Open Cycle UP Ekar, UPPER Ekar, WIDE Ekar and MIND Ekar bicycles

CPSC Recall #23-168 — March 30, 2023

Recall Summary

Recall Number23-168
Recall DateMarch 30, 2023
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 270
ManufacturerOpen Cycle AG, of Switzerland
ImporterMessingschlager USA LLC., dba Cycle Force, of Ames, Iowa
Manufactured InN/A

Where It Was Sold

Independent bicycle stores nationwide and online at www.opencycle.com from November 2021 through February 2023 for between $5
000 and $8
300.

Product

Open Cycle UP Ekar, UPPER Ekar, WIDE Ekar and MIND Ekar bicycles

Description

This recall involves Open Cycle-branded bicycles, models U.P. Ekar, UPPER Ekar, WIDE Ekar and MIND Ekar; and all Open Cycle framesets using a Campagnolo hydraulic rear disc brake. They were sold in matte black, blue, gray, orange or a custom color. Only bicycles and framesets with Campagnolo hydraulic brakes and hoses are included in this recall. The “OPEN” logo is located on the top of the downtube and the model name on the top of the top tube, near the seat tube.

Hazard

The rear brake can fail, posing a crash hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Open Cycle has received two reports of Campagnolo brake hoses becoming damaged. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and framesets and contact their local bicycle dealer to schedule free installation of the repair kit. The repair kit includes a hydraulic brake hose/line, and a new frame insert for the rear brake hose and rear shift cable.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.