Bicycles Recalled by REI Due to Fork Failure

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: 2005 Novara Trionfo Bicycles
Units: About 260
Distributor: Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), of Kent, Wash.
Hazard: The fork can separate from the steerer tube which can cause the rider to lose control, posing a fall hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of forks separating causing riders to fall. Injuries reported include a fractured clavicle, broken teeth, facial damage and head injuries.
Description: This recall involves 2005 Novara Trionfo bicycles with Aprebic carbon fiber forks. The bicycles are blue and white with black forks, and have the name “Novara” printed on the bars.
Sold at: REI retail stores nationwide from January 2005 through August 2006 for between $720 and $1,900.
Manufactured in: Taiwan
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and return them to an REI retail store a free repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact REI at (800) 426-4840 between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.rei.com/

Norco Recalls Bicycle Frames Due to Crash Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Norco Bicycle Frames
Units: About 3,600
Manufacturer: Norco Performance Bikes, of British Columbia, Canada
Hazard: The bicycle frame can crack and separate, causing a rider to fall from the bicycle and suffer injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: Norco has received one report of a rider who fractured their collar bone after falling from the bicycle.
Description: The recalled bicycle frames include the following model year and model names: 2007 Team DH, 2008 Team DH, Aline Park, Aline, Atomik, Shore 1,2,3, 2009 Atomik (without gussets). All colors are included in the recall and the model name is printed on a decal on the top tube of each frame/bike.
Sold at: Various bicycle distributors nationwide from September 2006 through February 2009 for between $2,000 and $7,000.
Manufactured in: Taiwan
Remedy: All owners should immediately stop using the bicycle frame and contact a local Norco dealer or Norco directly for information regarding receiving a possible replacement frame.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact your local Norco dealer or call (800) 663-8916 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday PT or visit the firm’s Web site at www.norco.com or e-mail at recall@norco.com

Trek Recalls Bicycles; JD Forks Can Lose Alignment, Posing Crash Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bicycles with JD suspension forks
Units: About 16,000
Importer: Trek Bicycle Corp., of Waterloo, Wisc.
Manufacturer: JD Components, of Taiwan
Hazard: The recalled bicycle’s fork can lose alignment causing the front wheel to turn unexpectedly. This can cause the rider to lose control of the bicycle and crash.
Incidents/Injuries: There have been four reports of misaligned forks. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall involves model year 2009 Trek 7300, 7300WSD, and 7500 bicycles. The model name is printed on the bicycle’s frame. The bicycles have a suspension fork with the words “Bontrager SPA” printed on them.
Sold at: Trek bicycle dealers nationwide from August 2008 through April 2009 for between $640 and $940.
Manufactured in: Taiwan (the forks only)
Remedy: Consumers should stop riding the recalled bicycles immediately and contact their dealer to arrange for a free repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Trek at (800) 382-2453 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.trekbikes.com

Cannondale Recalls Bicycles; JD Forks Can Lose Alignment, Posing Crash Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bicycles with JD suspension forks
Units: About 1,500
Importer: Cannondale Bicycle Corp., of Bethel, Conn.
Manufacturer: JD Components, of Taiwan
Hazard: The recalled bicycle’s fork can lose alignment causing the front wheel to turn unexpectedly. This can cause the rider to lose control of the bicycle and crash.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves model year 2008 Cannondale Adventure 2, Adventure 3, Adventure 2 Feminine and Adventure 3 Feminine bicycles. The model name is printed on the bicycle’s frame. The bicycles have a suspension fork with the words “cannondale AT35 adventure trail” printed on them. Bicycles equipped with the Rock Shox i-ride fork are not included in the recall.
Sold at: Cannondale bicycle dealers from February 2009 through April 2009 for between $600 and $800.
Manufactured in: Taiwan (the forks only)
Remedy: Consumers should stop riding the recalled bicycles immediately and contact their dealer to arrange for a free repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cannondale at (800) 245-3872 (BIKEUSA) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cannondale.com

Dahon and REI Novara Folding Bicycles Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2009
Release #09-214

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: 2008 model year Dahon and REI Novara Folding Bicycles
Units: About 11,500
Importers: Dahon California Inc., of Duarte, Calif. and Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), of Kent, Wash.
Hazard: The hinge on the handlepost can crack, posing a fall hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: There have been 25 reports of the handlepost hinge on these bicycles cracking, including one minor injury involving scrapes and bruises.
Description: This recall involves model year 2008 Dahon and REI Novara folding bicycles. The models included in the recall are as follows:

Dahon: Ciao P8, Curve D3, Curve SL, Glide P8, Jetstream P8, Mu P8, Mu P24, MU SL, Mu XL Sport, Vitesse D7 HG, Speed D7, Speed P8, Speed TR, Speed Pro TT, Mariner D7

REI Novara: Buzz FlyBy and FlyBy Shuttle

The words “Dahon” or “Novara” and the model name are printed on the bicycle. Hinges with an “R” embossed on the face of the upper handlepost hinge and/or a “Radius Handlepost” sticker on the handlepost are not included in the recall.

