Bicycle Network Victoria: Bikes 'n' Bits

Campy cables pulled

8 February 2012. Gore has recalled its special Campagnolo brake cables because of a fault that could cause the brakes to fail, injuring the rider.

The termination end of the cable may detach from the brake cable itself, making the brakes inoperable.

Note that the Shimano/SRAM low friction cables are not affected and are not being recalled.

The recalled Low Friction Brake Bicycle Kits (Black Kit and White Kit) were sold nationally from 6th February 2011 to 6th February 2012.

The cables are identified by the following codes:
ROPRBREA-B
ROPRBREAW
ROPRBRCA-B
ROPRBRCA-W

Consumers should immediately stop use of the affected brake cables. Consumers should take their bike to the place of purchase so the replacement inner cable can be fitted.

Supplier's web site 

BMX forks recalled

24 January 2012. The Dagger Pro 20" Carbon Fiber BMX Race Fork has been recalled because of a defect.

The stem may detach from the bicycle, leading to loss of control and resulting in fall injuries.

When several spacers are inserted under the handlebar stem and the stem is positioned too high, it may break due to the added leverage.

The fork was sold nationally in bike shops between 1st December 2010 - 13th January 2012

Consumers should cease using the bicycle and return it to the place of purchase for rectification.

Recall of Chariot Carrier

12 January 2012. There has been a voluntary recall of Chariot Carrier bicycle trailers and hitch kits because of potential separation of the carrier from the bike.

According to the company, in extremely rare and specific circumstances, the bicycle trailer’s hitch mechanisms can crack and break, causing the trailer to detach from the bicycle. This poses an injury hazard to children in the bicycle trailer.

Owners of a Hitch Arm purchased between October 2002 and September 2011, or owners of a Carrier included in the list below, should stop using the Carrier as a bicycle trailer immediately.

Carrier Style Model           Year                  Serial number identification
CX1 or CX2                       2006 - 2010     1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx
Cougar 1 or Cougar 2         2006 - 2010     1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx
Cheetah 1 or Cheetah 2     2006 - 2010     1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx
CSL                                 2008 - 2009      ALL
Cabriolet                           2006 - 2010     1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx
Corsaire XL                      2006 - 2010     1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx

There is a free repair kit which the consumer can install. Contact your retailer for more information or contact Chariot Carriers at one of the following:
• www.chariotcarriers.com
• email Chariot Carriers at: ask.us@chariotcarriers.com

The firm has received 24 incident reports worldwide with the bicycle trailers and the conversion kits. No injuries have been reported.

Giant Defy recall

8 December 2011. A popular road bike in the Australian market, the Giant Defy, has seen a number of models recalled because of fork failure.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a product safety recall for the 2012 models: Giant Defy Advanced 2, Defy Advanced 3, and the Giant Avail Advanced 2, a variation of the Defy for female riders.

According to the ACCC there is potential for the fork blades to crack under severe riding conditions, resulting in a fall and potential injury to the user.

Riders should immediately discontinue riding the affected bicycle. Consumers should return the bike to a Giant dealer for repair.

The bikes were sold by Giant dealers across Australia.

This is the second recall of Giant carbon fibre road bikes because of fork faults. This time last year the company recalled several of its high-end TCR models. (See below)

Specialized cross bikes recalled

4 October 2011. Specialized has recalled a number of commuter, cycle cross and female specific bikes following the detection of faulty forks.

The bonded inserts on the carbon fork legs could crack and de-bond from the fork.

The defect could cause the brake assembly to come loose from the fork and potentially make contact with the wheel spokes. This could lead to a fall and potential injury to the user.

The models were available for sale from 10th June 2010 - 15th August 2011 and were sold nationally.

Bikes recalled include:

2011 Sirrus Comp
2011 Sirrus Expert
2011 Sirrus Elite
2011 Vita Comp
2011 Vita Expert
2011 Vita Elite
2011 Tricross
2011 Tricross Comp
2011 Tricross Sport

Owners should return these bikes to an authorised Specialized retailer for repair or replacement, free of cost.

More fixies recalled

30 June 2011. The fixie range from fashion and bike company Potential of Hydrogen has been recalled for lacking a chain ring guard.

A notice from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has listed the Sulphuric Acid, Saliva and Baking Soda models for recall.

The ACCC says that in the absence of a chain guard, entrapment of clothing or body parts could occur in between the upper junction of the chain and chain wheel.

The bikes were sold between 1 December 2010 and 30 April 2011 at Potential of Hydrogen, Sable & Argent, Glue Stores and other independent bike shops.

The ACCC has asked that consumers stop riding the bicycles and contact Potential of Hydrogen Pty Ltd to be directed to the nearest authorised dealer to have a chain guard fitted.

Unsafe bikes on the market

2 June 2011. A random check of bikes in 84 retailers across Australia has found many fail national safety standards.

The survey checked for compulsory safety features such as brakes, reflectors and chain guards as well as the mandatory instructions for bikes sold unassembled.

