December 22, 2005

Recreational Equipment Inc. Announces Recall of Children’s Bicycles

Name of Product: Novara Dirt Rider 20-inch 5-Speed and 6-Speed Bicycle

Units: About 2,800

Distributor: Recreational Equipment Inc., of Kent, Wash.

Hazard: The alloy frame used for these bicycles can be prone to fatigue failure. Frame failure results in the separation of the fork, head tube, and handlebar away from the rest of the bike causing a loss of control and crash, and posing a risk of serious injury to the rider.

Description: The Novara Dirt Rider 20-inch 5-speed and 6-speed bicycles are children’s bicycles with 20-inch wheels, an aluminum frame, and multiple speeds. 2003-2004 model year bicycles were red/black or silver/blue frost in color; 2005-2006 model year bicycles were black/gravel or white/powder blue in color.

Sold at: REI stores from October 2002 through November 2005 for between $200 and $210 (depending on model year) full price and may have been sold as low as $125 on sale.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these bicycles and return them to the nearest REI store for a full refund or credit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact REI at (800) 426-4840 between 4 a.m. and 11 p.m. PT seven days a week, or visit REI online at http://www.rei.com/shared/help/recall/dirtrider.html?storeId=8000 or contact your local REI store.