J
jeboyt
Guest
2-10-2004
Attention Member Bicycle Shop Owners,
Subject: Bad Welds Investigation
After receiving a large number of complaints of defective bicycles, several involved in road
accidents, we launched an investigation six months ago into the cause of bicycle failure and
instability at high speeds.
Our investigation has found defective welds of steel tubes from several different bicycle
manufactures that are made overseas. This is apparently caused by use of low cost and contaminated
welding rods. The welds are corrosive, therefore internally rust and weaken quickly.
Please inspect each weld for any signs of rusting or small cracks. If one deviation is found, the
bicycle may be re-welded at that joint. If two or more deviations are found, the bicycle should be
considered unsafe to ride, and the owner notified.
The rods are manufactured in China, and are currently being sold to many bicycle frame manufactures
in the Far East, including Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and others.
There have been no reports of American made bicycles having this defect.
We have notified the manufactures involved of the quality problems.
Thank you,
Henry Fisher, President
American Bicycle Retail Association
#3241 Forth Floor
1212 North Palmer Street Washington, D.C
Attention Member Bicycle Shop Owners,
Subject: Bad Welds Investigation
After receiving a large number of complaints of defective bicycles, several involved in road
accidents, we launched an investigation six months ago into the cause of bicycle failure and
instability at high speeds.
Our investigation has found defective welds of steel tubes from several different bicycle
manufactures that are made overseas. This is apparently caused by use of low cost and contaminated
welding rods. The welds are corrosive, therefore internally rust and weaken quickly.
Please inspect each weld for any signs of rusting or small cracks. If one deviation is found, the
bicycle may be re-welded at that joint. If two or more deviations are found, the bicycle should be
considered unsafe to ride, and the owner notified.
The rods are manufactured in China, and are currently being sold to many bicycle frame manufactures
in the Far East, including Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and others.
There have been no reports of American made bicycles having this defect.
We have notified the manufactures involved of the quality problems.
Thank you,
Henry Fisher, President
American Bicycle Retail Association
#3241 Forth Floor
1212 North Palmer Street Washington, D.C