Vertical XL2 and Magna Electroshock mountain bikes

CPSC Recall #00-187 — September 25, 2000

Recall Summary

Recall Number00-187
Recall DateSeptember 25, 2000
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 24,800
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Target Stores nationwide sold the Vertical XL2 mountain bikes from August 1999 through February 2000 and the Magna Electroshock from August 1999 through August 2000. Both model bikes sold for between $100 and $140.

Product

Vertical XL2 and Magna Electroshock mountain bikes

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dynacraft Industries Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 24,800 mountain bikes. Because some were not welded properly, the front suspension forks on these bicycles can break apart during use, resulting in serious injury to the rider. Dynacraft is aware of 23 reports of injury to riders when the forks on these bikes broke apart. Injuries included a concussion, fractures, cuts, bruises, back strain, and chipped and lost teeth.The recall involves 26-inch Vertical XL2, and 24-inch and 26-inch Magna Electroshock mountain bikes. The Vertical XL2 mountain bikes have model number 8526-26, were manufactured in July 1999 and have chrome frames. The Magna Electroshock mountain bikes have model numbers 8504- 90, 8504-96, 8548-78 or 8548-94, were manufactured July 1999 through October 1999, and have frames that are chrome and blue, blue and yellow, purple, and black. A label affixed to the frame near the crank identifies the model, and the year, month and day of manufacture. Another label nearby reads: "Dynacraft Industries" and "Made in China."Earlier this year, Dynacraft Industries announced the recall of the about 19,000 26-inch Vertical XL2 mountain bikes manufactured the week of October 11, 1999. This announcement expands the scope of that recall.Target Stores nationwide sold the Vertical XL2 mountain bikes from August 1999 through February 2000 and the Magna Electroshock from August 1999 through August 2000. Both model bikes sold for between $100 and $140.Consumers should stop riding these bikes immediately and take them to the Target Store where purchased for a choice of a free replacement fork or free replacement bicycle of equal value. For more information or to receive a free replacement fork by mail, call Dynacraft Industries Inc. at (800) 551-0032 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.Bicycles that have a label that reads "Fork made Jan., 2000" or "Fork made July 2000" at the bottom of the fork are not subject to this recall.

Hazard

Because some were not welded properly, the front suspension forks on these bicycles can break apart during use, resulting in serious injury to the rider.

Incidents & Injuries

Dynacraft is aware of 23 reports of injury to riders when the forks on these bikes broke apart. Injuries included a concussion, fractures, cuts, bruises, back strain, and chipped and lost teeth.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop riding these bikes immediately and take them to the Target Store where purchased for a choice of a free replacement fork or free replacement bicycle of equal value. 

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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.