Bike Diva

How Many Bikes Do You Own?

Above: Bike Diva circa 2006 at the Cocoa Beach Century Ride on a Cannondale road bike.

How long have you been a cyclist? I've been riding since around 2006. I started out as a mountain biker, but when hurricanes destroyed my favorite mtn bike trail, I purchased my first road bike. It was an aluminum frame by Cannondale. It was pretty slick compared to the mountain bike.

Since then I've owned a variety of bikes including a good old Hawaiian theme beach cruiser which I ended up giving to one of my neighbors. I think I had 3 or 4 bikes at the time, she was looking for a cheap/free bike to use around the neighborhood so she could keep up with her daughter as she bombed around the neighborhood on her in-line skates.

Time to Trade in the Bike

Above: Bike Diva's current road ride, a carbon frame Trek Madone 6.5

I eventually got rid of the mountain bike, my off-road skills kind of suck, and ended up trading in the aluminum frame for a full carbon roadie. Then I got into racing duathlons and triathlons and added a slick and fast Cervelo triathlon bike with aero bars to my cycling family.

But things have come full circle. I don't really race anymore so last year I traded in the tri bike for a couple of KHS mountain bikes. One for me and one for my bf so we could ride the unpaved trails around his house in Loxahatchee. He's right by the 60,000 acre JW Corbett Wildlife Preserve, so lots of unpaved trails to ride. 

What's Your Ride?

Above: Bike Diva's mountain bike - KHS 600 with 650cc wheels.

Here are the bikes I currently own:

1. Trek Madone 6.5 - full carbon road bike
2. Felt Breed - single speed cyclocross bike
3. KHS 600 - hard tail mountain bike

How many bikes do you own? Drop the Bike Diva a line and let me know what kind and type of bicycles are in your garage/shed.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

 

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An infographic from the team at Quicken Loans.

Hobby Bike Balance Bike Review

Today there are many attractive balance bikes available in the market for your kids. However, when I came to know about the hobby balance bikes I was very surprised and convinced. It seems likes any “real” bike. Also, its unique features make it different and distinguished from the other balance bikes. For a 2.5 year old kid it is a perfect choice. The hobby bike grows with the child as his skills improve. Every person knows that to ride a bicycle at an early stage is a great achievement for any child. No doubt, it is better to learn riding a bicycle at a younger age but to learn riding a hobby-bike at an early age builds confidence and dexterity in a child as he develops significant motor skills in this age. Remember that a child develops some of his physical abilities like steering, balance, coordination and pedaling on a two-wheeler faster on a hobby-bike as compared to the bikes with training wheels on them.

The parents should not be scary in teaching their child on how to ride a hobby balance bike. The three steps to learn riding a hobby balance bike are:

1. To Balance- In this the knees should be slightly bent with the two feet flat when seated. In this way a child can push or swing freely or run and stop a fall in any situation. Your child can also shore downhill and gently learn to move up the feet. In this way a child can control and balance the bike while in motion. There is also a hand brake but the bike can be controlled and stopped using both the feet for safety.
2. To Steer- Once the child learns to balance, the next step is to steer the hobby-bike sideways.
3. To Pedal- Once the above two steps are cleared, learn the pedal system. A child can enhance the bio-mechanical efficiency by raising a bike’s position.

Now, I would like to emphasize on the reasons why I love hobby-bikes the most amongst all bikes. Firstly, it has very lightweight. As a result it can be comfortably taken to the park without any problem. Secondly, the stylish look of the bike attracts many others as it looks like any “big boy bike”. However, there are many other bikes that are made of wood but do not attract a child. Apart from this, there is a small little mascot that attaches to the bike’s handlebars so as to offer your child a small pal if he wishes. I would definitely say that riding a hobby-balance bike builds confidence in him at a very early age to know different motor skills. At last the major reason to love this bike is the simple pedal attachment provided in it to convert the bike from a balance bike to pedal bike as required. Once your child has learnt the art of balancing the bike, do not purchase any other bike; simply add the chain and pedals. The handlebars and seat is also adjustable. So, a Hobby Bike balance bike is a fantastic bike and there is no reason in not buying it for your child.

Win Chrissie Wellington's Tri Bike

Win Chrissie Wellington's Bike

Visit the Nytro.com website to enter for a chance of winning a Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod triathlon bike. This is the same bike used by Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington.

