Bicycle Recall Announced

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 31) -- Huffy Corp., Dayton, Ohio, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers that about 54,000 bicycles manufactured by Huffy may contain pedal cranks that could break without warning. Sudden breakage of the crank will cause one pedal to fall off and may result in the rider falling or otherwise losing control of the bicycle. CPSC believes that serious injury could happen if this occurs.

The bicycles are front-free-wheel-type 24-inch, 26-inch and 27-inch, 10-speed, lightweight bicycles manufactured in 1977 and 1978 and sold under the "Huffy," "J.C. Penney," "Omega" and "Coast King" brand names. Bicycles that may contain pedal cranks subject to breakage can be identified by the following numbers:

The numbers are located on the left rear axle plate of the bicycle.

Huffy Corp. reported to CPSC approximately 46 incidents involving crank breakage on front-free-wheel-model bicycles. In one incident, it was reported that laceration injuries on head, arm, and leg were sustained by a bicycle rider who fell when the crank broke.

Huffy emphasizes that two different types of cranks, which they did not make, were used on the bicycles. All reported breakage incidents have involved only one type of crank.

Consumers who have a bicycle purchased before May 22, 1978, that bears one of the affected identification numbers should return it to the store where purchased or an authorized Huffy service center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the crank.

For information about the location of authorized Huffy service centers, contact Huffy, P.O. Box 1204, Dayton, Ohio 45401, Attn.: Bicycle Customer Service Department. If consumers cannot contact Huffy, they may call CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772.

Other models of bicycles manufactured by Huffy have different cranks and are not subject to this recall.

Consumers who have a bicycle purchased before May 22, 1978, that bears one of the affected identification numbers should return it to the store where purchased or an authorized Huffy service center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the crank.

Huffy Corp. reported to CPSC approximately 46 incidents involving crank breakage on front-free-wheel-model bicycles. In one incident, it was reported that laceration injuries on head, arm, and leg were sustained by a bicycle rider who fell when the crank broke.