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CPSC, Bell Sports Inc. Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets

  • Recalled Rhythm bicycle helmet
  • Recalled Qualifier bicycle helmet
  • Recalled Bellistic bicycle helmet
Name of Product:
Rhythm, Bellistic and Qualifier bicycle helmets
Hazard:

A defect with the helmets' chin strap rivets can result in the helmet coming off the rider's head in the event of a fall or crash. If the helmet comes off, serious head injury could result.

Remedy:
Replace
Repair
Recall Date:
April 29, 1999
Units:

About 5,800

Consumer Contact

For more information, consumers should call Bell Sports at (800) 456-BELL between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bell Sports Inc., of San Jose, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 5,800 bicycle helmets used for BMX and downhill mountain biking and racing. A defect with the helmets' chin strap rivets can result in the helmet coming off the rider's head in the event of a fall or crash. If the helmet comes off, serious head injury could result.

Bell Sports is aware of one incident where the chin strap assembly became detached from a helmet during a crash. No injury was reported.

These bike helmets are red, green, black, white and "Tear Away," which is multicolored. They were sold under the model names Rhythm, Bellistic and Qualifier, which is written on their packaging. The recalled helmets have date stickers inside reading October 1998 through March 1999. "BELL" is written on the sides of these helmets and on the visors.

Independent bicycle dealers nationwide sold these helmets from October 1998 through April 1999 for between $90 and $125.

Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, until they are repaired or replaced. For more information, consumers should call Bell Sports at (800) 456-BELL between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. For a free replacement helmet, including shipping costs, consumers should mail their helmets to Bell Sports Inc., Route 136 East, Rantoul, IL 61866, ATTN: BMX Department. Consumers also can contact Bell Sports through their website at www.bellsports.com.

Remedy:

Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, until they are repaired or replaced. For a free replacement helmet, including shipping costs, consumers should mail their helmets to Bell Sports Inc., Route 136 East, Rantoul, IL 61866, ATTN: BMX Department.

Incidents/Injuries:

Bell Sports is aware of one incident where the chin strap assembly became detached from a helmet during a crash. No injury was reported.

Sold At:
Independent bicycle dealers nationwide sold these helmets from October 1998 through April 1999 for between $90 and $125.
Recall number:
99-104

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

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