Specialized issues recall for $7000 bike after defect found in steering fork

A popular road bicycle costing almost $7000 has been recalled over fears that the bike's front fork could crack and injure riders.

Specialized Australia issued the voluntary recall for all 2020-21 Tarmac SL7 bicycles and framesets, which when fully assembled retail from $6,900 to as high as $20,100.

The recall notice was published on the ACCC's Product Safety Australia website late yesterday.

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The recall specifically affects bicycles that have integrated cable routing through the headset and were sold between 1 July 2020 and 30 September 2021.

It was issued after a defect was discovered that the bicycle's fork steerer tube could crack or break after heavy impact, such as unexpectedly hitting a deep pothole.

"If the fork breaks while the bicycle is being ridden, the rider may lose control of the bicycle, increasing the risk of an accident or injury," the recall notes.

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There have been no reports of injury so far.

Concerned riders can check the serial number of their bike via this list here.

Those who are affected by the recall have been urged to bring their bike to their nearest authorised Specialized retailer who will repair the bike.

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The repair involves replacing the bikes extender plug and upgrade its compression rings at no cost to the customer.

Bikes that do not have an integrated cable routing headset are not affected.

For more information, consumers can contact Specialized Rider Care at 1300 499 330 or visit www.specialized.com/safety-notices.