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"J.C. Penney" bicycle pedal cranks

CPSC Recall #78-075 - September 19, 1978

Recall Summary

Recall Number78-075
Recall DateSeptember 19, 1978
Remedy TypeInspect, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 33,500

Where It Was Sold

J.C. Penney marketed the bicycles in their retail and catalog stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Product

"J.C. Penney" bicycle pedal cranks

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 20) -- The J.C. Penney Co., Inc., New York City, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned bike riders that about 33,500 bicycles marketed under the "J.C. Penney" brand name may have a defective pedal crank that could break, possibly resulting in serious injury to the rider. The bicycles with the possibly faulty cranks are derailleur-type, 24-, 26-, and 27-inch, lo-speed, lightweight vehicles. They are painted light tan or dark grey and were manufactured in 1977 and 1978. J.C. Penney marketed the bicycles in their retail and catalog stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. One bike sold under the Penney's name was associated with a laceration injury that occurred when the pedal crank broke. Consumers can tell if they have one of the bicycles by looking for the numbers 2131A2, 2141A2, 2180Al or 2181Al on the outside of the left, rear, metal axle plate where the wheel is attached. Also appearing with each number is a J.C. Penney catalog number. The light tan bikes are imprinted with catalog numbers 927-3525, 927-3533, 927-7070, 927-7088, 927-7096, 927-7104 or 927-7112. The dark grey bicycles bear catalog number 927-7120. Penney's and CPSC strongly urge consumers who own one of the possibly defective bikes to contact a J.C. Penney store or catalog center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the pedal crank. A recall that included the J.C. Penney bicycles was first announced by the Huffy Corp. and CPSC on May 31, 1978. To verify model and catalog numbers, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Hazard

The J.C. Penney Co. warned bike riders that about 33,500 bicycles marketed under the "J.C. Penney" brand name may have a defective pedal crank that could break, possibly resulting in serious injury to the rider.

Incidents & Injuries

One bike sold under the Penney's name was associated with a laceration injury that occurred when the pedal crank broke.

Remedy Instructions

Penney's and CPSC strongly urge consumers who own one of the possibly defective bikes to contact a J.C. Penney store or catalog center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the pedal crank.

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.

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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.

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.

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