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.