CFM-3 mountain bike suspension forks

CPSC Recall #97-051 - December 19, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-051
Recall DateDecember 19, 1996
Remedy TypeInspect, Replace
Units Affected8,500

Where It Was Sold

Authorized Giant Bicycle dealers sold the forks as original equipment on 1993 model year Giant ALM-1
ATX-780
and CFM-3 mountain bikes nationwide from September 1992 to June 1994 for $650 to $1
000. Giant Bicycle dealers also sold the forks as replacement parts and after-market equipment during the same time period for up to $150.

Product

CFM-3 mountain bike suspension forks

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Giant Bicycle Inc. of Rancho Dominguez, Calif., is announcing a voluntary recall of 8,500 CFM-3 mountain bike suspension forks. The fork crown can separate from the legs, causing riders to lose control of the mountain bike and fall.Giant has received nine reports of alleged injuries, including cuts, bruises, and broken bones.The silver steel forks have black decals, which read "GIANT ZORBERS" on the front of the suspension fork legs. Authorized Giant Bicycle dealers sold the forks as original equipment on 1993 model year Giant ALM-1, ATX-780, and CFM-3 mountain bikes nationwide from September 1992 to June 1994 for $650 to $1,000. Giant Bicycle dealers also sold the forks as replacement parts and after-market equipment during the same time period for up to $150.Consumers who own recalled forks should stop using their bicycle immediately and take it to any authorized Giant Bicycle dealer for a free inspection, and if necessary, free replacement of the suspension fork. Consumers should not attempt to repair the bicycles. For more information or for the location of the nearest Giant Bicycle dealer, consumers should call (800) 874-4268.

Hazard

The fork crown can separate from the legs, causing riders to lose control of the mountain bike and fall.

Incidents & Injuries

Giant has received nine reports of alleged injuries, including cuts, bruises, and broken bones.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who own recalled forks should stop using their bicycle immediately and take it to any authorized Giant Bicycle dealer for a free inspection, and if necessary, free replacement of the suspension fork. Consumers should not attempt to repair the bicycles. 

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, 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 (Inspect, Replace) at no cost to you.

Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.

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.