Cycling company Shimano is recalling approximately 760,000 bike cranksets in the U.S. and Canada due to a crash hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a notice stating that the crank parts can separate and break, which poses a risk of accidents. So far, there have been over 4,500 incidents of the cranksets separating, resulting in six injuries including bone fractures, joint displacement, and lacerations.
The recall specifically affects Shimano Ultegra FC-6800, Dura-Ace FC-9000, Ultegra FC-R8000, Dura-Ace FC-R9100, and FC-R9100P 11-Speed Bonded Hollowtech Road Cranksets that were manufactured in Japan before July 2019.
The cranksets were sold individually as well as on bicycles by other companies such as Trek and Specialized. To identify the recalled crank parts, consumers should check the production date and two-letter codes. In the U.S., where around 680,000 cranksets are being recalled, the products were sold at stores nationwide from January 2012 to August of this year.
Consumers who own the recalled cranksets are advised to stop using them immediately and contact an authorized Shimano dealer for an inspection. Only cranksets showing signs of bonding separation or delamination will be eligible for a free replacement and installation.
Starting from October 1, affected consumers can take their bikes to participating retailers, as stated on Shimano’s website. The company assures that any cranks failing the inspection process will be replaced, while those passing the inspection do not require any further action.