NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2002
Release # 02-236

Bicycle Recall Hotline: (800) 423-0273
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183

CPSC, Answer Products Inc. Announce Recall of Mountain Bicycles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Answer Products Inc., of Valencia, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 850 mountain bicycles. The spring and adjuster can separate from the suspension fork and strike the rider, causing injuries.

Answer Products has received 18 reports of these adjusters separating from the fork and being projected at riders, causing four consumers to suffer cuts, bruises and one chipped tooth.

The recalled 2002 model forks were installed on Specialized Rockhopper A-1 Comp and Mongoose Hot Link Sommet series bicycles. "MANITOU" is printed on the side of the fork and the model name - "Six Elite" and "Six Super" - is printed on the arch of the fork and on the side of the fork leg. The bicycles were manufactured in Asia.

Bicycle stores nationwide and mail-order catalogs sold these bicycles from January 2002 through August 2002 for between $800 and $900.

Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and call Answer Products Inc. at (800) 423-0273 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.answerproducts.com/safetynotice.htm to determine if your bicycle is among the recalled models. Consumers should take their bicycle to the dealer where it was purchased or to any authorized Answer Products dealer for a free repair.