Shimano American Corporation of Irvine, California recently announced a recall of its Shimano
BR-CX75 and BR-R515 model disc brake calipers. The recall was issued
when the company discovered that the disc brake calipers can fail and not working. The lack of working brakes on a moving bicycle can obviously increase the likelihood of a bicycle crash or collision.
According to the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission:
This recall includes all Shimano BR-CX75 aftermarket disc brake calipers and BR-R515 disc brake calipers installed on road and cyclocross bicycles sold by other manufacturers including BMC, Giant, Ibis, Raleigh, Shinola, Specialized and Volagi. "Shimano," "China" and the model number are embossed on the outside of the brake caliper. Both models have either black or silver finishes.
The
recalled disc brake calipers were sold nationwide from February 2012 to
May 2013. The BR-CX75 model was sold individually for approximately
$75.00, while the BR-R515 model was installed on various bicycles and
included in the total cost. Consumers of the affected disc brake
calipers should stop using them immediately and contact a Shimano authorized dealer for a free replacement including installation.
In September 2012, Shimano announced a recall of its Pro Vibe drop handlebars when it discovered that the handlebars may snap while riding (See the Illinois Bicycle Law post on this recall here). Several years ago, Shimano also recalled its Dura Ace Carbon Clincher Wheels because Shimano discovered that the surface of the rim and the spoke hole plugs could puncture the inner tube, causing the tire to flatten (See the Illinois Bicycle Law post on this recall here).
When a manufacturer discovers a potential product defect, it is
required to recall the defective product immediately, because
manufacturers of defective products are liable for all foreseeable
injuries which result from use of the defective product. Illinois law provides that manufacturers are "strictly liable" for injuries that occur due to a bicycle component that fails. Generally speaking, if a bicyclists is using a bicycle and its components in a normal manner, and a bicycle products fails to work and an injury occurs, the manufacturer is liable. Under Illinois law, a liable manufacturer would have to compensate the injured bicyclist for their injuries and other damages such as medical expenses and lost wages.
It is important to consult with an attorney if you have been injured as a result of a bicycle component that fails. The Illinois Bicycle Attorneys at Keating Law Offices have handled numerous product liability cases. If
you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving
Illinois personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney
Mike Keating at 312-208-7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com 
