Following numerous injuries, Trek Bicycle has recalled about 1 million front quick-release skewers on disc-equipped bikes made from 2000 to 2015. Because these skewers can open more than 180 degrees, the lever can become caught in the disc rotor if left in the open position and cause the bike to come to a sudden stop, injuring the rider.
Because the quick release skewer opens more than 180 degrees, it can get caught in the front disc brake rotor if inadvertently left in open position. If you open the quick release skewer on your bike and it opens far enough to come into contact with the disc brake rotor on your front wheel, your skewer should be replaced.
These skewers in question came in a black or silver finish and were on installed on bikes priced between $480 and $1,650. Trek says these skewers were purchased from a third-party Taiwanese vendor and are not branded as Bontrager (a division of Trek). Because the skewers are not branded with either the Trek or Bontrager name, they may well be on many other bicycles. It seems likely additional recalls will be forthcoming from other bicycle manufacturers.
Trek has offered to replace the front wheel skewers on all bikes equipped with the recalled skewers. Simply take your front wheel (or your whole bike) to a Trek retailer. It only takes a minute or two to take the old skewer off and put a new one on. Additionally, anyone who brings in a bike to have the skewer replaced will receive a $20 coupon for any Bontrager product sold at authorized Trek retailers.
The quick release skewer was invented by Tullio Campagnolo in 1927 to speed up wheel changes during races. Those of you who are cyclists will no doubt recognize the name “Campagnolo” as the highly regarded Italian component manufacturer. Although the quick release skewer has evolved over the years, the basic principle remains the same: A lever-operated cam tightens the wheel into the fork dropouts to secure it in place.
If your bicycle is equipped with quick release skewers, regardless of the manufacturer, it is critical to always secure the lever into a locked position before riding. It is not uncommon for cyclists to occasionally forget to secure the quick release lever, or to not secure it adequately, and many cyclists have been injured over the years by failing to secure their skewers.
Even if your bike is not equipped with disc brakes and has a quick release lever that does not open past 180-degrees, a loose quick release lever on the front wheel can result in the wheel falling off when you hit a bump or if you pull up on the handlebar to clear an obstacle. In addition to making sure the lever is secured, it’s a good idea to position the lever so that it faces rearward. This makes it virtually impossible for a trail obstacle to snag the lever and push it open.
Although most people who enjoy cycling will never have a problem with a bicycle part failing and causing serious injury, there have been many cases where a component fails and the bicycle rider is seriously injured. Handlebars, stem, seatposts and frames have all been known to fail and cause major injury.
If you have been injured in a cycling accident due to the failure of a bicycle component, Warshafsky Law can help secure the maximum financial compensation possible for your injuries. Our personal injury attorneys offer a free, no obligation consultation to help determine if you have legal grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a manufacturer. Additionally, you owe us nothing until your case has been resolved and you have received compensation.
