Mountain Bike Suspension Fork Recalled by Answer Products

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

Note: Telephone Number Change.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Originally issued April 30, 1996; Revised February 14, 2003 CPSC CONTACT: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
Release # 96-114

CPSC, Answer Products Announce Mountain Bike Suspension Fork Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Answer Products Inc. of Valencia, Calif., is voluntarily recalling 69,000 Manitou Mach 5 mountain bike suspension forks. The forks can crack and break, causing the front wheel to separate from the bicycle. As a result, riders could lose control of the bicycle and fall.

Answer Products has received 49 reports of the forks cracking. Five consumers sustained injuries including cuts, bruises, and scrapes.

The recalled forks have both the Manitou and Mach 5 logos on the sides of the lower legs. The fork's serial number is located on the back of the lower part of the fork leg. Mach 5 forks with serial numbers less than 5100086500 have outer leg castings that should be replaced. Forks with serial numbers between 5100086500 and 5100149464 should be professionally inspected by an authorized Answer Products retailer. If necessary, Answer Products will replace castings at no charge to the consumer.

Bicycle dealers worldwide have sold the Mach 5 forks as original equipment on over 27,000 Trek, Fisher, Diamondback, Marin, Mongoose and other high-end bicycles. Bicycle dealers also sold over 41,000 forks as after-market equipment for $270 to $380.

Consumers who own recalled forks should stop using them immediately and call Answer Products at (800) 423-0273 for instructions on returning the forks. Consumers can also return the fork to the store where purchased for free replacement.

Mach 5 forks with red dots on the inside of the drop out have been inspected and are not subject to this recall, regardless of serial number. All Mach 5 forks with serial numbers greater than 5100149464 do not need further inspection and are not subject to this notice.

Media inquires should be directed to Roger Gauvin, Answer Marketing Manager at (805) 294-4134.