Recall: Mountain Bikes Recalled by Rand/Ross Bicycle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 1998 Release # 98-099

Company Phone Number: (800) 338-7677, ext. #263 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Rand/Ross Bicycle Co. Announce Recall to Repair Mountain Bikes

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rand/Ross Bicycle Co., of Farmingdale, N.Y., is recalling for adjustment 11,000 mountain bikes. The front suspension fork can separate from the frame of these bikes, causing riders to lose control and fall.

Rand/Ross is aware of five reports of serious injuries which reportedly occurred when an improperly adjusted front suspension fork separated from the frame. These injuries included facial fractures and lacerations.

These mountain bikes were distributed under the names Rock Machine 2600, Rock Machine 3600, Tarantula MRX 1200 and Ross Mt. Washington. They are adult sized and sold in various colors including silver and gray, blue, moss green, burgundy, metallic green and luster yellow. Their name and model numbers are written on the bike frames.

Target, Price-Costco, Toys R Us and a limited number of bicycle shops sold these bicycles nationwide from February 1997 to March 1998 for about $200 to $300.

Consumers should stop using the bicycles immediately and call Rand/Ross toll free at (800) 338-7677, extension #263 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. Consumers will be given the name of a local bicycle dealer/shop/technician who will make the appropriate tightening adjustment with a torque wrench free of charge. If consumers wish to make the adjustment themselves, they will be sent a free retro-fit kit. The retro-fit kit contains a 6-inch 6mm allen wrench and instructions for tightening the bolts.