at bicycle specialty stores nationwide from January 2005 through June 2005 for about $240 per rear hub. Consumers should stop using the bike wheels with the recalled hubs and contact your local bicycle retailer to receive a free inspection. If you have a recalled wheel, the dealer will provide a free repair.
