16 January 2009

Giant Voluntary Recall

More trouble with carbon steerers on super light carbon forks.
Only one actual failure (in the U.S. at least). I never liked the Giant branded aero carbon fork on my 2003 TCR carbon frame -- it felt whippy on descents. It cracked on impact with a taxi a few years back ... can't blame the manufacturer for that ... and the bike felt much more stable on descents after I swapped in a stronger, less expensive and slightly heavier fork. The frame, on the other hand, was and is very solid.

The CPSC press release:

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 14, 2009Release #09-096
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 458-2555CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Giant Bicycle, Inc. Recalls Bicycles; Fork Can Break Causing Rider To Fall

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: 2009 model year TCR Advanced SL and SL (ISP) Bicycles and Frames
Units: About 1,000
Importer: Giant Bicycle, of Newbury Park, Calif.
Hazard: The density of the steerer tubes can cause the forks to crack and break, posing a fall hazard to the consumer.
Incidents/Injuries: Giant Bicycle has received one report of the fork cracking with no reported injuries.
Description: This recall involves 2009 TCR Advanced SL Team, SL 0, SL 1, SL 2, and SL (ISP) model bicycles and frames in silver, charcoal, blue and red. The words “Giant” and “TCR Advanced SL” are printed on the frame. Steerer tubes with “B”, “N” or “P” at the end of the serial number are not included in this recall. Other “TCR” model bicycles are not included in the recall.
Sold by: Authorized Giant Bicycle dealers nationwide from August 2008 through December 2008 for between $3,300 and $7,500.
Manufactured in: Taiwan
Remedy: Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately and contact an authorized Giant Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement fork.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Giant Bicycle toll-free at (866) 458-2555 between 9 a.m. and

2 comments:

mob said...

Funny header. Is this a Giant product recall" or a "giant product reacall"?

David Litt said...

mob said... Funny header. Is this a Giant product recall" or a "giant product recall"?

That, indeed, is the question, and it illustrates the problem with naming your company "Giant Bicycles." Are they large bicycles? bicycles for giants? or is it a large company? or was the founder a "Mr. Giant?"