Defective Bicycle Products: When Equipment Causes Crashes

Sometimes bicycle accidents aren't caused by traffic—they're caused by defective equipment. Product liability claims can recover damages from manufacturers and sellers.

Common Defective Bicycle Products

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Frame Failures

• Cracked carbon fiber

• Welding defects

• Fatigue failures

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Brake Defects

• Hydraulic brake failures

• Cable detachment

• Caliper malfunctions

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Wheel/Tire Issues

• Quick release failures

• Spoke breakage

• Tire blowouts

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Fork Failures

• Carbon fork cracks

• Steerer tube failures

• Crown breakage

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Component Defects

• Handlebar breakage

• Seatpost failures

• Pedal separation

Types of Product Defects

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Design Defect The product design itself is dangerous.

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Manufacturing Defect Error during production created the danger.

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Warning Defect Inadequate instructions or safety warnings.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

- Bicycle manufacturer

• Component manufacturers

• Distributors

• Retailers

• Importers

Proving Product Liability

- Preserve the defective product

• Document failure point with photos

• Expert analysis often required

• Check for recalls and complaints

• Review maintenance history

Strict Liability

In most states, product liability is "strict"—you don't have to prove negligence, just that:

• Product was defective

• Defect caused injury

• You were using product as intended