CPSC recall 02-143, announced April 18, 2002, covers Brunswick Mongoose and Roadmaster mountain bicycles with Ballistic 105 front suspension forks (about 103,000 units). The forks on these bicycles can break apart, causing riders to lose control, fall and suffer serious injury. The notice cites 34 incident reports. Consumers should immediately stop using these bicycles and call the firm to obtain information on receiving a $65 refund for the bicycle fork. Recall contact: call (877) 243-5568.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
A small label on the bottom of the bicycle reads "Brunswick." The forks on the Mongoose A40 model bicycles and forks on bicycles not manufactured by Brunswick Corp. are not included in the recall.
Which products are included?
The recall includes only Ballistic 105 forks installed on Mongoose and Roadmaster model bicycles manufactured by Brunswick Corp. The forks on these bikes are black with decals that read "BALLISTIC" and "105" on the sides of the suspension fork legs. A small label on the bottom of the bicycle reads "Brunswick." The forks on the Mongoose A40 model bicycles and forks on bicycles not manufactured by Brunswick Corp. are not included in the recall. By Us International Co. Ltd., of Taiwan, the manufacturer of the bicycle forks, previously announced the recall of 13,500 of these forks in May 2000. The recall was expanded to about 40,000 forks in February 2001. By Us International is no longer cooperating with the recall. Brunswick Corp. is expanding the recall to include all Ballistic model 105 forks sold on the Mongoose and Roadmaster mountain bicycles they manufactured (except the Mongoose A40). The previous recalls were limited to forks with certain serial numbers.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The forks on these bicycles can break apart, causing riders to lose control, fall and suffer serious injury.
Incidents and injuries
There have been 34 reports of forks on these bicycles breaking, resulting in 31 riders, including children and teenagers, suffering serious head and bodily injuries, abrasions, bruises and chipped teeth.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using these bicycles and call the firm to obtain information on receiving a $65 refund for the bicycle fork. This applies to all owners of bicycles with Ballistic model 105 forks manufactured by Brunswick (except the Mongoose A40), even if they received a new Ballistic model 105 fork, as a result of participating in a previous recall.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Brunswick
- Manufacturer
- Brunswick Corp., of Lake Forest, Ill.
- Product type
- Bicycles & components
- Recall number
- 02-143
- Units
- About 103,000
- Manufactured in
- Taiwan
- Sold at / sales period
- Discount department stores and toy stores nationwide sold the bicycles with these forks from, June 1998 through December 2000, for between $125 and $150. Additionally, consumers could have received a Ballistic model 105 fork as a replacement, when participating in one of the previous recalls.
Mongoose and Roadmaster mountain bicycles with Ballistic 105 front suspension forks
CPSC product type: Bicycles & Accessories
Recall contact information
For more information, consumers should call Brunswick Corp. at (877) 243-5568 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
