Tarmac SL7 Bicycles Recalled Due to Injury & Fall Risk

Specialized Bicycle Components, a California-based bicycle component company, has recalled their Tarmac SL7 bicycles. This recall was issued due to an increased risk of injury and falls from certain parts of the bicycle breaking under pressure during normal use.

Bicycle accidents pose many risks and making sure your bicycle is safe is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and serious injuries. Understanding your rights when injured because of a faulty product can help you receive the maximum level of compensation you deserve.

Why Were the Bicycles Recalled?

Specialized Bicycle Components decided to issue this recall because certain headset components, including expander plugs and compression rings, can cause the fork’s steerer tube to crack during harsh-impact events. This can cause bicycle instability and can result in dangerous falls.

This recall impacts roughly 6,900 units. Bicycles can be sent to the company for repair and upgrading to prevent this issue.

How Can I Check My Bicycle for Safety?

Performing a safety check on your bicycle is one of the most effective ways to prevent an accident on the trail. Here are some tips for performing a safety check on a bicycle:

Check the tire pressure: Your tires will have the recommended air pressure printed on the side in PSI, or pounds per square inch. You can use the built-in air gauge on a bicycle tire pump to measure the pressure of your tires and subsequently add air to them if needed.
Check the quick-release levers: Some bicycles have wheels that are kept in place by quick-release levers. Riders should always make sure their levers are closed at the appropriate tension level before riding. If you don’t know how the levers on your bicycle work, a bicycle mechanic can explain them and set them to the appropriate tension for you.
Check the brakes: Brakes are arguably one of the most important parts of a bicycle. You can check that your brakes are in working order by grasping each brake lever and rocking your bike back and forth. You should not hear squealing or feel the brake lever slipping when you do this. If your brakes are not holding firm, it is unsafe to ride.
Check the wheels: Ensuring the wheels on your bike are stable can prevent an accident and serious injury. You can do this by holding the handlebars and grabbing the top of either wheel with your other hand. You should not be able to move the wheel from side to side. If you can, it needs to be repaired before riding.
Check the pedals: Rotate the arms your pedals are connected to, known as crank arms. When pointed up, pull it towards yourself and then back towards the bicycle. If it moves or if you feel that it is loose, it needs to be tightened before riding.
Check the headset and the stem: The stem is the bar that the handlebars rest on. You can check it by grasping the handlebar and trying to turn it while the front wheel is held tightly between your legs. If the handlebars move, the bicycle should be serviced before riding.
Check the chain. Make sure your chain is clean and free of excessive rust. It should move freely without skips or kinking. If it squeals or grinds while turning, it should be replaced.

What Can I Do if I’m Injured by a Faulty Bicycle?

Sometimes, bicycle accidents are caused by parts that are faulty or defective. In these cases, victims can seek compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit. Compensation can be given for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The state of Ohio has product liability laws in place to help victims of defective products recover compensation, however, lawsuits need to be filed within a certain timeframe. The statute of limitations on product liability cases is two years. Claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury, otherwise, they may not be heard by the court.

In Ohio, product liability cases can be made based on one of the following reasons:

Manufacturing defects: If a product or part of a product is made incorrectly and results in injury to a customer, that customer can sue for damages.
Failure to warn: If a dangerous product does not have sufficient warning labels or instructions for use and an injury happens as a result, the injured party can sue.
Design defect: If a product has a faulty design and someone is injured because of it, even if the product was working as intended, that person can sue.
Warranty breach: If a company promises that a product can do certain things or has certain features that it doesn’t end up having, customers can sue.

Tarmac SL7 Bicycles Recalled Due to Injury and Fall Risk

Why Were the Bicycles Recalled?

How Can I Check My Bicycle for Safety?

What Can I Do if I’m Injured by a Faulty Bicycle?

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