Trek Bicycle Corporation of Waterloo, WI is recalling nearly 1 million bikes in the United States and Canada following three injuries, including one which resulted in quadriplegia, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Trek said the injuries were related to improper use of specific quick releases with disc brakes that could result in accidents.
“At the center of the notice is the discovery that certain quick releases with a lever that opens greater than 180 degrees can become caught in a front disc brake while riding if improperly adjusted or left open,” Trek said in notices it sent voluntarily to riders, retailers, and the media.
On its own site, the CPSC reported that Trek had reported three incidents, all including injuries. One incident resulted in quadriplegia. One incident resulted in facial injuries. One incident resulted in a fractured wrist. The recall affects up to 900,000 bikes sold in the United States and 98,000 sold in Canada.
The bikes were sold at bicycle stores nationwide from about September 1999 through April 2015 for between $480 and $1,650.
“Trek is taking proactive measures to bring attention to this previously undiscovered finding in order to keep all cyclists safer on the roads,” Trek said in an announcement sent to the media. “Trek also encourages riders to check their bicycles’ quick release before every ride for secure attachment, which is a simple but necessary step to ensure proper quick release usage.”
As part of a voluntary safety recall notice, Trek will provide through its local authorized retailers a free replacement quick-release, including free installation, a process that takes a certified mechanic less than five minutes. For every cyclist who brings in an affected bike with the quick release and disc brake combination, Trek will also issue a $20 coupon good towards any Bontrager product redeemable through Dec. 31, 2015, at a local authorized Trek retailer.
Both the bikes and the quick release were manufactured in Taiwan.
Authorized Trek retailers have been notified of the issue and are ready to begin inspections immediately.
Trek encourages Trek owners to review proper quick release usage at Trekbikes.com, which includes instructional videos, or to consult their local retailer. Videos demonstrating proper quick release usage have been uploaded to Trek’s YouTube channel as well.
As the temperature and weather improves across the country, more cyclists will be taking to the roads and trails, and Trek wants to ensure that all rides begin and end safely. Trek urges all riders to have their bikes inspected and always maintained by a certified mechanic.