Sold by: Authorized Dahon California dealers and REI stores nationwide from March 2008 through April 2009 for between $430 and $1,300.
Manufactured in: Taiwan and China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact any Dahon California dealer or REI store for a free inspection and repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dahon California at (800) 442-3511 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dahon.com.

Trek Announces Title Sponsorship of Women's Triathalon Series

Trek Announces Title Sponsorship of Women's Triathlon Series

(Waterloo, WI) – Trek Bicycle announced today its title sponsorship of the new Trek Women’s Triathlon Series. Aimed at breaking down barriers for women athletes, the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is a collection of "race" events around the country designed to provide a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere for both aspiring and experienced triathletes. With events planned in a dozen markets across the country in 2009, the Trek Women's Triathlon Series anticipates nearly 25,000 participants in its first year, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in the world.

"When Maggie [Sullivan, Director of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon series for the last 17 years] asked me if Trek WSD would be interested in being title sponsor of a new women’s series, I was thrilled," said Krista Rettig, Trek's Women's Specific Design (WSD) Brand Manager. "Knowing the amount of experience behind Maggie and her team, and the quality of race she puts on, there was never a doubt we wanted to make it happen. And having an incredible asset like Sally Edwards on board as the spokeswoman for the new series aligns perfectly with our WSDmission."

"I’ve dedicated my life to encouraging women to become more physically active; to use triathlons as a means of achieving their life goals," noted Edwards, a Hall of Frame triathlete, CEO of Heart Zones USA, and best selling author of 22 books on triathlon and fitness training. "I am so proud to be joining this series with Trek and to take our efforts to a whole new level."

In addition to its title sponsorship role, Trek WSD plans to support the Women's Triathlon Series with its "Fit For Women" Demo team, who’ll be on hand during each event to offer test rides of the latest Trek women's bikes, provide product advice, and discuss proper bike fit. Trek WSD will also develop special promotions in conjunction with the events for its Ride Club members, giving them VIP access and special product opportunities. Finally, members of Trek's "Women Who Ride" crew will be on hand at the events to blog their experiences with the rest of the on-line community.

Owned and operated by The Xxtra Mile, a New York-based company focused on promoting active lifestyles for women and girls, the Trek Women’s Triathlon Series is built around the sprint distance format (a 1/2-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3-mile run) and includes events scheduled for California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New York Metro, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Selected cities within the Series will also include "youth focused" triathlons. The first Trek Women’s Triathlon will debut in Florida 2009.

A final 2009 schedule is expected to be announced by December 31, 2008.

http://www.trektriathlon.com

Shimano Releases Dura-Ace Di2

From the Shimano website: Dura-Ace Di2 for Time Trial and Triathlon

Recently we have announced the electronic road racing components DURA-ACE with Di2
technology. Now an important addition: electronic shifters especially for time trial and triathlon usage. These products eliminate the need to change hand position for shifting. The rider can change gears at the base-bar as well as at the bar extensions from now on. The direct result is saving time and a better concentration on the ride.
ST-7971 is the model number of the Dual Control Levers for time trial and triahlon. They feature a carbon lever blade that reduces the weight to 127 grams per pair. Compatible with the new FLIGHTDECK cycling computer with integrated buttons in the hoods.
SW-7971 is the model number of the electronic satellite switch that can be integrated easily into time trial bar extensions. The shift wires are guided through the bars for optimal aerodynamics.
Weight is 103 grams per pair.
These shifters are compatible with the new DURA-ACE Di2 derailleurs FD-7970 (front derailleur) and RD-7970 (rear derailleur). They will be available in the market around three months after the availability of the regular 7970 series.

Campagnolo 2009 Product Range

We've got the technical information of the 2009 Campagnolo groups here (it's a large PDF file).

There's some nice photos and diagrams of the ErgoPower levers and some great descriptions about the design objectives.

They also have a detailed analysis of the Veloce, Centaur, Super Record, Record, and Chorus groups and their new 2-Way Fit wheelsets.

Vanity Fair: Lance Armstrong Rides Again

So the rumors are true.
From Vanity Fair: "Lance Armstrong Rides Again"

With respect to the rumors that he might run for Governor: “Down the road, something like that might be possible. Probably in 2014.”

His intentions: “I’m going back to professional cycling. I’m going to try and win an eighth Tour de France.”

With respect to his age [38]: “Ultimately, I’m the guy that gets up. I mean, I get up out of bed a little slow. I mean, I’m not going to lie. I mean, my back gets tired quicker than it used to and I get out of bed a little slower than I used to. But when I’m going, when I’m on the bike—I feel just as good as I did before.”

The revenge factor: “There’s this perception in cycling that this generation is now the cleanest generation we’ve had in decades, if not forever. And the generation that I raced with was the dirty generation. And, granted, I’ll be totally honest with you, the year that I won the Tour, many of the guys that got 2nd through 10th, a lot of them are gone. Out. Caught. Positive Tests. Suspended. Whatever.… And so I can understand why people look at that and go, Well, [they] were caught—and you weren’t? So there is a nice element here where I can come with really a completely comprehensive program and there will be no way to cheat.”

