"Unishock" suspension forks
CPSC Recall #96-080 — March 12, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 96-080 |
| Recall Date | March 12, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Approximately 13,600 |
Where It Was Sold
| Approximately 350 Scott bicycle dealers sold about 5 |
| 600 bicycles with the forks nationwide from August 1992 to June 1995 for between $669 and $2 |
| 495 |
| depending on the model. |
Product
"Unishock" suspension forks
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, Scott USA Inc. of Boulder Colo., is voluntarily recalling approximately 13,600 "Unishock" suspension forks. The forks may crack or separate, causing a rider to lose control of the bicycle and fall. Scott USA has received 640 reports of incidents of these model forks cracking or separating, eight of which resulted in injuries. The injuries reported have included two concussions, two separated shoulders, one laceration, and three abrasion injuries, or "road rashes." The forks have the "SCOTT" logo on the side of each fork leg. A sticker on the front of each leg reads, "UNISHOCK" with the designation "S", "LF", "VR", "TX" or "R." Bicycle stores sold the forks nationwide as original equipment on the following 1993 and 1994 models of Scott USA bicycles: Ultimate CST, Team Racing, Comp Racing, and Unitrack ST. The following 1994 models are also included in this recall: Ultimate CST, Team Racing, Comp Racing, Unitrack ST, Unitrack CC, and Unitrack FSR. Approximately 350 Scott bicycle dealers sold about 5,600 bicycles with the forks nationwide from August 1992 to June 1995 for between $669 and $2,495, depending on the model. During the same period, 1,450 bicycle stores also sold approximately 8,000 forks nationwide as after-market equipment for about $200 to $400, depending on the model. Only forks with the designations listed above are involved in this recall. Forks with white legs bearing the name "UNISHOCKS" are not part of this recall. Consumers who own recalled suspension forks should stop using them immediately. They should bring bicycles with recalled forks, even if the forks were purchased as aftermarket equipment, to any authorized Scott bicycle dealer. Each defective fork will be replaced free with a new, comparable suspension fork. For more information, consumers should call (800) 292-5874.
Hazard
The forks may crack or separate, causing a rider to lose control of the bicycle and fall.
Incidents & Injuries
Scott USA has received 640 reports of incidents of these model forks cracking or separating, eight of which resulted in injuries. The injuries reported have included two concussions, two separated shoulders, one laceration, and three abrasion injuries, or "road rashes."
Remedy Instructions
They should bring bicycles with recalled forks, even if the forks were purchased as aftermarket equipment, to any authorized Scott bicycle dealer. Each defective fork will be replaced free with a new, comparable suspension fork.
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.
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.