Suspension Forks on Specialized Rockhopper A-1 Comp and Mongoose Hot Link Sommet series bicycles
CPSC Recall #02-236 — August 21, 2002
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-236 |
| Recall Date | August 21, 2002 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 850 |
Where It Was Sold
| Bicycle stores nationwide and mail-order catalogs sold these bicycles from January 2002 through August 2002 for between $800 and $900. |
Product
Suspension Forks on Specialized Rockhopper A-1 Comp and Mongoose Hot Link Sommet series bicycles
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Answer Products Inc., of Valencia, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 850 mountain bicycles. The spring and adjuster can separate from the suspension fork and strike the rider, causing injuries.Answer Products has received 18 reports of these adjusters separating from the fork and being projected at riders, causing four consumers to suffer cuts, bruises and one chipped tooth.The recalled 2002 model forks were installed on Specialized Rockhopper A-1 Comp and Mongoose Hot Link Sommet series bicycles. "MANITOU" is printed on the side of the fork and the model name - "Six Elite" and "Six Super" - is printed on the arch of the fork and on the side of the fork leg. The bicycles were manufactured in Asia.Bicycle stores nationwide and mail-order catalogs sold these bicycles from January 2002 through August 2002 for between $800 and $900.Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Answer Products, Inc. at 888.MTN.DISC (888.686.3472) 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Time or at [email protected] to determine if your bicycle is among the recalled models. Consumers should take their bicycle to the dealer where it was purchased or to any authorized Answer Products dealer for a free repair.
Hazard
The spring and adjuster can separate from the suspension fork and strike the rider, causing injuries.
Incidents & Injuries
Answer Products has received 18 reports of these adjusters separating from the fork and being projected at riders, causing four consumers to suffer cuts, bruises and one chipped tooth.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Answer Products, Inc. at 888.MTN.DISC (888.686.3472) 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Time or at [email protected] to determine if your bicycle is among the recalled models. Consumers should take their bicycle to the dealer where it was purchased or to any authorized Answer Products dealer for a free repair.
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.