Bicycle Network: Bikes 'n' Bits

Fat tyre forks recalled

15 May 2013. Surly Bikes is recalling its Pugsley fat tyre bikes because the fork can bend above the disc brake mount, making the bike unstable.

Few Pugsleys are sold in Australia, but the bike with its 4" low pressure tyres mounted in 135mm-spaced forks is popular for riding in extreme conditions.

The fork may bend above the disc tab (disc caliper mounting) during normal use.

Consumers should stop using the forks immediately and should contact the place of purchase to have the fork replaced free of charge.

The bikes were available for sale from 12th October 2012 to 6th May 2013 and distributed by Dirt Works Australia Pty Ltd.

The forks were manufactured by Aprebic Industry Co. Ltd. of Taiwan.

Magura recall widens

1 May 2013. Magura have issued a recall notice involving all Magura MT6 & Magura MT8 bicycle disc brakes.

The affected products are all hydraulic disc brakes and shipped principally on mountain bikes.

Braking capacity may be reduced as a result of air introduction into the hydraulic circuit.

The cause of the defect lies with two separate elements, which can combine and result in the introduction of air to the hydraulic circuit:

1. The secondary seal in combination with low temperatures (below -8°C) exhibits poor self restoring force properties.
2. Used brake pads can cause a vacuum in the hydraulic system and this may lead to the introduction of air into the hydraulic circuit.

If the brake system fails, a collision and serious injury may result.

Consumers are advised not use the brakes. The consumer should contact the place of purchase for replacement of the brake master cylinder. For further information please contact A-Line Cycling Products Pty Ltd. 

Porsche bike given cold shoulder

18 April 2013. Porsche has recalled its $11,250 flat bar bike because the brakes could fail in very cold weather, or eventually, just simply fail suddenly.

The Porsche RS is fitted with Magura MT8 hydraulic disk brakes.

According to Porsche the brakes may malfunction at reduced temperatures, specifically at -10 °C (14 °F) and below.

In addition, the brake system may have a reduced service life and can fail suddenly.

Porsche states that if the brake system fails, this poses a fall hazard to the cyclist.

The bikes were sold nationally at official Porsche Centres.

Consumers are asked to contact an Official Porsche Centre for an immediate replacement of the brake system.

Specialized recall forks . . . again

1 February 2013. Specialized has recalled world-wide a massive 14,000 road bikes across 21 models because of defective forks that could fail and cause a crash.

The recall effects both bikes and framesets.

The recall includes all models of the 2012 Tarmac SL4, 2013 Tarmac SL4, 2013 Crux and 2013 Secteur Disc.

The front fork steerer tube on the carbon forks can break causing a loss of control. The forks were manufactured for Specialized by the Taiwanese firm, Topkey.

Consumers have been advised to immediately stop using the bicycles and take them to an authorized dealer for free inspection and, if needed, a free repair.

The products were sold from 1 July 2011 - 29 January 2013 at authorised Specialized dealers around Australia.

Specialised have previously recalled defective forks, in 21012 and 2011.  See below.

Izoard a hazard

25 January 2013. Wilier has recalled its Izoard XP Road bike because a batch of fork steerer tubes are defective and could break, causing a loss of control and a crash.

Reduced wall thickness on the front fork steerer tube may result in the steerer tube breaking during use.

Owners have been asked to cease using the bicycle immediately, and take the bicycle to the place of purchase to have the fork inspected.

If the fork is part of the affected batches, it will be replaced free of charge.

The problematic front fork has identifying alpha-numeric serial numbers LH0000 to LH4000 inclusive.

The bikes were available for sale from the 1st of January 2012 until 1st December 2012 and were sold nationally through independent bicycle stores.

Take this Friday off

12 December 2012. Bike Friday Tikit folding bikes with 16 inch wheels have been recalled because a faulty handlebar stem could come adrift, resulting in a loss of control and crash.

Riders have been advised to cease using the bikes until a new replacement handlebar stem can be fitted.

