Trek Recalls 998,000 Bikes Over Brake Issue That Left One Rider Paralyzed
Trek is recalling almost one million bikes in the United States and Canada after an issue with a quick-release lever on the bike’s front wheel hub left one rider permanently paralyzed.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the quick-release lever can come into contact with the front disc brake assembly, resulting in either complete wheel separation, or the wheel coming to an instant stop. The problem occurs when the lever opens beyond the 180 degrees it’s supposed to, bringing it into contact with the disc brake.
Any bikes with front quick release levers that don’t open past that 180-degree mark from the closed position are not included in the recall.
Quick release lever caught in front disc; Quick release lever open more than 180°
The bikes include any model years between 2000 and 2015 that include front disc brakes and a sliver or black quick release lever on the front wheel hub, for a total of about 900,000 bikes in the U.S. and 98,000 sold in Canada. Bikes were sold anywhere from September 1999 through April 2015, priced between $480 and $1,640.
Three reported accidents all included injuries, according to Trek: One accident resulted in the rider being permanently paralyzed in quadriplegia, another in facial injuries and the third in a fractured wrist.
Trek is advising consumers to immediately stop using the bike and contact an authorized Trek retailer for a free installation of a new quick release lever on the front wheel, as well as receive a $20 coupon from Trek towards any Bontrager brand merchandise.
Consumers can call Trek toll-free at 800-373-4594 8AM – 6PM Central, Monday through Friday with any questions, or visit www.trekbikes.com and click on Safety & Recalls at the bottom of the page.
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