Dynacraft Industries Inc., of San Rafael, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 mountain bikes. The front suspension forks on these bikes might not have been welded properly, and can break apart during use, resulting in serious injury to the rider. Dynacraft has received eight reports of injury to riders when the front forks on these bikes broke apart. Injuries included cuts, bruises, back strain and chipped and lost teeth.

These are "Vertical XL2" mountain bikes with chrome-colored frames. The model name is written on the bike frame in yellow and black lettering. A label affixed to the frame near the crank reads "Model No. 8526-26" and "99.10.11," which shows they were manufactured the week of October 11, 1999. Only bikes with this date code are part of this recall. Another nearby label reads "Dynacraft Industries," and "Made in China." Target stores nationwide sold these mountain bikes from November 1999 through February 2000 for about $140.

Stop riding these bikes immediately and take them to the Target store where purchased for a choice of a free replacement fork or a free replacement bike. For more information or to receive a free replacement fork by mail, call Dynacraft Industries Inc. at (800) 551-0032 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Dynacraft Industries Inc.
2550 Kerner Blvd.
San Rafael, CA 94901-2505
TEL: 415-256-2410