Mountain Bikes Recalled For Poor Handlebars

A California bicycle maker is recalling about 3,000 mountain bikes because they may have defective handlebars that could cause riders to fall and be injured.

The bikes, 21-speed models called Magna Great Divide, are produced by Dynacraft Industries Inc. of San Rafael, Calif. The bikes could have handlebar stems that don’t tighten enough to lock onto the bicycles, which can cause the front wheel to turn the wrong way, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

Fred Meyer Stores in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington state sold the bikes from December 1998 through August 18, 1999 for about $160.

The words “Great Divide” are located on the cross-tubes.

The bikes, which were sold in a 24-inch size for girls and boys and a 26-inch size for women and men, have model numbers on the left side of the seat post. The girls’ bikes are purple and have the model number 8504-50. The boys’ bikes are blue and have the model number 8504-51. The women’s bikes, also in purple, have model number 8547-84. The men’s bikes have number 8547-85 and are black.

No injuries have been reported, but the CPSC said consumers should stop riding the bikes immediately and return them to the Fred Meyer Store where purchased for a free inspection and repair, if needed.

To receive a free replacement handlebar stem from the manufacturer, call 800-551-0032 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday.