1.5 million bikes with front disc brakes recalled

In one of the biggest bicycle recalls ever, 1.5 million bicycles equipped with front disc brakes and quick-release levers are being recalled.

As first noted by a Trek bicycle recall of 1 million bikes earlier this year, the problem stems from improperly closed front quick-release levers that come loose and can get caught up in the disc brake rotor on the front wheel, causing a fall.

The bike manufacturers of 17 brands developed a pencil test to help consumers determine whether their ride is at risk. Here’s a video showing how to test your bike, as well as how to properly tighten your front quick release lever. (The recall does not include bicycles without front disc brakes.)

On some models, the problem goes back to bicycles built as early as 1998.

Brands covered in the recall are: Diamondback, Raleigh, Breezer, Fuji, SE, Cannondale, GT, Felt, Jamis, Giant, Haro, Norco, Access, Civia Cycles, Novara, Ridley and Specialized.

If your bike fails the pencil test, you should stop riding it immediately and contact the manufacturer listed in the table below for free installation of a replacement quick release lever on the front wheel. The new quick release can’t get jammed in the disc brake rotor.

The 17 brands represent 13 manufacturers who build bikes in China, Japan, Poland, Switzerland and Taiwan.

More information can be found at quick release recall and Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that the quick release lever assembly is responsible for three incidents in the latest recall.

Brand,  Year(s),  Web Page, Phone Number