Bikes recalled for defective parts

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ About a thousand mountain bikes are being recalled because the steer tube can break off the frames, causing riders to lose control and fall. <br><br>Marin Mountain Bikes, of Novato,

Thursday, August 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ About a thousand mountain bikes are being recalled because the steer tube can break off the frames, causing riders to lose control and fall.

Marin Mountain Bikes, of Novato, Calif., received two reports of broken tubes, causing injuries including broken bones, broken teeth and cuts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The frames are aluminum and will be replaced for free. The company can be reached at 1-800-876-9840.

Separately, about 1,300 bikes with defective stems that connect the handlebar to the frame are being recalled by Cannondale Corp., of Bethel, Conn. The company received four reports of broken stems and one minor injury, according to CPSC.

The stems, which are black, were installed on 2002- and 2003-model bikes. Local retailers will repair the bikes for free. The company can be reached at 1-800-BIKE-USA.