All the Tikit bicycles with 16 inch wheels are affected by the recall. Tikit frames built with 20 inch wheels are not affected.

The handlebar stem of the Tikit bicycle has a potential weak spot and can develop a crack. As a result, the handlebar stem may eventually separate from the bicycle.

The bikes were sold through online sales channels and through the following stockists: Cycle Science, Epic Cycles and Pushy's Bike Warehouse.

If you have an affected bicycle, contact Bike Friday for a replacement stem. The replacement will be sent to the customer with instructions to have a dealer or local bike mechanic replace the handlebar stem. Bike Friday will give the customer or the Bike Friday dealer a credit slip as compensation for the labour.

Specialized Globe dimmed

12 December 2012. Specialized have recalled models in its the Globe range because the steerer tube can snap causing a crash and injuries.

The models involved are from 2008 and 2009 and have been on the market from August 2008 until December 2012. The product was sold nationally in Specialized stores.

Models listed include 2008 Globe Elite, 2009 Globe Vienna 3, 2009 Globe Vienna 3 Disc, 2009 Globe Vienna 4, 2009 Globe Vienna Deluxe 3, 2009 Globe Vienna Deluxe 4, 2009 Globe Vienna Deluxe 5, and 2009 Globe Vienna Deluxe 6.

The front fork steerer tube can break during use. If the front fork steerer tube breaks, this may lead to a loss of control of the bicycle and result in fall injuries.

Consumers affected by the recall should stop using the bike immediately and return it to an authorised Specialized Bicycles retailer for a free repair or replacement of the fork.

Rim tape reeled in

28 November 2011. Authorities have recalled FLO Cycling bike wheel rim tape because it can fail and break under pressure and potentially cause a crash.

The yellow plastic tape was provided free with sale the of FLO 60, FLO 90 and FLO DISC wheels. The number 700X18 A/V is printed on the tape.

The rim tape is intended to cover the spoke holes in the rim to prevent the inner-tube from bursting when inflated.

If the rim tape breaks, the inner-tube of the bicycle can puncture or burst, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

The product was available for sale from 1st February 2012 - 30th July 2012 and was sold direct through the FLO cycling website, http://www.flocycling.com

Consumers are requested to stop using the rim tape immediately. All affected customers will be receiving a customer letter from FLO Cycling informing them how they can be compensated.

The letter includes a form that must be filled out and returned to FLO Cycling free of charge.

A fork off the road

24 July 2012. Merida have recalled two recent models because the steel fork steerer can break at the lower steerer tube, which "may cause serious injury or death to the user if the defect occurs while the bicycle is in use."

The faulty effects all Merida Speeder S2 models from 2011-2012, and the Merida Centurion Cross Speed 2-V models from 2012.

The product was sold nationally through various bike retailers.

Consumers should stop using the bicycle immediately and contact their local Merida retailer to have a replacement fork fitted.

Further information at the supplier's web site

Treks off the tracks

6 June 2012. Trek has recalled its 2012 3900 Disc mountain bike because a defective fork can break causing a crash.

The bike was fitted with the Suntour SF11 XCM-V3 Fork. This is the second bike with these forks to be recalled (see below)

The suspension fork's internal support tubes break during use, the rider may lose control and crash.

The bikes were available for sale from 1st June 2011 to 30th June 2012 from Trek dealers

Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles with these forks and return the bicycles to any authorised Trek dealer for a free repair.
 

Faulty forks recalled

28 June 2012. Forks on the 2012 GT AVALANCHE 4.0 mountain bike have been recalled as the support tubes may fail.

The forks are Suntour SF11 XCM-V3 and were installed on model numbers G12AVA4L1, G12AVA4L2, G12AVA4M1, G12AVA4M2, G12AVA4S1, G12AVA4S2, G12AVA4XL1, G12AVA4XL2.

If the front fork support tubes fail, the front wheel may disengage from the frame, resulting in serious injury to the cyclist.

