July
17, 2001
RANS
Inc., of Hays, Kan., is recalling about 4,000 long-wheelbase recumbent
bicycles. The bicycle's front fork steering tube can break, causing the rider
to lose control of the bicycle, fall and suffer injuries. RANS Inc. has received
eight reports of forks breaking on these bicycles. The company has received no
reports of injuries.
The models being recalled are the RANS Stratus, Stratus XL, Gliss, Tailwind, Wave,
Response and Nimbus. RANS models Tailwind and Wave bicycles with a serial
number of 0700 or 0301 after a two-letter prefix are not included in the
recall. Serial numbers are located beneath the bottom bracket or crankset of
the bike. Specialty bicycle shops sold these bikes from June 1993 through July
2001 for between $700 and $1,500.
Consumers should stop using these bicycles immediately and return them to
the store where purchased or to a qualified bike mechanic for inspection and
repair, if necessary. For more information, call RANS Inc. toll-free at (877)
990-7267 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit their web site at www.rans.com/recall or at www.ransbikes.com/recall.