CPSC, Ritchey Design Inc. Announce Recall of Bicycle Wheels

Name of Product: Ritchey WCS - Protocol, Carbon, DS, DS Aero, Girder models (all rear wheels only)

Units: About 2,000

Manufacturer: Ritchey Design, of San Carlos, Calif. (manufactured under license from American Classic Inc., of Tampa, Fla.)

Hazard: The hub in the bicycle’s rear wheel can fail to engage properly, causing no resistance when pedaling. The bicycle rider can lose balance, fall and suffer injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Ritchey Design has received one report of a bicycle rider who suffered minor bruises and abrasions after experiencing no pedal resistance and falling from the bike.

Description: The above wheels were sold by Ritchey as wheel sets and as rear wheel only and as original equipment on 2004 model year Fuji and Motobecane USA bicycles and the 2005 model year Prestige road bike from Raleigh. The recalled wheels have high flange hubs measuring 60-milimeters in diameter and the hub body is straight between the flanges.

Sold at: Bicycle specialty stores nationwide from January 2003 through July 2005. These wheels were sold separately for between $350 and $700. They were sold also as original equipment on 2004 model year Fuji and Motobecane USA bicycles and the 2005 model year Prestige road bike form Raleigh, for between $2,100 and $4,000.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Inspect your hub to determine if the wheel is included in the recall and contact Ritchey to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: Contact Ritchey Design toll-free at (888) 776-8625 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.ritcheylogic.com/wcsrecall