Rules and Other Legal Mumbo Jumbo

• The winner will receive the Cannondale Slice Hi-MOD size of their choice 51, 54, 56, 58, or 60cm

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• Only One Entry Per Person

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• Drawing will occur on Monday October 11, 2010 and winner will be announced shortly after, on Nytro.com and Competitor.com

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• No Employees of Cannondale or Nytro Multisport are eligible for sweepstakes

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• No purchase necessary

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• Winner will be selected by random drawing, and selection is FINAL

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• Sweepstakes entry must be complete to qualify

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• Entries open to all countries

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• Does not include Shipping and Customs charges where applicable 

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Chrissie's Bike Specs

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Frame/Fork/Seatpost - 2011 Cannondale Slice Hi-MOD

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Crank - Cannondale SI Hollowgram 53-39

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Bottom Bracket - BB30 with Cerramic Bearings

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Cassette - Dura Ace 11-23

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Drivetrain - Shimano Dura Ace 7900

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Brakes - Shimano Dura Ace 7900

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Wheels - HED Jet 4 front & Jet 6 rear

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Bars - HED Black Dog Flat Aerobar

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Stem - FSA OS-99 CSI Carbon 90mm

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Saddle - Fizik Arione Tri

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Tires - Continental Grand Prix 4000 clincher

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XLAB Chimp cage

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Tires - Continental Grand Prix 4000 clincher

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Saddle Cage - XLAB Carbon Wing

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Aero Drink Bottle - Profile designs Aerodrin

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More Information about the Cannondale SLICE 

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A Personal Greeting From Chrissie

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Weapon of Choice

The Slice is a class leader in the multisport world. It has the best aerodynamics in the world, combined with ultra-low frameset weight and superb pedaling efficiency; plus S.A.V.E. stays leave riders fresher for the run. Don’t just beat the competition...Demoralize them. Demolish your personal best times. Do it aboard the Slice and S.A.V.E. yourself for the run.

 

Campus Cruisers Bicycle Recall

PRESS RELEASE

Campus Cruisers Recalls Bicycles Due to Front Fork Failure

WASHINGTON, July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

 

 Name of product: Eastside Fix Bicycle Forks

 Units: About 100

 Distributor: Campus Cruisers LLC, of Boulder, Colo.

Hazard: The bicycle's front fork can crack or break, causing a sudden loss of steering control and posing a fall hazard to bicyclists.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of lateral cracks beneath the front fork's crown. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Campus Cruisers' Eastside Fix model bicycles. The single speed bicycle has an aluminum frame and fork. The bicycles were sold in royal blue with a white leather seat and white gel grips on the handlebars.

Sold at: Independent bicycle dealers nationwide from March 2010 through May 2010 for about $450.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding bicycles with the recalled front forks. Consumers can contact their local Campus Cruisers dealer to schedule a free repair. Consumers who are not near an authorized dealer should contact Campus Cruisers for assistance.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Campus Cruisers toll-free at (877) 260-2721 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.campuscruisers.com. Consumers can also email the firm at [email protected].

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from over 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products -- such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -- contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or re-sell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772, teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this press release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

 Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 260-2721
 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CONTACT: CPSC Media, +1-301-504-7908

Web Site: http://www.cpsc.gov/

Felt Bicycle Recalls

Felt Bicycles Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

 
 Name of product: 2009 Felt model B12, B16 and S32 road bicycles.

 Units: About 2,100 bicycles

 Importer: Felt Bicycles, of Irvine, Calif.

 Manufacturer: ADK Technology Limited of China

Hazard: The bicycle's fork steer tube can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Felt Bicycles has received seven reports of the bicycle forks breaking. Minor injuries, including bumps and bruises were reported in one of the incidents.

Description: The recall includes all 2009 Felt model B12, B16 and S32 road bicycles.

 -- 2009 B12 - These bicycles are gloss silver/carbon and have carbon
   fiber frames with carbon fiber forks with aluminum steer tubes.
 -- 2009 B16 - These bicycles are matte black/red and have carbon fiber
   frames with carbon fiber forks with aluminum steer tubes.
 -- 2009 S32 - These bicycles are available in gloss white/red and have
   aluminum frames with carbon fiber forks with aluminum steer tubes.

Sold at: Bicycle specialty stores nationwide from October 2008 through May 2010 for between about $2,300 and $3,100 per bicycle.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact your local Felt Bicycles dealer to receive a free inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Felt Bicycles toll-free at (866) 433-5887 or (866) 4-FELT-US, or visit the firm's website at www.feltracing.com.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from over 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or re-sell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772, teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this press release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

 Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 433-5887
 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO )
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CONTACT: CPSC Media, +1-301-504-7908

Web Site: http://www.cpsc.gov/
http://www.feltracing.com/

Bike Week 2010 with Gocycle

PRESS RELEASE

Bike Week 2010 With Gocycle

LONDON, June 23, 2010/PRNewswire/ --

Team Green Britain's Bike Week is underway and is showing the nation that cycling is not only good for the environment, your health and your wallet, but is a lot of fun, too. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, a commuter or a fair weather cyclist, the Gocycle electric bicycle is the easiest way to enjoy the ride.