Of the 311 bikes surveyed 41 failed.

The surveillance project was carried out jointly by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and state and territory consumer affairs agencies.

Acting ACCC chairman Peter Kell said that as a result eight bicycles were recalled and a number of suppliers were required to rectify breaches to ensure their bikes were compliant with the standard.

"The survey results indicate that bicycle suppliers and their employees must do more to familiarise themselves with the mandatory safety standard, as unsafe bicycles can contribute to serious injury or death," he said.

"Bicycle suppliers who fail to comply with the mandatory standard are not only risking the safety of consumers, but they also risk the expense of product recalls and legal action by the ACCC, including hefty penalties.

Under Australian law, bicycle suppliers—whether they are manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, or retailers—can only sell bicycles in Australia if they comply with the mandatory standard. The mandatory standard also applies to unassembled or partially assembled bicycles.

The ACCC also urges consumers who are buying a bicycle to consider the following safety tips:

• If you're buying an assembled bicycle, make sure that it has mandatory safety features such as protective guards, reflectors, brakes and a warning device.
• If you've bought an unassembled bicycle (e.g. a bike in a box), even if it is partially assembled, you should:

1. make sure that it comes with clear and adequate instructions
2. ensure that the parts include the abovementioned safety features
3. take it to a bicycle mechanic to ensure it's assembled according to the manufacturer's instructions and in safe working order.

• If you're buying a children's bicycle, make sure that it has at least two braking systems and one of them is a back pedal brake.
• Make sure the bike has an identification number that's legible and permanently marked.

Scott and Avanti bikes recalled

5 May 2011. Cyclocross bikes produced by Scott and Avanti have been recalled in Australia because the front cantilever brakes do not meet legal requirements.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a recall notice because the bikes have not been supplied with a ‘front brake cable safety device’ as per the requirements of the pedal bicycle mandatory standard.

The ACCC says that in the absence of a front brake cable safety device, the sudden wheel stoppage caused by a front brake cable failure could result in injury.

Consumers should stop riding the bicycles immediately and contact Avanti Bicycle Company to be directed to the nearest authorised dealer to have a front brake cable safety device fitted.

Safety devices are available for fitting in-store at no cost to the consumer.

The models involved are Avanti Circa 1, Avanti Circa 2, model numbers A1CC15xx & A1CC25xx; and Scott CX Comp, Scott CX Team, model numbers 2181280xx & 2181290xx.

The bikes were available for sale from 30th June 2010 - 15th March 2011 from Avanti & Scott authorized dealers throughout Australia.

Avanti bikes recalled

18 April 2010. Avanti Bicycle Company has been hit with two recall notices from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, with a range of models being recalled for frame replacement or modification.

In one recall the Avanti Derelikt street and dirt jump bikes, including the models 1, 2, and 3 from years 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been recalled because in certain circumstances, the head tube may crack causing potential injury.

The bikes were on sale 1st July 2005 - 12th April 2011 from Avanti Plus retailers and authorised Avanti bicycle distributors.

Avanti has advised that consumers should stop riding the bicycles immediately and contact their place of purchase to arrange for a replacement frame to be ordered and delivered to the place of purchase for refitting.

The other Avanti recall involves Avanti and Scott models with a single chain ring which were sold without the required chain ring guard.

These models include: 2010 Avanti ABD Derelict 1, 2010 Avanti Derelict 2, 2010 Avanti Derelict 3, 2010 Avanti Solo Flat, 2010 Avanti Solo Drop, 2011 Avanti Solo Flat, 2010 Scott Voltage YZ.1, 2010 Voltage YZ.2

The models were sold between 1st July 2009 and 6th April 2011.

According to the ACCC: "In the absence of a chain guard, entrapment of clothing could occur between the upper junction of the chain and chain gear, causing loss of control and injury."

Consumers should stop riding the bicycles immediately and contact
the Avanti Bicycle Company to be directed to the nearest authorised dealer to have a chain guard fitted.

The Australian standard for bicycles stipulates that bikes without a front derailleur must be fitted with a chain guard. This is often in the form of a circular metal plate bolted to the outside of the chain ring.

In its February newsletter, Bicycle Industries Australia alerted bikes businesses in Australia to the standards requirements.

2.9.1 Chain guards
Bicycles shall be equipped with a chain guard shielding the upper junction of the chain and chain wheel (drive sprocket) to prevent entrapment of clothing or body parts. The chain guard shall be as follows:
(a) Children’s bicycles A guard enclosing at least the upper junction of the chain and chain wheel.
(b) Other than children’s bicycles A guard shielding the upper junction of the chain and chain wheel (drive sprocket) against the entrapment of clothing or body parts.

It shall be either -
(i) a fixed guard or a front derailleur chain guide that shields the chain for a distance of at least 25 mm measured prior to the first point of engagement of the chain with the chain wheel; or
(ii) a disc of impact resistant material attached to the chain wheel with a diameter not less than 10 mm larger than the diameter of the chain wheel measured over the tips of the teeth .

