150,000 trendy folding bikes are recalled
BRITAIN’S biggest bicycle maker has recalled almost 150,000 trendy folding bikes over fears of a faulty part.
The Brompton bikes have soared in popularity in recent years although professionals who ride them have faced some ridicule – such as Hugh Bonneville’s character in BBC comedy W1A.
But following some issues with their bikes, the manufacturer issued a recall yesterday.
The problem lies with a bottom bracket axle supplied by German manufacturer FAG, and Brompton urged riders to bring their bikes in to have the part replaced for free. Chief executive Will Butler-Adams apologised to customers, saying the part met international standards but nevertheless ‘ we have had an increased number of failures’.
He added: ‘We are founded on quality, so if we have the slightest concern we have to act.’
Brompton recalled around 144,000 bikes made between April 2014 and May 2017. It had seen sales boom in recent years due to the growing popularity of cycling and recently announced its first electric folding bike. FAG could not be reached for comment.