1.5 Million Bicycles Recalled Because Of Front Wheel Safety Concerns

(CBS SF) -- More than a million bicycles sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico are being recalled because of a quick-release system that could cause the front wheel to come off during operation.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the recall involves bicycles sold between 1998 and 2015, and equipped with front disc brakes and a black or silver quick-release lever on the front wheel hub.

When the lever is fully opened, it can come in contact with the bike's front disc brake assembly and cause the become engaged in front brake rotor and lock up or separate from the bicycle.

In the U.S., the recall affect 1.3 million bicycles sold by a number of companies. Another 245,000 such bikes were sold in Canada and about 9,000 were sold in Mexico.

Bicycles without a front disk brake are not affected by the recall.

The CPSC said there have been three reported incidents of a quick release lever coming into contact with the bike's front disc brake assembly, causing the wheel to stop suddenly or come off the bike. One person suffered a broken finger, wrist and shoulder injuries and abrasions. No injuries were reported in the other two incidents.

The CPSC said consumers should stop using the bicycles immediately and contact the manufacturer for free installation of a new quick release on the front wheel, or visit the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association Quick Release Recall website at www.quickreleaserecall.com.

List of affected bicycles (Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)