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“How do we get it replaced in India?” asks a worried Krishnakumar Sridhar on the Tamilnadu Cycling Club forum online. The cycling enthusiast is talking about Trek Bicycle of the US recalling nearly a million cycles for a safety issue.
Another cyclist, Ajo Joseph, asks, “Is there a recall in India? This seems to be a serious issue.”
The decision by Trek Bicycle Corporation of the US to recall cycles in the US and Canada for safety reasons has created a buzz among cyclists here whether they should be concerned over the issues.
According to information available on the US company’s website, it is recalling Trek bicycles sold over the past 15 years with front disc brakes and a quick release mechanism with a lever that “opens past 180 degrees”.
When the quick release — a part that attaches the wheel to the frame — is not properly installed, the lever on it snags the brake assembly making the front wheel come off or jam. The company has said it will replace the component and also give a $20 coupon for purchasing Bontrager branded items. According to news reports in the US, at least three accidents have happened, causing severe injuries to the riders.
When contacted by BusinessLine , the company’s spokesperson in India said that Firefox Bikes, which distributes Trek bicycles, has asked for clarifications from the US company. If there are issues, then the company will immediately take action, he said.
Bicycle retailers said enquiries are coming from customers regarding this issue. But it is not clear if it is applicable to India.
The spokesperson also flagged the issue of the quick-release component being third-party manufactured. Hence, it is possible that more than one brand is using it and safety issues could surface in other makes too, he said.
The US brand, among the largest manufacturers of bicycles, has a significant presence here, with the Trek range sold in over 175 stores across the country. Its products span a wide price range, from about ₹30,000 for entry level models to over ₹1.6 lakh for high-end ones. Trek sells close to 350 cycles a month in India.
With bicycles going hi-tech, recalls are no longer just the prerogative of automobile manufacturers.
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