SRAM Bicycle Chains and Chain Connector Links Recalled Due to Cracks

About 24,000 10-Speed SRAM Bicycle Chains with PowerLock connector links have been ordered recalled because the products may crack, allowing the chain to separate from the bicycle and possibly causing injuries to the rider.
SRAM LLC of Chicago announced the recall today in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The PowerLock connector links are brittle and can crack, possibly causing the chain to break and for the rider to lose control of the bicycle, the CPSC said.

So far, there has been one incident reported in the United States of a chain connector breaking and three such incidents reported outside the country. No injuries have been reported, the CPSC said.
Specific Model Numbers Recalled
The recall covers SRAM PowerLock connector links, which are sold individually, on 10-speed bicycle chains, and as original equipment on some bicycles. The recalled PowerLock connector links are identified by a date code of M or N, which is printed on the side of the PowerLock connector link, according to the CPSC.

PowerLock connector links with the following chain model numbers are being recalled: PC-1030, PC-1050, PC-1070, PC-1090 and PC-1090R. The recalled chains were installed on the following brands of assembled bicycles: Guru, Surly, Salsa, BMC, Serotta, Seven, and Ridley, the CPSC said.

Individual PowerLock connectors and bike chains carrying the connectors were sold from January 2009 through August 2009, while bicycles made with the chains were manufactured from April 2009 through August 2009.

The connectors were made in Portugal and sold at specialty bicycle retailer stores nationwide from January 2009 through August 2009. PowerLock connector links were sold separately for about $5 or as part of 10-speed chains for between $35 and $85, the CPSC said.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled PowerLock connectors, chains and bicycles with these connectors and contact their SRAM retailer for a free replacement PowerLock connector link.