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| True Temper Sports Wolf SL Fork Voluntary Recall |
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Cervélo has identified a potential safety issue involving the Wolf SL fork. This fork is designed and manufactured by True Temper Sports of Memphis, Tennessee, using a blade shape supplied by Cervelo. All other aspects of the structural design, development and manufacture were done by True Temper Sports.
Under certain conditions, the fork steerer can crack and eventually break during normal use, which may cause the rider to lose control, fall and suffer potentially serious injuries. To date, there have been reports of injuries in the field resulting in minor abrasions and one broken wrist.
Though the fork passes US and international standards, this particular problem was not uncovered during those standard tests and the fork only showed this weakness in the field, typically after being damaged. After much work, we did develop a new test protocol that was able to replicate the same failure mode as seen in the field. If the fork steerer is damaged by impact (eg. by a crash, a fall from a roof rack, or another impact) then the damage may progress very quickly during use to complete separation.
We have seen that incidence of failure on this fork is higher than on other forks, and there is a potential for injury upon failure. True Temper Sports feels that the fork meets the industry standards and that the fork is therefore acceptable and no further action is required. Cervelo does not share this opinion and therefore, is proceeding with a recall of the True Temper designed and manufactured Wolf SL forks ourselves. True Temper Sports has declined to participate.
In order to conduct a recall one must be able to demonstrate that any replacement product does not display the same failure mode. We have demonstrated to the authorities that the forks we will use as a replacement - the 3T Funda Pro and the Easton EC90 SLX - pass all standard industry tests as well as the new Cervelo test that the True Temper Wolf SL fork fails.
We have obviously discontinued all use of the True Temper Wolf SL carbon bicycle fork. However, please note that this does not affect the Wolf CL and Wolf TT in any way, as both have a completely different structural design (and have passed the new Cervelo test protocol).
Although it is not usual for a third party to recall a product manufactured by another company, we feel it is a necessary step to take care of our customer, and we will proceed with the full recall at no cost to the dealer or consumer.
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| Identifying the recalled fork |
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The recalled forks have a clear coating over black painted carbon fiber, with the words “Wolf Superlite” (Figure 1) and related logo just below the crown on each fork leg, and the words “SL” (Figure 2) on each leg above the fork blade dropouts. There is a True Temper CRTMC logo (Figure 3) on the inside of both fork legs. The recalled forks could have been included on the following bicycle models: R3, R3 SL, Soloist Carbon, Soloist Carbon SL, and certain P3 Carbon framesets and complete bicycles.
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| FAQ |
Figure 4
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Are all Wolf forks affected?
No. Only the Wolf SL fork is being recalled.
What should I do if I have one of these forks on my bike?
You should take your bike to an authorized Cervélo dealer. You can find your nearest dealer by using the Dealer Locator below.
I haven’t noticed any problems with my fork, do I still have to bring it in?
Yes. The problem cannot be seen externally. Please bring your bicycle to the nearest authorized Cervélo dealer to have the fork replaced.
What exactly is the problem?
Under certain conditions the fork steerer can crack and eventually break during normal use, which may cause the rider to lose control, fall and suffer potentially serious injuries.
Why are you recalling the fork now?
We have noticed a significantly higher failure rate for this fork in the field but initially we could not duplicate the failure in standard industry tests. After more work, we were able to duplicate the failure, and define potential causes and solutions. Based on our testing, the True Temper designed and manufactured fork is more prone to damage to the steerer (especially in an impact or with improper installation), and once damaged the steerer may progress to a failure. The failure may result in the rider falling, which may result in serious injury.
How long will it take to replace my fork?
Cervélo is targeting a maximum 5 working days turnaround time for replacement. It may be less than this if you make advance arrangements with your shop before bringing the bike in for the work to be done. All our dealers are working hard to match this timeline.
How much will it cost to replace my fork?
The replacement fork and labour to replace the fork will be covered by Cervélo if you visit an authorized Cervélo dealer. If your dealer is asking for payment, please contact Cervélo for clarification. Labour charges to remove or install a fork by a non-authorized dealer will not be covered by Cervélo.
What are my replacement fork options?
In Canada and the US, the replacement will be the 3T Funda Pro only. The Funda Team is not available, and there is no option to upgrade to that model. The 3T Funda Pro replacement may have one of the following paint schemes (Figure 4), but all are the same fork structurally.
How does the replacement fork stack up against my original fork?
The 3T Funda Pro is a comparable all carbon fork that tests better aerodynamically. It is also laterally stiffer which may improve your cornering and descending. There is a slight weight difference between the Wolf SL and the 3T Funda Pro but once the steerer tube is cut down by your retailer, the weight difference can be as little as 10g.
Who can I contact to get further information on the recall?
You can call our Toll Free Recall Hotline: 1.866.296.3137 10am-5pm M-F ET, or you can visit your nearest Cervélo dealer.
I bought my Wolf SL from an Internet dealer. Are they authorized to service the recall?
You can get your fork serviced at any authorized Cervélo dealer. A brick & mortar dealer may be more convenient to you in some cases. You can also get a replacement fork through some Internet dealers, although you must sign a waiver before they can ship you a replacement fork. The waiver is required to make sure you understand the technical requirements that are required for you to prepare and install the fork safely.
I’d like to install my replacement fork myself. Any reason why I should not do this?
Proper installation of this fork is critical to its safe and proper function. To ensure proper, safe installation, Cervélo strongly recommends that final installation of this fork be conducted by a professional, certified bicycle mechanic at an authorized Cervélo dealer. If you insist on mounting it yourself, you must sign a waiver. The waiver is required to make sure you understand the technical requirements that are required for you to mount the fork safely.
I live very far away from a dealer, what can I do?
Please call Toll Free Recall Hotline: 1.866.296.3137 10am-5pm M-F ET, or email wolfslrecall@cervelo.com.
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| Related Information |
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| Authorized Cervélo Dealers |
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