To watch Gocycle talk about the nation falling back in love with cycling, please visit YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIz21uL6hi4).

Gocycle is the first ever two-wheeler with a frame and wheels moulded from magnesium alloy, making it not only super light but extremely tough - perfect for urban cyclists who ride several times a week. It seems there are plenty of those: statistics show that we're currently experiencing a 17-year high in the number of cyclists on the roads, with 42% of those being commuters*. With commuting and congestion charges still prohibitively high for some, cycling is a great way to save money.

With electric power at the touch of a button, Gocycle is not only great for anyone who doesn't want to arrive at the office hot and sweaty, but is also perfect for beginner cyclists who are gradually building up their stamina. With enough battery power to take you up to twenty miles, Gocycle can give you a boost if you're struggling uphill, or setting off from traffic lights. Gocycle's patented Cleandrive(R) system - combining a fully enclosed chain drive with the interchangeable and side-mounted PitstopWheel(R) - makes fixing a flat tyre easy, and office workers need not worry about getting grease on their clothes.

Richard Thorpe, designer of Gocycle and founder of manufacturer Karbon Kinetics Ltd., said. "Team Green Britain is aiming to show that cycling is for everyone, and we believe the versatility of Gocycle can prove it. Of course, being electric-powered means that Gocycle is also eco-friendly - another reason for you to ditch the car."

Gocycle is available from GBP49 per month under the Gocycle-to-Work(TM) scheme, or can be purchased directly online at http://www.gocycle.com or through a Gocycle Dealer**. MSRP GBP1,495

1. *Statistics from CTC, The UK's National Cyclists's Organisation

2. **For a full list of Gocycle Dealers go to http://www.gocycle.com

EDITOR'S NOTES

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk."

Source: Gocycle

For more information, 300dpi JPEG images or press review samples contact: Jane Leah and Andy Stafford at Beam Agency. T: +44(0)20-7833-9595, E: [email protected]

Recycle Bicycle Tires

PRESS RELEASE

Liberty Tire Recycling and Performance Bicycle Sponsor 'Bike Tube Blow-Out' Event to Encourage Cyclists to Recycle

- Industry Leaders Believe Inner Tubes Account for a Large Amount of Rubber Waste -

PITTSBURGH, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh-based Liberty Tire Recycling, the premier provider of tire recycling services in the United States, has formed a partnership with Performance Bicycle to encourage cycling enthusiasts to recycle their old inner tubes. Performance Bicycle is the largest multi-channel specialty bike retailer in the U.S., with 86 stores nationwide.

 (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091210/NE24642LOGO )
 (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091210/NE24642LOGO )

"By collecting and recycling used inner tubes, Liberty Tire Recycling and Performance Bicycle are providing cyclists with an opportunity to prevent the tubes from ending up in a landfill," said Jeff Kendall, CEO of Liberty Tire. "The tubes we collect and recycle will be transformed into innovative, eco-friendly products that make people's lives better and safer -- everything from rubberized asphalt for highways to rubber mulch for playgrounds and parks."

This spring, the "Bike Tube Blow-Out" event will run during the grand opening of 12 Performance Bicycle locations across the country. Customers who bring an old inner tube to the event will receive a $5 gift card, up to three per customer.

"We estimate that a major city can generate several tons of used rubber just from blown out bicycle inner tubes, which usually end up in landfills," said Jim Thompson, CEO of Performance Inc. "Our aim is to make bike inner tubes a proven reusable resource for playgrounds, manufacturing, and other applications."

Liberty Tire and Performance Bicycle will hold "Bike Tube Blow-Out" collections at the following locations. For information about dates, please visit www.performancebicycle.com, or Twitter (@Performance_Inc) and Facebook.

 -- Allentown, PA   -- Raleigh, NC
 -- Columbia, MD    -- Santa Monica, CA
 -- Indianapolis, IN  -- Santa Rosa, CA
 -- Lombard, IL    -- Tualatin, OR
 -- Oxnard, CA     -- Tukwila, WA
 -- Pittsburgh, PA   -- Woodland Hills, CA

Liberty Tire Recycling reclaims more than 100 million tires each year at 26 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, creating about 1.5 billion pounds of recycled rubber for smart, sustainable products. For more information about Liberty Tire Recycling, visit www.libertytire.com.

