Hey Cycling Parents, Please Read This Recall From Chariot Carriers.

Public statement for the North American market:
Thule CTS – Voluntary Recall of Bicycle Trailer Kits

Calgary, Canada, 26 October 2011

As the manufacturer of Chariot products we have, during the last few days, been notifying our customers in North America of a voluntary recall to our Bicycle Trailer kits. This recall only affects certain Chariot Carriers, while in use as a bicycle trailer.

All Chariot products have been and continue to be produced in accordance with all safety regulations available at the time of manufacture and go through rigorous internal testing developed by the company with years of experience as the market leader.

Despite rigorous testing, we have determined that when certain carriers are used as a bicycle trailer, in very rare circumstances, there could be a failure of the Chariot Hitch Arm and/or certain versions of the VersaWing 2.0 while in use. These failures risk separation of the carrier from the bicycle. Please be advised that the described product failures are extremely unlikely and we have not received any reports of injuries.

The affected Bicycle Trailer Kits and Carriers are as follows:

i. the Hitch Arm in the Bicycle Trailer Kits (part number 20100503 and sold between October 2002 to August 2011) can crack at the outer surface near the larger hole risking a decoupling hazard if not identified by the consumer; and/or

ii. Carriers using the VersaWing 2.0 (carrier serial numbers between 1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx sold between December 2005 to August 2010) has the potential to break in the rare event of a roll-over risking a decoupling of the trailer from the bicycle.

Offer to upgrade the carrier
We are offering all existing owners of Chariot Bicycle Trailer Kits, that fall within the voluntary recall population, the opportunity to receive a free retro fit upgrade kit, which you can easily install on your existing carrier. To apply for a free retro fit upgrade kit the owner has the following options:

1. Fill out the form on line at www.chariotcarriers.com and we will send the free upgrade kits along with instructions to carry out the upgrade;
2. Contact Chariot Carriers at (800) 262-8651 to order the retro fit upgrade kit; or
3. Contact the retailer where the Carrier was purchased and they will have the necessary information to assist with the upgrade of the carrier.

Thule Child Transport Systems, Ltd’s voluntary cooperation with this campaign does not constitute an admission that either reportable information or a substantial product hazard exists.

We are not requesting any consumer to return their product. Thule CTS has simply identified an opportunity to improve the Chariot Trailer kits and consumers of existing carriers are being given the opportunity to take advantage of the same upgrade through this voluntary recall.

If you have any further questions, please contact:
Fredrik Erlandsson, Senior Vice-President Communications, Thule Group
Phone: +46 70 309 00 21, email: fredrik.erlandsson@thule.com