Supplier Upgrade Bikes is urging cyclists to heed product recall notices after receiving just 246 of a possible 2,000 Kinesis carbon forks recalled in 2015.
The Racelight T forks made between 2003 and 2009 were subject to a recall after the death of a cyclist last August. A Coroner ruled this week that Jonathan Weatherley died from injuries sustained after his Kinesis forks separated under braking.
While Upgrade Bikes said it is doing its utmost to inform customers of the recall, it admits it is not easy for retailers to know where their products end up over a period of time.
The Kinesis forks in question are the Racelight T carbon forks with a non-tapered 1 1/8 inch carbon steerer tube, an aluminium fork crown, carbon fibre fork legs and alloy dropouts with mudguard eyes.
Models affected
Full Carbon Racelight T (RT) - 2003/2005
Racelight T Full Carbon - 2006
12K Racelight T - 2007/2009
12K - 2009
The forks can be recognised if they carry one of the four logos shown below on the side of the fork blade.
The recall has been extended to the 12K forks on the right
Affected forks have these features
If your fork is affected, Upgrade says that you should stop using it immediately and return it for a replacement, either via the retailer from whom the part was purchased or directly from Upgrade Bikes. Upgrade will supply a DC07 fork as a replacement.
Continuing to use the fork could result in the steerer tube separating from the crown or the crown separating from the carbon fibre legs blades.
Not all forks are affected
Not all forks are affected and Upgrade states that if your fork fulfils any of the following criteria, it is not affected:
Fits short drop brakes [39 – 51mm drop]
Has a tapered steerer
Is a full carbon fork, without any alloy parts
Is a full alloy fork
Has an alloy steerer tube
Does not have mudguard eyelets
Bears the Kinesis or Kinesis UK logos, as below:
Forks with one of these logos on the blades are not affected
If you have one of the affected forks, the advice is to stop using it immediately and return it to the retailer you purchased it from or send it directly to Upgrade Bikes to the address below.
If you’re not sure if your fork is affected or want further information, Upgrade Bikes can be contacted by calling 01403 711 611, then selecting option 4 or by emailing info@upgradebikes.co.uk
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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
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