Huffy Recalls Bicycles Because Crank May Come Off

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on Tuesday a voluntary recall of the bicycle models described below. The problem is that the bicycle cranks may fall off unexpectedly, which could cause riders to lose control of their bikes and fall. So far, there have been two reports of the crank coming off, and one report of injury.

If you own one of the bicycles, the CPSC says you should stop using it immediately and contact Huffy Corp. for instructions on how to tighten the crank.

About 22,000 bicycles are involved. They were manufactured in China and distributed by Huffy Corp.of Miamisburg, Ohio.

The bicycles are the 2007 Huffy "Howler" and "Highland" models that were sold in Kmart stores from May 2007 through July 2007 for $80 to $100.

For the Howler, the model numbers are K3587 (boy's model in black), K4587 (men's model in blue), and K6587 (men's model in red). For the Highland, the model numbers are K4597 (women's model in white), and K6597 (women's model in blue). These are multi-speed bikes with either 26-inch, 24-inch or 20-inch wheels. On all models, the name "Huffy" is printed in large letters on the frame. The model name -- either "Howler" or "Highland" -- is also printed on the frame. The model numbers are on a label on the bottom of the frame.

You can see very clear photographs of the bicycles on the CPSC announcement.

For more information, you can call Huffy Corp. toll-free at (888) 366-3828 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday.

You can also find repair instructions by going to the company's website at www.huffy.com or www.huffybikes.com, and clicking on the link to "Recall Safety Information." This brings up a PDF file. Make sure that you scroll all the way down to the third page. The first time I looked at the PDF file, I missed seeing the repair information altogether, because the first two pages were a reprint of the CPSC announcement, and I thought that was all that was there.

Sources

Huffy Recalls Bicycles Due To Cranks Falling Off; Riders Can Lose Control of Bike, CPSC Office of Information and Public Affairs, October 16, 2007

Huffy Corporation website