Model St-81 Exercise Bikes From Merchant's Corporation Of America Pose Finger Amputation Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers today of the danger of finger amputation associated with 68,383 units of the Merchant's Corporation of America (MCA) model ST-81 exercise cycles without chain guards.

Sold nationwide between 1981 and 1987 for up to $150 each, the exercise cycles have been involved in at least six finger crushing injuries and amputations to small children caused by contact with wheels, gears and pedal sprockets.

Consumers with MCA Model ST-81 exercise cycles, and especially those consumers with small children are urged either to have a chain guard installed that will prevent fingers from contacting moving parts or to discard the product. Also, parents are reminded to keep small children away from exercise bicycles while in use or while unattended.

Merchant's Corporation of America has been out of business since the end of 1987, and therefore, is unable to assist with corrective action.

The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. It is issuing this warning as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. Some 15,000 types of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 29 million injuries and 22,000 deaths.