700 BikeE recumbent tandem bicycles recalled because of fork defect, CPSC says

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ An Oregon company is recalling about 700 recumbent tandem bicycles because mechanical problems can cause riders to lose control and fall. <br><br>BikeE Corp., of Corvallis, Ore.,

Wednesday, November 14th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ An Oregon company is recalling about 700 recumbent tandem bicycles because mechanical problems can cause riders to lose control and fall.

BikeE Corp., of Corvallis, Ore., has received three reports of steerer tubes on the front forks beginning to separate, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled E2 model bikes were manufactured in 2000 and 2001. They have two handlebars and two seats, which are in a lowered, horizontal riding position.

The name ``BikeE'' appears on both sides of the main frame. The serial numbers for these bikes is on the bottom of the frame between the foot crank and front wheel. The serial numbers for the recalled bikes are: BX000000X or T00000, with ``X'' representing a letter and ''0'' representing a number.

BikeE dealers sold the bicycles from March 2000 through October 2001 for about $2,200.

The government said consumers should stop using these bicycles and return them to the nearest BikeE dealer for a free fork replacement.

For more information consumers can call BikeE toll-free at 1-800-231-3136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday.