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.

New Canadian Distributor for Profile Racing

From the ProfileRacing.com website:

(St. Petersburg, FL - 2/27/09) US based Profile Racing, Inc. today announced the appointment of 1664 BMX Ltd. as their exclusive distributor in Canada. Through the agreement, 1664 will distribute Profile BMX and Mountain Bike components from their Edmonton headquarters and offer their customers the high end USA made bicycle components that Profile Racing manufactures.

Jim Alley, Profile Racing's owner/operator, called the agreement a step forward in strengthening Profile's Canadian market. Alley said, "1664 BMX is very much like Profile Racing where Bernie (Tomaszewski - 1664 Owner) doesn't just own it, he is a hands-on, roll up your sleeves, go to work everyday owner." We could not think of a better fit with Profile and our way of doing business.

1664 BMX Ltd has been in business since 1998 and is rider owned and operated. The distribution company is an arm of the 1664 BMX brand that produces, pedals, frames, rims and various other small parts. Tomaszewski acknowledged there are a lot of BMX rider owned and operated BMX companies, "But, what underscores 1664 BMX Distribution is our passion for the industry and a focus on customer service. Our company is designed to serve the needs of our customers keeping them aware of current stock and informing them about new products." He concluded that, in the end, through consistent communication, both shop and distributor can be successful.

Known for being the Best Canadian BMX distributor, Profile's product line will be added to over 25 widely recognized BMX companies exclusively distributed in Canada by 1664. The distribution agreement will start as soon as the first delivery of product arrives in Edmonton. In the meantime, 1664 is taking pre-orders for their first shipment from Profile Racing.

The original article here.

Mike Aitken back on his bike

Aitken isn't pulling the biggest of tricks in the above video but they are remarkable given that he was in a coma & was knocking on deaths door just 5 months ago.

Keep the rubber side down and stay safe kiddies!

Safety Recall: salsa Cycle CroMoto S.U.L. Bicycle Stems

Dear Bicycle Retailer:

We recently discovered a manufacturing defect that may affect some of our Salsa CroMoto SUL threadless and quill stems. To date we have received two reports of a stem breaking in use. One rider crashed and suffered a broken wrist. We are cooperating with the Consumer Product Safety Commission in this recall, and a nationwide press release will be issued very soon alerting consumers to this safety issue.

These stems were painted to match and included as original equipment on the following complete Salsa bicycles: La Cruz, Casseroll Singlespeed, Casseroll Triple, El Mariachi, and Ala Carte. These models were sold by QBP from November 5, 2007 to December 31, 2008 (QBP Part Numbers BK0050 to BK0081).

The recall also includes both road and mountain aftermarket stems in all extensions and rises, except the 60mm, 70mm and 80mm extension lengths. Aftermarket stems were painted black and were sold from March 31, 2008 to December 31, 2008. The affected QBP stem part numbers are: SM0001 through SM0028.

If you have any of these affected stems or bicycles in your store, please do not sell them.

A copy of our Recall Procedures is enclosed and this information will also be available on www.salsacromotostem.com and qbp.com . We have also included a consumer poster that can be displayed in your shop. Because production of these stems has been suspended, exact replacements are not available at this time. QBP will therefore provide a credit to your store to enable consumers to purchase a comparable stem. Stems returned by consumers should be returned to QBP using our RM process.

We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause you or your customers, and sincerely appreciate your cooperation with our recall effort. If you have any questions about the recall or need to request a credit or make a return, please call 877-774-6208 for assistance.

Please print and display the CroMoto SUL Recall Poster as soon as possible.

CroMoto SUL Recall Poster (8.5" x 11" PDF)
CroMoto SUL Recall Poster (11" x 17" PDF)
CroMoto SUL Recall Procedure (PDF)

Sincerely,

Jason Boucher
Salsa Brand Manager
Quality Bicycle Products, Inc.

