Commonly Defective Bicycle Parts

All consumer goods have the potential to contain defects. Depending on the product and the nature of the problem, a product defect could prove dangerous or even deadly. This is the case with defective bicycle parts, which can pose serious safety risks to riders. Keeping up with the latest bicycle recalls and carefully inspecting your bike before you ride are crucial for your safety.

Brakes

The brakes of a bicycle should be able to stop the bike according to the requirements set by the federal government. For example, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, foot brakes must stop a bicycle within 15 feet when tested with a rider of at least 150 pounds at a speed of 10 miles per hour.

Defective, faulty or worn-out brakes can interfere with a rider’s ability to safely stop the bicycle. In situations such as a four-way stop or if the biker encounters a safety hazard, malfunctioning brake pads, brake cables or hydraulic brakes could cause an accident. Bad bike brakes may suffer from design, manufacturing or marketing defects.

Tires and Tubes

Maneuvering a bicycle safely and correctly is only possible with properly working tires. A defective tire or tire tube could lead to a blowout and a loss of bicycle control. In the wrong conditions, such as in heavy traffic, this could prove deadly for a biker. Common tire defects include low-quality materials that wear out at a faster rate than normal, premature or uneven wear and tear, and poor adhesion of the tire layers.

Frames

The frame of a bicycle is what holds all of the parts and components together. A defective frame could have low structural integrity that compromises the safety of the entire bicycle. If the frame is cracked, broken or has weaknesses such as weld failures in the metal, it could come apart on a ride. A defective frame may also fail to hold up in an accident, leading to exacerbated injuries suffered by the cyclist.

Carbon Forks

The fork of a bicycle plays a critical role in the steering and stability of the vehicle. A bicycle relies on the integrity of the fork. A defective carbon fork may break or crack during a ride and cause a catastrophic bicycle accident. Common defects include cracks, gouges, weld failures and weaknesses in the material that lead to breaks.

Chains

A defective bicycle chain, such as one that is missing a link or has weak connections, may unexpectedly snap or break during a ride. A broken or defective chain could cause a loss of bicycle control and an accident.

Injured on a Defective Bike? Contact Us

Every part of a bicycle must be built with adequate strength and integrity, and be in compliance with consumer protection laws. If even a small component contains a defect, it could compromise the safety of the bicycle and contribute to a bike accident in San Antonio. As a bicyclist in Texas, you can keep up with the latest recalls to make sure you are not riding a bicycle with known equipment defects.

If you do get injured in an accident caused by a defective bicycle part, contact the San Antonio bicycle accident lawyers at Maloney & Campolo to discuss your legal options. You may be eligible for financial compensation from the part manufacturer, distributor or bike retailer. Call (210) 463-4700 to request a free case consultation.