The SR Suntour SF11 XCM-V3 fork may have defective support tubes. If both support tubes fail, the front wheel and the bottom case assembly / outer legs can come apart.

The bikes were sold nationally through independent bicycle retailers.

Consumers should contact the place of purchase to arrange for a free inspection and for the replacement kit to be installed if necessary.

Carbon bars yanked

12 June 2012. Shimano has recalled its high end carbon fibre Pro Vibe handlebar because of a risk it can break and cause a serious crash.

Due to a manufacturing defect, some of the handlebars were constructed with carbon fibre that was laid at the wrong angle.

The majority of the units were installed on Giant TCR Advanced SL Rabobank bicycles (MY2011 & MY2012 models).

The products were available for sale from 1st December 2011 - 29th April 2012 and were sold nationally at bike retailers.

The effected bars can be identified by production codes: JE028ZG, JE101ZG, JE106ZG, JF081ZG, JF102ZG, JG48ZG, JH006ZG, JH077ZG

Consumers have been requested to cease using the handlebars immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a replacement.

For further information, please contact Shimano Australia Pty Ltd (02) 9526 7799 or email shimano@shimano.com.au

Rack recalled

28 May 2012. Salsa Cycles has recalled its Salsa Minimalist front and rear rack as the mounting brackets can fail causing a crash.

The aluminium racks were available in black or silver and carried parts numbers
RK8000 (black) and RK8010 (silver)

The steel mounting bracket on these bicycle racks with the single fork tab may crack or break while the bicycle is in use, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

They were available for sale from 18th February 2011 - 12th May 2012 and were sold in independent bicycle stores in NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS.

Consumers should contact the place of purchase to arrange for a free inspection and reinstallation, or a full refund if reinstallation without the steel mounting bracket is not possible.

Bike not for stunts

17 May 2012. Authorities have requested the recall of a 24" bike popular with children so that a decal can be installed warning against using the bike for stunts.

The bikes recalled are from the Fourty Bikes company and run single or three speed drive trains.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says consumers may not be aware that the products are not designed for off-road or for stunting use. If used in this manner, there may be the possibility of an accident occurring.

Consumers should take the bicycle to the place of purchase for application of precautionary warning decal as required by the Australian Standard.

The bikes are the Model V1 - Black Frame / Red Rims, Model V2 - Dark Purple Frame / Black Rims, Model V3 - Light Purple / White Rims and the Model V4 - White Frame / Blue Rims.

They were sold nationally from 1 November 2011 to 15 May 2012.

Child carrier recalled

2 May 2012. The Topeak BabySeat II child carrier capsule which fits on the back of a bicycle has been recalled as it poses a hazard to children.

A gap in the hinge mechanism allows for a child's fingers to be inserted.

When the user lifts the grab bar to remove the child from the seat, the child’s fingertips can be caught in the hinge mechanism, posing a finger entrapment or amputation hazard.

The carriers were sold nationally from 4 May 2009 until 20 April 2012.

The product part numbers are TCS2101 & TCS2102, with batch codes with a year date of "09", "10" or "11". The P/O numbers range from TOP81 up to and including TOP116.

Consumers should immediately stop using the carrier seats and contact the place of purchase or Cassons Pty Ltd on 02 8882 1900 to receive a free hinge cover retro-fit Latch SafetyPad kit.

Breaking bars barred

2 April 2012. A handlebar popular with the single speed bike riding community has been recalled because there is a risk they can break, causing the rider to lose control and crash.

The Nitto B259 AA is the aluminium version of the Urban Riser Bar and has sold in the thousands world wide.

This model is manufactured in Japan and sold in red, blue, black, gold, green, pink, and silver; the brand “Nitto” and “B259” are printed at the edge of the handlebar.

It was typically priced between $80-$100.

Riders are warned to stop using the Nitto B259 handlebars and contact the importers to receive a free replacement, the Nitto B260 AA.

Contact SCV Imports on 02 4353 2633.

