An Amusement & Diversion for The Genteel Cyclist. Daily.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Yet another reason why the proletariat should ride steel


Because we can't think of anything better to do over lunch than read a bunch of government websites, we thought you might like to know: Raleigh has recalled three road bike models, due to the unfortunate tendency of their carbon forks to break without cause.

Here's the salient bits, for your information and entertainment:

Hazard: The forks can break during normal use, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer serious injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Raleigh America has received three reports of forks breaking resulting in injuries including a dislocated shoulder, a concussion and a broken jaw.

Description: The recall involves the 2007 Raleigh Cadent 1.0, Cadent 2.0 and Cadent Carbon bicycle models with carbon forks. ?Raleigh? is printed on the down tube of the bicycle, and the model name is printed on the top tube.

Sold at: Raleigh America dealers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2007 for between $660 and $1930.

Manufactured in: China


OK, so we're not going to go all trade-protectionist and anti-China here (though there are lots of good reasons to do that, starting with Tibet), but let's just say this: If Raleighs were still built in the UK, the cable would be routed wrong, the hubs would leak oil, and the chain would go after 2,000 miles. But the fork would be bombproof.

And this: "?Raleigh?" was printed on the down tube? Ha. Raleigh only wishes, in its fevered dreams.

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