The affected bicycles were all fitted with the MERIDA MTB Expert 35 handlebar, which following extensive product testing, it was discovered that some of these handlebars didnât provide the additional strength required for intense mountain bike off road use, such as All-Mountain, Enduro and Freeride applications.
In the field we have not had any incidences of broken handlebars but some of these handlebars did show signs of deformation where the bars were bent beside the tapered section following heavy landings from big jumps or drop offs. If they were to break following a hard landing from a jump, they could cause serious injury to the user.
All stock of the following models fitted with the affected MERIDA MTB Expert 35 Handlebar must be immediately removed from saleable stock until they have had the replacement handlebars fitted. Advance Traders will provide the replacement handlebar free of charge.
As a distributor of the affected bicycles, you are also potentially liable under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 if an injury occurs as a result of the defect. Accordingly, your co-operation in the voluntary recall process is appreciated.
To assist in the recall, Advance Traders asks that you contact all customers that have purchased one of the affected bicycles and advise them to cease use immediately and to return the product to your store for the replacement handlebar to be fitted free of charge. However, please be aware that affected customers may have a right under the Australian Consumer Law to return the product and receive a refund of the original purchase price, rather than having a replacement part fitted.
A template email/letter that has been approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) can be found here.
Advance Traders will also be publishing a recall notice on the MERIDA website to notify affected customers. A copy of the recall notice is attached for your information. Advance Traders also asks that you place a copy of the recall notice on your website and in store to ensure that as many customers as possible are made aware of the recall.
Advance Traders has informed all relevant agencies of the recall, including the ACCC. To assist Advance Traders in meeting ACCC reporting guidelines, we ask that you submit the following information on our webshop in respect of each affected bicycle currently held in stock by your store or returned to your store by a customer:
- store name;
- the frame size and serial number;
- whether the bike is floor stock or a sold bicycle.
Following this, a replacement set of handlebars will be issued free of charge.
We also ask that you provide Advance Traders with details of:
- the steps taken by your store to notify affected customers of the product recall (that is, whether affected customers have been contacted directly or via social networking and whether a copy of the recall notice has been made available in-store or online); and
- any complaints received by customers regarding the product recall.
For more details please contact Advance Traders on (07) 3861 8900 or visit the Advance Traders website at www.advancetraders.com.au.
Yours sincerely
Christopher Fraser
After Sales Support Manager, Advance Traders