Camelbak Water Jersey

Camelbak is now testing a compression-fit baselayer jersey with an integrated 72-ounce hydration sleeve called the RaceBak. The RaceBak is still in the research & testing phase but if all goes well in testing, it is expected that the RaceBak should reach stores for 2009.

More at Outside Magazine's Blog.

Katusha & Ridley

The new Russian cycling team, Katusha, will be riding Ridley bikes next year. I'd expect to see Katusha have a great 2009 season given that Katusha has been snapping up all kinds of talented riders & that they now have a top-end bike underneath them.

Read more at TuttoBiciWeb.

Yumeya

Shimano is introducing aftermarket titanium & carbon fiber bits to upgrade XTR groups. They'll be releasing more information about the Yumeya parts at EuroBike and at Shimano.com September 1st. I'd also expect to see the same information at InterBike. Originally found at Singletrack Magazine.

New team for Sastre?

From Tuttobiciweb:

Christian Henn, attuale direttore sportivo della Gerolsteiner, sta lavorando attorno ad una nuova squadra, la Cervelo, noto marchio di biciclette canadese. Radiomercato dice che il capitano della squadra sarà Carlos Sastre, fresco vincitore del Tour de France, e che al suo fianco ci saranno il tedesco Stefan Schumacher e l'austriaco Bernhard Kohl, che proprio ieri ha informato la Quick Step ed il suo team manager Patrick Lefevere di non essere interessato ad un passaggio nel team belga.

So, if my limited Italian skills are correct, essentially the article states that Christian Henn, the DS for Gerolsteiner, is working on forming a new team, Cervelo (a well-known Canadian manufacturer). Radiomercato stated that the captain of the new team will be Carlos Sastre, who just won the Tour de France, and that by his side will be Stefan Schumacher (Germany) & Bernhard Kohl (Austria). Yesterday, Kohl had informed Quick Step's team manager, Patrick Lefevere, that his was not interested in a transfer to the Belgian Team.

Keep in mind that I don't actually speak Italian (yet). I do believe I got the main details of the article, but if I've missed something or made of muddle of it, please let me know.

If this is indeed true (that Sastre is going to be leaving CSC-Saxo Bank), it does solve what could have been problematic in the CSC-Saxo Bank future, namely the team leader dilemma.
C. Sastre? F. Schleck? A. Schleck?
What a problem to be had!

Sneak Peak of Bianchi 2009

Via Bike Hugger.

Steel celeste Domomiti with chrome lugs?
Ohlalalala!

Cyclocross at Interbike's OutDoor Demo

Attention all Interbike OutDoor Demo attendees: There's going to be a special cyclocross course set up in Bootleg Canyon during OutDoor Demo.

Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup!

2009 Specialized City Bikes

I find it very heartening to see, when looking through the new 2009 Specialized bikes, that Specialized is not messing around when it comes to offering cyclists & riders a plethora of city-bike options.

One of the collection of models that I particularly noticed was the Vienna collection, specifically the Vienna Deluxe 5 and the Women's Vienna Deluxe 5. It seems to me that the Vienna collection is a quite a nice addition to what was an already great line of bikes from Specialized as they provide riders with a very functional city-bike.



I know that some people may argue that there's not much of a functional difference between, say, the 2009 Specialized CrossTrail and the 2009 Specialized Vienna 2 as it is more than likely that both bikes will be used in many similar situations (e.g., to the farmer's market for some fresh summer tomatoes, to the video store to drop off last night's movie, and to the coffee shop for the morning motivational).

I would argue that however similar the usage of the two different bikes may be, the CrossTrails and the Viennas are different tools for different jobs. It seems to me as if the CrossTrails would be more appropriate for riders who are looking for a versatile sport/fitness bike whereas the Viennas would be more appropriate for riders looking for a sporty city-bike.

I admit that I am splitting bike-usage hairs here. As a certifiable bike-nut, however, this bike-usage hair-splitting has been invaluable for if I didn't split hairs such as these, how would I ever be able to justify to myself and to others the large and growing collection of bikes that I own?

2009 Specialized Langsters

Remember back at the beginning of this month we posted a couple of pictures of some of the 2009 Specialized Langsters?
Well, now we have them all.
Enjoy!



The original Langster.



The Langster Seattle.



The Langster Tokyo.



The Langster Las Vegas.



The Langster San Francisco.



The Langster Monaco.



The Langster New York.



And perhaps the baddest of the bunch, the S-Works Langster.

2009 Specialized Bikes

Here's all the info on the 2009 Specialized bike line.

I told you today was going to be a special day.
We'll try to give you some highlights of the new bikes later on today & into this weekend.

Friday is going to be a very special day

Very special. You might want to wander on back over here tomorrow & check out the party.

More on Electronic Dura-Ace

VeloNews has a brief article about the electronic Dura-Ace time trial bits that were spotted at the tour. There's not all that much more info at VeloNews than there was in our short snippet on the electronic Dura-Ace time trial parts, but there are some great pictures.



Our brief bit about the electronic Dura-Ace time trial parts is here.
VeloNews' brief bit about them here & their photos of the parts are here.