1.5 million bikes recalled in US due to quick-release flaw

1.5 million bikes across 17 brands have been recalled in the US due to an issue with the quick-release skewer design - and Australian recalls may follow.

The problematic quick-release skewer design. Source: http://quickreleaserecall.com

The joint voluntary recall was announced by bike manufacturers in conjunction with the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA), US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Health Canada, and the Consumer Protection Agency of the United Mexican States.

The recall addresses bicycles that were sold equipped with disc brakes and a front quick-release lever that can come into contact with the front disc brake when improperly adjusted or left open while riding. Basically, if a pencil won't fit between the disc brake rotor and the quick-release lever when it's fully open, the skewer is being recalled.

The problematic quick-release skewer design. Source: http://quickreleaserecall.com

This skewer is unaffected by the recall. Source: http://quickreleaserecall.com

US consumers are being asked to check if their quick releases are problematic by conducting a simple check as per the below video, and if so to return their bikes to their local dealers in order for the skewers to be replaced.

Australian manufacturers and distributors contacted by SBS this morning are unclear whether a formal Australian recall is likely to follow, but most have indicated that they are aware of the issue and several are already taking measures to address it.

In the meantime, it would be no bad thing to double-check your bike's skewers in advance of any official communication.

Bike brands and model years involved in the US recall

Diamondback: 2004-2015 www.diamondback.com

Raleigh: 2004-2015 www.raleighusa.com

Breezer: 2005-2015 www.breezerbikes.com

Fuji: 2005-2015 www.fujibikes.com

SE: 2005-2015 www.sebikes.com

Cannondale: 1998-2015 www.cannondale.com

GT: 1998-2015 www.gtbicycles.com

Felt: 2006-2015 www.feltbicycles.com

Jamis: 2005-2015 www.jamisbikes.com

Giant: 2003-2004 www.giant-bicycles.com

Haro: 2000-2015 www.harobikes.com

Norco: 2000-2015 www.norco.com

Access: 2009-2015 www.performancebike.com

Civia Cycles: 2008-2012 www.civiacycles.com

Novara: 2002-2015 www.rei.com

Ridley: 2014-2015 www.ridley-bikes.com

Specialized: 2002-2015 www.specialized.com

Trek Bicycles conducted a similar voluntary recall worldwide earlier this year: as this type of skewer has been used on entry-level bicycles industry-wide for years, a larger-scale recall was only a matter of time.

Visit http://quickreleaserecall.com for further information on the US recall.