Huffy "Verdict" Bicycles Suspension Forks

CPSC Recall #99-155b — August 9, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-155b
Recall DateAugust 9, 1999
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 1,400
ManufacturerHsin Lung Accessory, of Taiwan
Manufactured InTaiwan

Where It Was Sold

Mass merchandise stores
such as Shopko
Service Merchandise
Pamida and TRU*SERV
sold these bicycles nationwide from January 1999 to June 1999 for about $200.

Product

Huffy "Verdict" Bicycles Suspension Forks

Description

PRODUCT: Huffy "Verdict" Bicycles Suspension Forks - Hsin Lung Accessory, of Taiwan, is recalling about 1,400 bicycle suspension forks with model number HSF-350. The fork's model number is on the right tube of the fork. The forks are black, and have "Zoom" written on them. These forks were installed exclusively on Huffy Bicycle Company "Verdict" full-suspension mountain bikes with serial numbers B98J, B98K, B98L and B99A. The bicycle serial number is on the area where the crank is attached to the frame. Mass merchandise stores, such as Shopko, Service Merchandise, Pamida and TRU*SERV, sold these bicycles nationwide from January 1999 to June 1999 for about $200. PROBLEM: These suspension forks can break apart during use when the upper crown weld fails, causing serious injuries to the bicycle rider. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Hsin Lung Accessory has received three reports of serious injuries to riders, including contusions, bruises and lacerations to the mouth, caused by the front suspension forks breaking. WHAT TO DO: Immediately stop riding bicycles. Hsin Lung Accessory is replacing the bicycle forks with new and improved front suspension forks at no charge. To arrange to get a replacement fork installed and for more information, consumers should call Huffy Bicycles at (800) 872-2453 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

These suspension forks can break apart during use when the upper crown weld fails, causing serious injuries to the bicycle rider.

Incidents & Injuries

Hsin Lung Accessory has received three reports of serious injuries to riders, including contusions, bruises and lacerations to the mouth, caused by the front suspension forks breaking.

Remedy Instructions

Immediately stop riding bicycles. Hsin Lung Accessory is replacing the bicycle forks with new and improved front suspension forks at no charge.

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.