CPSC And Raleigh USA Announce Mountain Bike Frame Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Raleigh USA, of Kent, Wash., is recalling approximately 300 Technium MT 400 bicycle frames and 24 Technium FT 500 bicycle frames. The bicycle frames can fracture in the front at the headlug, and as a result, riders could be injured or killed if they are thrown from the bicycles.

Raleigh USA is aware of two incidents in which frames have cracked or broken, causing injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones.

The Model MT 400 bicycles, measuring 16.5 inches from the center of the bottom bracket to the seat, are red and black. The Model FT 500 bicycles, measuring 16.5 inches from the center of the bottom of the frame to the seat, are black and white. Authorized Raleigh Dealers and bicycle shops nationwide sold the bicycles between January and December 1993, for approximately $500 to $700.

Consumers should check their bicycle's serial number, located on the bottom bracket of the bicycle frame. Consumers who own Raleigh Model MT 400 or FT 500 bicycles with serial numbers that have a number 3 as the sixth digit from the left should call Raleigh USA at (800) 222-5577. Raleigh will provide consumers the name of the nearest authorized Raleigh dealer, who will replace the frame free of charge. Raleigh may also be contacted via the Internet at raleighbik@aol.com.