Take Action To increase Opportunities for Bicycling in National Parks

There's still time to make your opinion known. I've included the entire text of the original IMBA media release or you can check out the online petition that they have set up here.

From IMBA.com:
For Immediate Release
12-18-08
Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst
drew@imba.com
303-545-9011

At long last, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has proposed a rule change which will make it easier for parks to open trails for mountain biking. IMBA urges mountain bikers to register comments in support of the rule change. IMBA has been asking for this change since the 1990s. We now enter a 60-day commentary period to make the change official.

Take Action Now! Customized letters are most effective.

You can read IMBA's white paper analysis of the proposed rule change and view the entire text in the Federal Register online. We know that several groups are working to defeat this proposal -- it will take thousands of comments in favor of the rule change to ensure it stays intact.

As the proposal explicitly states, none of the NPS procedures for environmental review -- or opportunities for public commentary -- will be diminished by this change. What it will achieve is a much more manageable system for adopting mountain biking trails. The proposal states, "As a general matter, the proposed rule provides park superintendents with a more efficient and effective way to determine whether opening existing trails to bicycles would be appropriate in the park unit they manage."

IMBA believes that this measure will enhance national parks and deserves your support -- please file your comments today!

Sample Letter

Thank you for accepting my comments concerning RIN 1024-AD72, the National Park Service rule change for bicycling. I fully support the proposed rule.

1. The special regulations process that restricts bicycling on trails is unduly burdensome and duplicates protections that are already addressed by the NPS General Management Plan and the National Environmental Policy Act.
2. This proposed rule would give park superintendents better tools for opening trails to bicycling. It would also treat bicycles like other non-motorized trail uses, such as horseback riding.
3. Independent scientific studies, including those conducted by the National Park Service, have shown the environmental impacts of mountain biking are similar to those of hiking, and far less than other uses.
4. The best research regarding social interactions on trails reveals those who encounter other user groups report very favorably on their interactions. Claims otherwise are unsupported by scientific data.
5. Shared-use trails are a successful management tool worldwide. NPS staff are skilled at selecting appropriate trails for shared-use by hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
6. This rule will aid visitor enjoyment for both children and adults. Bicycling broadens the recreational offerings and gets Americans out of their cars and into the natural world. It connects people of all ages with the natural environment and is a fun, low-impact activity.
7. Improving opportunities for bicycling and promoting trails tourism could benefit economic conditions for nearby communities.
8. Mountain bikers are prolific volunteers--conducting nearly one million hours of trailwork on public lands annually--and could help build environmentally sound, sustainable trails.

Thank you for considering my comment. Bicycling is a wonderful way to explore our national parks and I hope the proposed rule change will be implemented.

General Mills Recall on LaraBars & JamFrakas Bars

General Mills Press Release: General Mills Issues Coluntary Recall of LÄRABAR and Jam Frakas Peanut Butter Snack Bars

01/19/2009

Recall is Limited to Two Flavors of Snack Bars

No Other General Mills Products are Involved

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. – General Mills announced today a voluntary recall of LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie flavor snack bars and JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp flavor snack bars because peanut butter in the products was sourced from Peanut Corporation of America, and may be contaminated with salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with LÄRABAR or JamFrakas products, and no other types, varieties or flavors of LÄRABAR or JamFrakas products are being recalled.

No other General Mills products are involved or impacted.

Peanut butter produced by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) has been implicated in an outbreak of salmonella. As the scope of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into this outbreak expanded this weekend, Peanut Corporation of America expanded its recall to additional lot codes of peanut butter. PCA supplied peanut butter to one of General Mills’ suppliers, including some lots that were part of the expanded recall, prompting General Mills to issue its own voluntary national Class I recall of the two LÄRABAR and JamFrakas products potentially involved.

LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie flavor snack bars and JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp flavor snack bars are distributed nationally under the LÄRABAR and JamFrakas brands, and are sold primarily as individual bars in grocery and specialty retail stores.