The bars were sold from 2008 to 2011 in bike shops and from online stores.

Another tri-ath bike recall

2 March 2012. Just weeks after a recall of a Felt triathlon / time trial bike because of fork mishaps, there has been another recall of a triathlon / time trial bike, this time the 2012 Argon 18 E-118.

According to the ACCC recall notice, the handlebars could suddenly rotate, causing the rider to lose control of the bicycle and suffer personal injury.

The problem is that the stem spacer fitted to this model may not produce sufficient tension to securely fasten the handlebar to the stem and in certain circumstances may allow the handlebar to rotate.

The bike was sold between 1 October 2011 and 29 February 2012
Where the product was sold by dealers in Australia and New Zealand

Consumers should not ride the bicycle and should return it to their nearest authorised Argon 18 dealer for modification.

Ladies cruiser culled

1 March 2012. Fuji has recalled its Saratoga Step-Through Ladies' bikes (2009 & 2010) as the frame can snap.

Models include the Fuji Saratoga 2.0 and 3.0 Step-Through Bicycle (2009 model) and Fuji Saratoga 1.0 and 2.0 Step-Through Bicycle (2010 model)

The bicycle frame may fracture at the midpoint of the down tube near the reinforcement gusset.

The frame defect could cause it to fracture and break in two, which may result in a fall and serious injury to the rider.

Customers should stop riding the bicycle immediately and return it to the place of purchase or to the nearest Fuji dealer to have the frame and fork inspected and replaced if necessary.

The faulty bikes have serial numbers that begin with one of the date/manufacturer codes ICFJ8, ICFJ9 or ICFJ10, as printed on the bottom of the bicycle frame near the pedal crank

The bike was sold from 12 September 2008 - 9 April 2010 in All Australian states.

Felt tri-ath bikes recalled

23 February 2012. Felt has recalled triathlon and time trial bikes because the handlebars can detached from the forks resulting in jury to the rider.

The models being recalled are the Felt MY10 B12 and S32 triathlon and time trial bikes.

The forks on these models may crack at the steerer and become detached from the handlebars and bicycle.

The faulty forks have serial numbers within the ranges of:

A05081---05100 , A05121---05140 , A05161---05180
A05221---05231 , A05241---05300 , A08451---08470
A08916---08927 , A20021---20128 , A20161---20200
A20261---20420 , A20441---20480 , A20501---20557
A20561---20577 , A20581---20669 , A20673---20675
A20681---20692 , A20698---20740 , A20771---20830
A20839---21060 , A21081---21180 , A21201---A21280
A21321---A21440 , A21481---A21500 , A21521---A21540
A21561---A21580 , A21601---A21640 ,A21648---A21660
A21681---A21700 , A21721---A21760 , A21781---A21838
A21881---A21900 , A21921---A21960 , A22061---A22111
A22115---A22140 , A22161---A22180 , A22264---A22267
A22281---A22340 , A22361---A22380 , A22501---A22523

The products were sold across Australia through the dealer network.

Consumers should return the bike to the place of purchase or contact the distributor, Southcott, on 1800 805 024 or (03) 9580 7388.

Giant recalls kids bikes

23 February 2012. Giant has recalled its juvenile bicycle models from 2010, 2011 and 2012 because they lack a warning sticker required by law.

The models affected are 2010 Animator 16" Boys, 2010 Holly 16" Girls, 2011 Animator 16" Boys, 2011 Holly 16" Girls, 2011 Moda 20" Boys, 2012 Animator 16" Boys, 2012 Holly 16" Girls and the 2012 Moda 20" Boys.

Bicycles are note fitted with a precautionary 'Warning' decal as required in the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1927:1998. This recall only applies to bicycles sold in Australia.

According to the recall notice the rider therefore may not be fully aware that the bicycle should not be ridden off-road and may have an accident.

Consumers are asked to return the bicycle to the store of purchase or any authorised Giant Bicycle retailer to have the decal fitted.

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