August 15, 2002
Marin Mountain Bikes Announces Recall of Mountain Bikes

Marin Mountain Bikes, of Novato, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 Marin-brand, aluminum-framed mountain bikes. The steer tube on the front of these bicycles can break off from the two main tubes of the frame causing the rider to lose control, fall and possibly suffer serious injury.

Marin has received two reports of the steer tube breaking off, resulting in two injuries that included broken bones, broken teeth, cuts and abrasions.

The recall involves Marin-brand mountain bikes with aluminum frames. There are seven model bikes with 11.5-inch frames and one model with a 13.5-inch frame. The 11.5-inch bikes have the following model names: Bobcat Trail, Hawk Hill, Palisades Trail, Pioneer Trail, Nail Trail, Stinson and Rocky Ridge. The 13.5-inch model has the model name Quake. The model name is written on the top tube of the mountain bikes. To determine the size of the frame (11.5-inch or 13.5-inch), measure from the center of the crank arm to about 1 inch below the seatpost clamp. Independent bicycle stores nationwide sold these mountain bikes from August 1998 through July 2002 for between $280 and $900.

Consumers should stop using the recalled bikes immediately and contact Marin Mountain Bikes to learn where to take their bikes to have the frames replaced free of charge. For more information, contact Marin at (800) 876-9840 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.