The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission has announced a recall of Cannondale mountain bikes because of an issue with potentially defective stem/steer tube assemblies. The concern is that the OPI stem/steering tube assemblies could fail which could lead a bicyclist crashing and sustaining injuries. The recall includes approximately 23,000 Flash, FSi , F-4, F-5, F-29, Lexi, RZ, Scalpel and Trigger Cannondale mountain bicycles with model years from 2011 through 2015. The Cannondale mountain bikes at issue have OPI stem/steering tube assemblies with “OPI” printed diagonally across the stem/steering tube in black letters.
The recalled Cannondale mountain bicycles were sold at authorized Cannondale dealers nationwide from July 2010 to July 2015 for between $2,000 and $10,000. The CPSC recommends that riders who have a Cannondale mountain bike that is affected by this recall immediately stop using the bicycle and take it to the nearest authorized Cannondale dealer for a free repair. Cannondale dealers will fit a locking reinforcement wedge assembly inside the OPI stem/steering tube and replace the clamp bolts.
Illinois Law Protects Bicyclists From Defective Products
Recalls occur in an effort to proactively prevent bicycle accidents from a potentially defective product before that accident takes place. In this case, Cannondale issued the recall even though there were no injuries reported from the issue with the assembly. When a manufacturer discovers a potential product defect, it is required to recall the defective product immediately. Manufacturers of defective products are liable for all foreseeable injuries that occur as a result from use of the defective product. This is known as "strict liability" under Illinois law. The law in Illinois is very clear when it comes to product defects: if a bicyclist is using a bicycle and its components in a normal manner, and the bicycle product fails to work and a bicycle accident occurs, the manufacturer is liable. Under Illinois law, a liable manufacturer would have to compensate the injured bicyclist for their "damages" which would include their personal injuries such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement and lost wages.
Illinois Bike Attorneys At Keating Law Offices
Keating Law Offices is the premiere personal injury law firm representing victims of bicycle accidents in Illinois. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois and represents clients throughout Illinois. If you have any questions regarding this post or have a question regarding personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-239-6787 (Office) or 312-208-7702 (Nights/Weekends). Our staff and operators are available around the clock. You can also email Mike@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.
