I Million Trek Bikes Recalled in U.S., Canada

"Trek Bicycle has recalled nearly 1 million bikes in the United States and Canada after a rider was paralyzed and two others were injured," writes Melissa Chan of the New York Daily News. "The recall, issued Tuesday, affects 900,000 bicycles in the U.S. and 98,000 in Canada from model years 2000 through 2015."

The bikes' front wheels can "come to a sudden stop" or separate from the bicycle if the open quick release lever on the front wheel hub comes into contact with the front disc brake assembly, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Disc Brake [Credit: EcoVelo]
Disc brakes have increased in popularity along with the mountain bike and they’re becoming more common on utility bikes. They’re powerful brakes that offer good all-weather performance. Mechanical (aka cable-actuated) disc brakes are easy to adjust and maintain. Hydraulic discs are exceptionally responsive and powerful, but they can be tricky to set-up and difficult to repair. Disc brakes require special wheels and frame mounts.

If your Trek has caliper brakes, you are not affected.

I called my neighborhood Trek dealer and was told that customers will be contacted by Trek as the recall only applies to specified serial numbers of the affected models. As of Wednesday evening, they had only serviced one recall. The fix is quite simple - they replace the quick release mechanism, takes just a few minutes. He also emphasized the obvious—no one should ride with an open quick release—regardless of the braking mechanism.

Chan writes that "Trek is offering free replacement quick-releases and a $20 coupon for cyclists who bring their bikes in for inspection and tune-ups." My dealer indicated that they do not require a tune-up. Recall customers will receive a $20 gift certificate towards Trek accessories.

Trek is the most popular brand of bicycle according to About Bicycles. "Although the majority of Trek bicycles are manufactured in China and Taiwan, the high-end bicycles are made in Wisconsin," according to All About Bicycles.

"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction," as the recall notice indicates.

Hat tip to Michael Keenly.