Specialized Bicycles is voluntarily recalling 3,000 Model-D helmets that failed tests required by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The helmets could fail on impact, causing serious head injury to cyclists. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

The ultralight helmets retailed for $200 and were sold through Specialized authorized dealers and online stores between July and October 2007, when they were taken off the market. Apparently there was a chin strap buckle problem. ...   more »

Ninety-three entries

What better company to host a contest for new bicycle designs than Specialized, developer of the Stumpjumper in 1981, the first mass-produced mountain bike.

Entries for the Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Machine Contest closed Saturday, and 93 can be viewed online as YouTube videos. Results will be released on Jan. 15.

The contest was supposed to "inspire innovation and environmental change by highlighting the benefits of cycling in an unprecedented way." The result has been a creative tour de force, with inventors submitting everything from recumbent tricycles (above) to bike-powered blenders, tennis-ball launchers and water filtration systems....   more »

There's a bicycle shop in California -- the only one in its county -- that is going to close down by the end of the year if a buyer can't be found.

You'd think buyers would be lining up to get a chance at this bargain, but there haven't been any takers. Where is this shop?

Bill's Bicycle Shop has been in business right there in downtown Hanford, the county seat of Kings County, since 1971. The town is located in southcentral San Joaquin Valley, an area of hot summers and foggy winters...   more »