News
Cervélo, alone, recalls third-party fork
Carlton Reid Aug 21 2008, 7:04am
Comments (8)
The Canadian company is recalling the True Temper Wolf SL fork. True Temper disagrees with the recall
Cervélo has identified a potential safety issue involving the Wolf SL fork. This fork is designed and manufactured by True Temper Sports of Memphis, Tennessee, using a blade shape supplied by Cervélo. All other aspects of the structural design, development and manufacture were done by True Temper Sports.
Under certain conditions, the fork steerer can crack and eventually break during normal use, which may cause the rider to lose control, fall and suffer potentially serious injuries, said a statement from Cervélo. To date, there have been reports of injuries in the field resulting in minor abrasions and one broken wrist.
Though the fork passes US and international standards, this particular problem was not uncovered during those standard tests and the fork only showed this weakness in the field, typically after being damaged, said Cervélo.
"After much work, we did develop a new test protocol that was able to replicate the same failure mode as seen in the field. If the fork steerer is damaged by impact (eg. by a crash, a fall from a roof rack, or another impact) then the damage may progress very quickly during use to complete separation.
"We have seen that incidence of failure on this fork is higher than on other forks, and there is a potential for injury upon failure.
True Temper Sports feels that the fork meets the industry standards and that the fork is therefore acceptable and no further action is required. Cervelo does not share this opinion and therefore, is proceeding with a recall of the True Temper designed and manufactured Wolf SL forks ourselves. True Temper Sports has declined to participate.
"In order to conduct a recall one must be able to demonstrate that any replacement product does not display the same failure mode. We have demonstrated to the authorities that the forks we will use as a replacement - the 3T Funda Pro and the Easton EC90 SLX - pass all standard industry tests as well as the new Cervelo test that the True Temper Wolf SL fork fails.
"We have obviously discontinued all use of the True Temper Wolf SL carbon bicycle fork. However, please note that this does not affect the Wolf CL and Wolf TT in any way, as both have a completely different structural design (and have passed the new Cervelo test protocol).
"Although it is not usual for a third party to recall a product manufactured by another company, we feel it is a necessary step to take care of our customer, and we will proceed with the full recall at no cost to the dealer or consumer."
Comments
“Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: Gary Boulanger - Aug 21, 6:36pm
Cervelo has shown their commitment to the end users, while True Temper has shown their true colours. I'm impressed with Cervelo's above-and-beyond approach to doing the right thing, which reflects their character.
“Re: Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: Andrew Summers - Aug 21, 7:22pm
As a Canadian I am proud of Cervelo's international success. However, as a cyclist (commuter, cruiser, DH & XC), consumer and bicycle industry employee of 12 years I am very surprised and confused as to why Cervelo is offering a recall with replacement of the True Temper fork.
With every cyclist there is a reasonable expectation that they accept a level of responsibility as owners and operators of their bikes. This includes inspecting their carbon forks for damage on a regular basis to ensure their own safety as well as the performance and longevity of the fork.
I'm worried about the underlying message Cervelo is sending and can't help but feel a little frustration on True Temper's behalf. It sounds like Cervelo believes they and/or True Temper may be partially or fully responsible for cyclists being hurt AFTER riding damaged parts on their bike which have already passed US and International tests for quality, reliability and safety. If I were to drive my car through a pile of glass and get a flat tire I don't hold the tire manufacturer OR the car company responsible. I get the tired fixed at my expense and call the city to get the mess cleaned up so nobody else has the same experience.
I'm impressed that True Temper is willing to stand behind their product and the science that went into proving it's safety and quality. I'm also worried Cervelo's actions will have a negative effect for other manufacturers by creating unreasonable and irresponsible expectations with some consumers.
“Re: Re: Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: David Gaule - Aug 22, 10:22am
International test standards are only a minimum requirement and I'm sure Cervelo or any other company are not in business to waste their profits on unecessary product recalls.
Sounds like someone's in business with True Temper...
“Re: Re: Re: Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: Summers - Aug 23, 5:29am
I assure you, nothing could be further from the truth. I just don't care for precedent setting moves like this which can have a negative backlash and effect the attitude of some consumers.
Having said that, Cervelo had to make a call on this and I don't hold that against them. They're a business and have to do what makes the best sense.
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: andrew - Aug 26, 5:02pm
I don't think Cervelo is setting any precedent other than making products work properly for their intended use.
Cervelo have made a special test duplicating real world use that other forks pass and the True Temper fails so it shows what many Cervelo owners have already experienced: a steerer tube failure resulting from very minor scratches.
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: Summers - Aug 28, 1:59am
Sounds painful for the riders it happens to. Where is the break occurring if it's happening on the steerer-tube?
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: Luca - Sep 1, 9:33pm
Hi, I'm from Italy..please help me...no one in Italy know this problem with wolf sl forks. I'm riding a great Cervelo RS 2008 with wolf sl. This model (RS) is not included in recall list, but I must change fork or not??
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Cervelo, True Temper forks”
Posted by: Mark - Sep 9, 9:46am
Luca if your RS is fitted with the wolf SL fork then you must have it changed, your Cervelo dealer has to do this unless you do not want it changed then you have to sign a disclaimer. Regards Mark a Cervelo Dealer UK