Giant TCR recall notice

6 December 2010. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a product safety recall for Giant 2009 TCR Advanced SL models, due to faulty composite front forks.

Models effected include the TCR Advanced SL Team, TCR Advanced SL1 and TCR Advanced SLR.

Giant has stated that there is no need for consumers to take any action as all of the affected forks have been accounted for in a replacement program.

This replacement program was apparently not announced publicly.

Giant said there may be inconsistencies in the lay up of the composite forks steerer tube, compromising the strength of the fork. The steerer tube may crack, causing the fork to fail or lose its structural integrity.

"Our testing showed the defect rate was less than 1% and wouldn't cause any immediate safety concern," Giant stated.

The replacement forks were marked with a serial number ending in 'B', 'P' or 'N' on the steerer tube. Forks without these markings are the ones affected.

The affected models were sold nationally through the Giant dealer network.

Giant claims to be the world's largest bike manufacturer. As well as it own products, it manfactures bicycles for many other bike brands.

Merida S-Presso recall

26 October 2010. The Merida S-Presso flat bar road bike has been recalled due to fork failures.

According to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, in some circumstances, the fork of the bicycle may break at the lower part of the steering tube.

"If the defect occurs while the bicycle is in use, serious injury or death could occur," the ACCC stated.

"Consumers should stop using the bicycle immediately and contact their local Merida retailer to have a replacement fork fitted free of charge," the ACCC said.

The bike has been on sale nationally since June 2008 through the following stores:
New South Wales: Bicycle Garage Pty Ltd, Bicycles Plus, Bike Depot, BikeBar Bondi, BikeBar Sydney City, Blackmans Paramatta Merida, Blackmans Penrith Merida, Cell Bikes, Chain Reaction Bicycles, Darryl Grant Cycles, Frasers Cycles Sport and Toys, Gilberts Cyclery, Gordon Street Cycles, Hornsby Cycles, Jet Cycles, Lespit Cyclery, Pedals Plus Monavale, Push Bicycles, The Bicycle Store, The Bike Shed, Two Wheel Industries, Xtreme Cycles. Queensland: 99 Bikes Chermside, 99 Bikes Fortitude Valley, 99 Bikes Milton, 99 Bikes Newmarket, 99 Bikes Underwood, Bicycle World Southport, BNG Sports, Chain Gang, Goldcross Fortitude Valley, Goldcross Riders MacGregor, Goldcross Victor Cycles, In 2 Cycles, Innisfail Cycles and Sport, Port Douglas Bike Hire, Trinity Cycle Works, Uni Cycle Shop, Victor Cycles. Victoria: Action Bike & Ski, Bayswater Cycles, Bike Force Docklands, BikeBar ACR, Bikeforce Richmond, Bikeland Warragul, Bikes Direct, Brunswick Street Cycle Fitzroy, Goldcross Camberwell, Goldcross Epping, Goldcross Moonee Ponds, Goldcross Richmond, Gran Prix Bicycles, Matthew Cycles, Melbourne Bicycle Centre, Melbourne Bikes Clifton Hill, My Mountain, North Road Cyclery, Oakleigh Cycles, O'Mara Cycles, Rapido Cycles, Ray Larkin Bicycles, Ray's Bicycles Brunswick, Sealy's Cycles & Fitness, Trailmix, Velo Cycles. Australian Capital Territory: Cycle City, Cycle City Warehouse, Onya Bike Tuggeranong, Onya Bike Phillip, Ride Shop South Australia: Bernie Jones Cycles Pty Ltd, Bikes Because, Bike Bug Pty Ltd, Trak Cycles Norwood Western Australia: Ace Cyclery, Balmoral Cycles, Bike Force Geraldton, Bike Force Subiaco, Bike Force Success, Bike Force Woodvale, Bike Shed Dunsborough, Glen Parker Cycles, Greg Stoyles Cycles, Mercer Cycles International, Riders Choice Northern Territory: K9 Cycles, Ultimate Ride Tasmania: Ken Self Ride Cycle Centre, Ulverstone Bicycles

Surly Long Haul Trucker recall

2 September 2010. Two highly regarded bikes, the Surly Crosscheck and the Surly Long Haul Trucker, have been recalled in Australia because of faulty brake cable apparatus.

According to the recall notice, all of these bikes sold between February 2006 and August 2010 should not be ridden and owners should contact the dealer immediately.

“Failure of the brake cable could result in the cable impacting the tyre. This may potentially lead to loss of control and possible injury.
Some bicycles may not be fitted with a brake cable catch hook to the cantilever brakes.”

The Bikes were sold in specialty bicycle stores Australia wide and were supplied by Dirt Works Australia Pty Ltd.

Consumers should contact the store of purchase or Dirt Works Australia Pty Ltd. via email - warranty@dirtworks.com.au or phone 02-9679-8400