Voluntary Recall - FC-CT90, FC-M290, FC-MC12 Cranks

July 1, 1997

Release # 97-149

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Shimano American Corp. of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling more than 1 million cranks installed on bicycles in North America. The crank is used to connect the pedal to the frame of the bike. If the crank breaks, the rider's leg can be injured by contact with the broken crank or the rider can lose control of the bike, fall and be injured.

Shimano has received more than 630 reports of cranks breaking in North America resulting in 22 injuries, including cuts and fractures.

The cranks have been installed on more than 200 models of bicycles manufactured since 1994 and sold under at least 49 brand names. Most bicycle manufacturers have sold bicycles that are involved in this recall. The cranks also may have been installed as an upgrade as part of the Altus, Acera and Alivio groups of components. The cranks are numbered FC-CT90, FC-M290 and FC-MC12. These numbers are located on the back or inner side of the right crank arm.

Consumers should check their bicycles' crank assemblies. If they are involved in this recall, consumers should stop using their bicycles immediately and call Shimano at 800-353-4719 to arrange for the free replacement and installation of a new crank assembly at a nearby authorized repair shop. Consumers can also arrange for the free replacement with their bicycle dealers.

Other brands may have installed Shimano cranks. Consumers should check their bicycles.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.