About Liberty Tire Recycling

Liberty Tire Recycling is the premier provider of tire recycling services in North America. By recycling more than 100 million tires annually, Liberty Tire reclaims about 1.5 billion pounds of rubber for innovative, eco-friendly products. The recycled rubber produced by Liberty Tire is used as crumb rubber and industrial feedstock for molded products; as tire-derived fuel for industrial kilns, mills and power plants; and as rubber mulch for landscaping and playgrounds. The company maintains a nationwide network of processing plants, and comprehensive door-to-door collection services. Liberty Tire Recycling is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, please visit www.libertytire.com.

About Performance Bicycle

Performance Bicycle is the number one multi-channel bike specialty retailer in the U.S. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Performance Inc. Performance provides a multi-channel cycling retail experience that spans catalogs, a Web site, and 86 nationwide stores that cater to both avid biking enthusiasts and recreational riders. Performance Inc. is majority owned by North Castle Partners of Greenwich, Connecticut. For more information about Performance Bicycle, please visit www.performancebike.com.

 Contact:  Jeff Donaldson
       412-642-7700
       [email protected]

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091210/NE24642LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091210/NE24642LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]

Source: Liberty Tire Recycling

CONTACT: Jeff Donaldson for Liberty Tire Recycling, +1-412-642-7700,
[email protected]

Web Site: http://www.libertytire.com/

Laker's Theme Electric Bike by Pedego

PRESS RELEASE

Pedego(TM) Electric Bikes Creates the Ultimate Ride for the Avid Lakers Fan

Special Edition electric bicycle rolls into Los Angeles

IRVINE, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- In support of the Los Angeles Lakers drive to their 16th world championship, Pedego(TM) Electric Bikes today introduced the ultimate two wheeled ride for the Lakers fan who has everything purple and gold - an electric bicycle that can be ridden anywhere an ordinary pedal bicycle is permitted.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100525/LA10036)

Pedego(TM) has equipped their latest model with a 36 volt propulsion system that includes a lithium battery, a proprietary electromagnetic motor and a heavy duty controller. In addition, this special edition bike has white handgrips and matching white seat. It is a high performance electric bicycle powered by Pedego's industry leading brushless and gearless 500 watt motor.

"This is designed for basketball fans who live and breathe the Lakers," said Don DiCostanzo, CEO of Pedego(TM) Bicycles. "The Pedego(TM) is the best value, high performance electric bicycle in the market."

Unlike competitive ebikes, all Pedegos(TM) are designed from the ground up to be electric bicycles. High grade aluminum is exclusively used in the construction of the lightweight frame. Pedego uses brand name components on its complete line of electric bicycles including SRAM and Shimano.

Environmentally conscious consumers will be pleased to know that the Pedego(TM) is powered by any combination of pedal power and electricity. Whether you pedal exclusively for fun exercise, use the throttle activated power to assist pedaling or use the throttle alone without pedaling, the Pedego (TM) puts you in complete control.

For more information on Pedego(TM) special edition bicycles, visit: www.pedegoelectricbikes.com.

Pedego(TM) is fast becoming the brand in the next step of bicycle evolution. Besides being environmentally friendly, Pedego(TM) has hit the mark by combining a traditional bicycle with today's most advanced technology resulting in stylish and fun products for people of all ages.

 Contact:
 Terrell Sherry
 1-949-336-8333

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100525/LA10036
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100525/LA10036

Source: Pedego

CONTACT: Terrell Sherry of Pedego +1-949-336-8333

Web Site: www.pedegoelectricbikes.com

Niner Bikes Recalled

PRESS RELEASE

Niner Bikes Recalls Bicycle Frame Due to Crash Hazard

WASHINGTON, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

 (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO )

 Name of product: Bicycle frame

 Units: About 750

 Manufacturer: Niner Bikes of North Hollywood, California

Hazard: A welding deficiency can cause the bicycle frames to crack along the welds of the front triangle of the bicycle. This can cause the rider to lose control and crash.

Incidents/Injuries: Niner Bikes has not received any reports of injuries. The company has received 53 reports of cracks along the welds while bicycles were in use.

Description: The recalled bicycle frames include all Jet 9 models ranging sequentially from serial numbers P8001682 to P9400454. The frame is a full suspension model in the colors green, white or black. "Jet 9" and "Niner" are painted on the bicycle frame. The frame was made from 6000 series aluminum.

Sold at: Bicycle stores nationwide and overseas from March 2008 through September 2009 for $1,750.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled frames and contact Niner Bikes for a replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Niner Bikes toll-free at (877) 646-3792 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or at the firm's Web site at www.ninerbikes.com.

Photo available at www.cpsc.gov

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

 Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 646-3792
 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CONTACT: CPSC Media Contact, +1-301-504-7908

Web Site: http://www.cpsc.gov/
http://www.ninerbikes.com/