"Vertical XL2" mountain bikes

CPSC Recall #00-072a — February 28, 2000

Recall Summary

Recall Number00-072a
Recall DateFebruary 28, 2000
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 19,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Target stores nationwide sold these mountain bikes from November 1999 through February 2000 for about $140.

Product

"Vertical XL2" mountain bikes

Description

PRODUCT: Mountain Bikes -- Dynacraft Industries Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 mountain bikes. These are "Vertical XL2" mountain bikes with chrome-colored frames. The model name is written on the bike frame in yellow and black lettering. A label affixed to the frame near the crank reads "Model No. 8526-26" and "99.10.11," which shows they were manufactured the week of October 11, 1999. Only bikes with this date code are part of this recall. Another nearby label reads "Dynacraft Industries," and "Made in China." Target stores nationwide sold these mountain bikes from November 1999 through February 2000 for about $140. PROBLEM: The front suspension forks on these bikes might not have been welded properly, and can break apart during use, resulting in serious injury to the rider. INCIDENTS: Dynacraft has received eight reports of injury to riders when the front forks on these bikes broke apart. Injuries included cuts, bruises, back strain and chipped and lost teeth. WHAT TO DO: Stop riding these bikes immediately and take them to the Target store where purchased for a choice of a free replacement fork or a free replacement bike. 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. 

Hazard

The front suspension forks on these bikes might not have been welded properly, and can break apart during use, resulting in serious injury to the rider.

Incidents & Injuries

Dynacraft has received eight reports of injury to riders when the front forks on these bikes broke apart. Injuries included cuts, bruises, back strain and chipped and lost teeth.

Remedy Instructions

Stop riding these bikes immediately and take them to the Target store where purchased for a choice of a free replacement fork or a free replacement bike.

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.