The specific products in this recall include:

LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie Individual Bar	UPC code number
Individual Bar	54818-00014-7
Caddy (16-bar sleeve)	54818-00064-2
6-bar pack	93759-00298-8
6-bar, 6-pack case	93759-00299-5
UPC Case Code	54818-00085-7

JamFrakas Peanut Butter Blisscrisp snack bars	UPC code number
Individual bar	93759-00212-4
Caddy (18-bar sleeve)	93759-00213-1
UPC Case Code	93759-00214-8

A combined 15,000 cases of product are involved. This includes all production of these two particular flavors, which were introduced in June.

The FDA has indicated that Peanut Corporation of America is the focus of an investigation into salmonella-related illnesses thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov.

Consumers who have products covered by this recall are urged to dispose of the product, and to contact LÄRABAR or JamFrakas for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall may call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-543-2147.

Q&A on the recall.

Clif Bar Recall

FDA Press Release:
Clif Bar & Company Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of CLIF and LUNA Branded Bars Containing Peanut Butter Due to Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Clif Bar & Company
1-800-254-3227

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- BERKELEY, Calif., Jan 19, 2009 -- Clif Bar & Company today announced a voluntary recall of CLIF(R) and LUNA(R) branded bars that contain peanut butter because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled products contain peanut butter manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning a recent Salmonella outbreak thought to be caused by tainted peanut butter.

The following Clif Bar & Company products with "Best By/Sell By" dates ranging as shown below, in all sizes and packages, are included in the recall:

Clif Bar Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch
BEST BY/SELL BY: 21JUN09 to 01OCT09, and 03NOV09 to 28NOV09

Clif Bar Crunchy Peanut Butter
BEST BY/SELL BY: 21JUN09 to 01OCT09, and 03NOV09 to 28NOV09

Clif Bar Peanut Toffee Buzz
BEST BY/SELL BY: only 13SEP09

ZBaR Peanut Butter
BEST BY/SELL BY: 07JUL09 to 05SEP09, and 12NOV09

Clif Builders Peanut Butter
BEST BY/SELL BY: 19JUL09 to 30SEP09, and 05NOV09 to 18NOV09

Luna Nutz over Chocolate
BEST BY/SELL BY: 29JUL09 to 03OCT09, 11NOV09 to 14NOV09

Luna Peanut Butter Cookie
BEST BY/SELL BY: 02OCT09 to 03OCT09, and 11NOV09 to 14NOV09

All Clif Mojo Bars
BEST BY/SELL BY: 30APR09 to 21JUN09

These products were sold in grocery, warehouse and other retail stores throughout the United States.

No other CLIF or LUNA products or flavors are included in this recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to destroy them but retain the "Best By/Sell By" code found on the back of the package. Consumers with questions or who would like a refund may contact Clif Bar & Company at 1-800-CLIFBAR (1-800-254-3227). Details also can be found at www.clifbar.com.

"With an abundance of caution and given the FDA's ongoing investigation of PCA, we're doing all we can to ensure consumer safety and trust," said Gary Erickson, owner and founder of Clif Bar & Company.

Bikes for Goodness Sake

$2 for 2 Wheels campaign from Bikes for Goodness Sake.
Just $2 from 50,000 people like you gets 600 children a bike, a helmet, a safety lesson, and the memory of their first bike!

Start a ripple that turns into a wave of generosity and goodwill from 50,000 people to these children. Just $2 from each of us gives a child a memory that will last a lifetime - that memory of a first bike.

BFGS is working with the Texas Military Forces State Family Program to give 50 bikes and helmets to the children of deploying soldiers in Dallas, Fort Worth, Temple, Austin, Tyler, San Antonio, Houston, Lubbock, El Paso, Laredo, Weslaco, and Corpus Christi for a total of 600 bikes and helmets in the state of Texas.

Please donate. Find the red Donate button and share that feeling of a new bike with a child.

You can also mail a contribution to BFGS, PO Box 201504, Austin, TX 78720-1504.