2.5 Million Bicycles Recalled Over Faulty Front Tire Quick-Release

While there is a level of assumed risk when riding any bicycle, sometimes the accident can be directly attributed to negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

Recently, Trek and 17 additional bicycle manufacturers have come under fire after it was shown that up to 2.5 million bicycles sold were equipped with defectively-designed front wheel quick releases.

When in the open position, the quick release lever can come in contact with the front disk brake assembly causing the front wheel to seize or separate from the bicycle completely.

The quick release mechanism in a bicycle is comprised of three major components: a bicycle fork, the front wheel (both of which were designed to engage the use of quick release), and the actual quick release device. The quick release device is designed as a skewer and comprised of both an adjustable nut and a lever on opposite ends of the device.

Facts About the Recall

Trek recalled nearly 1 million bicycles (900,000 in the United States alone), and 17 additional brands have now recalled around 1.5 million additional bicycles for the same issue. The recall announcements came following a few serious accidents (one rider sustained an injury that left him paralyzed in all four limbs).

Brands and model years affected:

• Diamondback (models sold from 2004-2015)
• Raleigh (models sold from 2004-2015)
• Breezer (models sold from 2005-2015)
• Fuji (models sold from 2005-2015)
• SE (models sold from 2005-2015)
• Cannondale (models sold from 1998-2015)
• GT (models sold from 1998-2015)
• Felt (models sold from 2006-2015)
• Jamis (models sold from 2005-2015)
• Giant (models sold from 2003-2004)
• Haro (models sold from 2000-2015)
• Norco (models sold from 2000-2015)
• Access (models sold from 2009-2015)
• Civia Cycles (models sold from 2008-2012)
• Novara (models sold from 2002-2015)
• Ridley (models sold from 2014-2015)
• Specialized (models sold from 2002-2015)
• Trek (models sold from 2000-2015)

The recall involves various models sold from 2000 to 2015 that are equipped with front disc brakes and a quick release lever which can open beyond 180 degrees. If the lever can come in contact with the disc brake assembly, the bike has likely been recalled.

What the Law Says

The assessment on whether a product is defective or not usually depends on whether or not the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care during the planning and design process to ensure there is minimal risk of harm during the appropriate use of the product.

Reasonable care can sometimes be subjective, and for that reason, product liability cases may need to be properly investigated by an experienced attorney.

Anyone who has been injured while operating one of the recalled Trek bikes (or any other brand of bicycle) due to a quick-release lever issue may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer in order to recover money damages for the losses/injuries you’ve suffered. A personal injury attorney can help those who are injured recover compensation for any and all medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and lost wages because of an accident.