WASHINGTON — A Wisconsin company is recalling about 2,500 trailer cycles for children because the connecting hitch that attaches to an adult bicycle can fail, leading to accidents and injuries.
The recalled "Ally Cat" tandem bicycle accessory looks like half a bicycle — it has one wheel, a seat, pedals and handlebars. The product connects to a host bicycle with a hitch and is for children who weigh up to 80 pounds.
Pacific Cycle LLC, of Madison, Wis., has received one report of the hitch failing, resulting in scrapes to a rider, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said last week.
The recalled cycles sold by independent bicycle retailers and L.L. Bean Inc. have the model numbers AC 100, AC 200, or AC 300 located on the top tube.
The models sold at Wal-Mart Stores under the name "Mongoose Ally Cat" have the Mongoose name appearing on the down tube.
The recalled models have an aluminum sleeve on the hitch. Models with nylon or plastic sleeves on the hitch are not included in this recall.
Bicycle stores and retailers nationwide sold these bicycle accessories from March 2000 through July 2001 for between $80 and $130.
The government said consumers should stop using these accessories. For a free replacement hitch and instructions, consumers can call Pacific Cycle at 1-800-626-2811 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.
L.L Bean, which sold these bicycle accessories by catalog, will contact people who bought the product from them to provide replacement parts.