Safety Notice

[AMuzi]

https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/669d5713-9b6a-46bb-bd7e-c542cff6dd6a/6a4b912a7c254aa98babc68d0bb26d31/Recall%20poster%20v1%20FINAL.pdf
--
Andrew Muzi
a...@yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

[Tom Kunich]

It appears to be a problem with people that don't know how to install levers properly. I've never installed SRAM but it suggests that the clamp is too narrolw.

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Thu, 1 Feb 2024 09:04:20 -0600, AMuzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

>https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/669d5713-9b6a-46bb-bd7e-c542cff6dd6a/6a4b912a7c254aa98babc68d0bb26d31/Recall%20poster%20v1%20FINAL.pdf

"If the clamp bolt is inadequately securing the lever to the
handlebar, it could result in a loose lever, which in turn could
result in a crash."

There doesn't seem to be any defective components involved in the
recall. Just a trip to the LBS for friction paste or mounting bolt
tightening with a torque wrench. My guess(tm) is some attorney
discovered that SRAM forgot to include in the install instructions
that friction paste or a torque wrench is required for proper
installation.
<http://www.learnbydestroying.com/jeffl/crud/Bicycle-Safety.jpg>

Is the recommended solution to use friction paste (for carbon fiber)
or a torque wrench (for everything else)?

"SRAM Torque Specifications"
<https://biketorquespecifications.com/search/sram>

--
Jeff Liebermann je...@cruzio.com
PO Box 272 http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

[AMuzi]

On 2/1/2024 12:19 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> On Thu, 1 Feb 2024 09:04:20 -0600, AMuzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
>
>> https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/669d5713-9b6a-46bb-bd7e-c542cff6dd6a/6a4b912a7c254aa98babc68d0bb26d31/Recall%20poster%20v1%20FINAL.pdf
>
> "If the clamp bolt is inadequately securing the lever to the
> handlebar, it could result in a loose lever, which in turn could
> result in a crash."
>
> There doesn't seem to be any defective components involved in the
> recall. Just a trip to the LBS for friction paste or mounting bolt
> tightening with a torque wrench. My guess(tm) is some attorney
> discovered that SRAM forgot to include in the install instructions
> that friction paste or a torque wrench is required for proper
> installation.
> <http://www.learnbydestroying.com/jeffl/crud/Bicycle-Safety.jpg>
>
> Is the recommended solution to use friction paste (for carbon fiber)
> or a torque wrench (for everything else)?
>
> "SRAM Torque Specifications"
> <https://biketorquespecifications.com/search/sram>
>

Not 'or'.
Carbon paste where needed _and_, as always, a torque wrench.

[Jeff Liebermann]

Thanks. Out of idle curiosity, I selected one of the levers mentioned
in the recall and found the installation instructions:
<https://docs.sram.com/en-US/publications/2bJvdvYz3DCAfCZVNeUucG/UM%20-%20eTap%20AXS?models=ed-riv-d1#hashItem=shifter-installation>
Click on "Shifter Installation" in the left column menu. Looks like
the two bolts have torque specifications, so that's not the problem.

Maybe this is what got the lawyers attention:

CRASH HAZARD
Prior to installing bar tape, make sure the shifters
do not move or rotate on the bars when force is applied.
If any movement is detected, loosen the clamp bolt 2 full
rotations, and repeat the torque procedure.
Failure to eliminate any movement may result in loss of
control while riding, leading to injury or death.

There doesn't seem to be any warning about the type of bar tape not to
use and how to test if the clamp is secure. At least it mentions
friction paste:
"Apply friction paste to the inner clamping surface when installing on
carbon fiber handlebars."

My best guess is someone installed the bar tape first and then clamped
the levers OVER the tape. Very bad idea. No mention of this
potential problem in the instructions. Time for another warning
label?

[Lou Holtman]

If installed by a bicycle retailer there is no problem ???? I have more confidence in my skills than an average bicycle retailer. Ymmv. Weird safety notice.

Lou

[AMuzi]

I can't imagine that installing a SRAM road lever over tape
is possible. Not without some destruction anyway.

[Frank Krygowski]

On 2/1/2024 1:54 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
>
> My best guess is someone installed the bar tape first and then clamped
> the levers OVER the tape. Very bad idea. No mention of this
> potential problem in the instructions. Time for another warning
> label?

Ah, but safety labels add weight! ;-)


--
- Frank Krygowski

[Jeff Liebermann]

It's my best guess. I think if I tried hard, I could do it, possibly
if I replace an existing lever with a new SRAM lever and without first
removing the old bar tape. Or, if it was a hydraulic brake that
leaked oil all over the bar tape.

This is probably closer to the mark.

"SRAM Recalls Shift Brake Levers Due to Crash Hazard"
<https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/SRAM-Recalls-Shift-Brake-Levers-Due-to-Crash-Hazard>
"The clamp bolt on the brake lever can come loose, posing a crash
hazard to the rider. A rider uses the brake lever to activate the
braking system to slow or stop the bicycle."
and:
"Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled SRAM shift brake
levers and inspect their levers for tightness. If the shift brake
lever rotates or is loose, the consumer will be offered a free brake
installation inspection at an authorized SRAM retailer. If the brake
installation is loose at the dealer inspection, the clamp bolt
assembly will be tightened or replaced at no charge to the consumer."

Never mind the bar tape and friction paste. What's needed is a better
lock washer or some threadlocker.

The CPSC article mentions that no incidents or injuries were reported,
which means that there were probably no lawsuits or accidents
involved.

[AMuzi]

On 2/1/2024 9:04 AM, AMuzi wrote:
> https://d15k2d11r6t6rl.cloudfront.net/public/users/Integrators/669d5713-9b6a-46bb-bd7e-c542cff6dd6a/6a4b912a7c254aa98babc68d0bb26d31/Recall%20poster%20v1%20FINAL.pdf


Today's update:
https://www.bicycleretailer.com/recalls/2024/02/01/sram-and-cpsc-issue-recall-notice-shift-levers-%E2%80%94-20-000-units-already-fixed

[Tom Kunich]

You have to remember that Lieb ermann is not a bicyclist but considers himself and expert at everything.

[Tom Kunich]

Is it any wonder it took you six years to get a 4 year degree,