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On September 3, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Deda Elementi S.r.l., of Italy, announced a voluntary recall of a defective bicycle part. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Deda Forza Bicycle Handlebar Stems

Units: About 400

Manufacturer: Deda Elementi S.r.l., of Italy

Hazard: The top of the bicycle handlebar stem can crack and cause the rider to lose control, posing a crash hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Deda Elementi has received four reports of incidents involving the handlebar stems.

Description: The recall involves bicycles with Deda Forza black carbon fiber handlebar stems in gloss finish. “Deda Forza” is printed on the handlebar stem. Deda Forza black carbon fiber handlebar stems in matte finish are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Bicycle retailers nationwide from January 2008 through June 2008 on bicycles selling for between $4,300 and $8,700. The handlebar stems were also sold separately for about $400.

Manufactured in: Taiwan and Italy

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the bicycles equipped with the recalled Deda Forza handlebar stems and return them to the place of purchase to receive a free replacement handlebar stem.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Deda Elementi toll-free at (866) 514-5522 anytime, visit the firm’s Web site www.dedaelementi.com.

On September 26, 2008, the following snowmobile safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Ski-Doo® Snowmobiles

Units: About 18,000

Manufacturer: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., of Valcourt, Canada

Distributor: BRP US Inc., of Sturtevant, Wisconsin|

Hazard: Cracks can develop in the welded joints of the drive axle assembly of the snowmobile and can result in complete breakage. If this happens the track of the vehicle can unexpectedly lock, causing riders to be ejected off the vehicle or lose control and collide with bystanders, a fixed object or other vehicles. This poses a risk of serious injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: BRP has received 20 reports of locked tracks, including one report of a broken femur and reports of minor injuries such as bruises.

Description: This recall involves Ski-Doo® Model Year 2008 and 2009 snowmobiles. Models included in the recall are listed below. Model numbers are printed on the side panels of the snowmobiles.

Ski-Doo® Model Year 2008: MXZ X 800R PowerTEK, MXZ Adrenaline 800R PowerTEK, MXZ TNT 500SS, GSX Limited Touring 600HO SDI, GSX Limited 600HO SDI, MXZ Renegade X 800R PowerTEK, MXZ Renegade 800R PowerTEK, Summit X 800R Power TEK, MXZ X 600RS, MXZ X 600HO SDI, MXZ Adrenaline 600HO SDI, MXZ Trails 500SS, GSX Limited 800R PowerTEK, GSX Sport 500SS, MXZ Renegade X 600HO SDI, MXZ Renegade 600HO SDI, Summit Everest 800R PowerTEK

Ski-Doo® Model Year 2009: MXZ TNT 600HO E-TEC

Sold by: Ski-Doo® dealers nationwide from June 2007 through September 2008 for between $7,000 and $12,500.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local Ski-Doo® dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Consumers with recalled snowmobiles are being sent direct notice from BRP.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact BRP toll-free at (888) 638-5397 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ski-doo.com

On August 19, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with Electra Bicycle Company, LLC announced a voluntary recall of the following defective bicycles. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Amsterdam Bicycles

Units: About 1,500 (about 9,500 bicycles were recalled on July 22, 2008)

Importer: Electra Bicycle Company, LLC, of Vista, Calif.

Hazard: The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle’s chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail, which poses a risk of injury to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Electra has received four reports of the chainguard derailing the chain, including one report of minor cuts and abrasion from a fall.

Description: This recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8, and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. “Electra” and “Amsterdam” are printed on the bicycle’s frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with “EL” or bicycles with chainguards marked “06/08” are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket.

Sold by: Authorized Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $400 and $850.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Electra Bicycle to determine if his/her bike is included in this recall. Consumers with a recalled bike can bring it to an Electra Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement chainguard part.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electra Bicycle at (800) 261-1644 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.electrabike.com (pdf)