Merida is recalling the forks on five rim-brake 2017 Scultura bikes and eight disc-brake 2017 Scultura models because the carbon steerer tube could break and cause the rider to crash.
If you have a 2017 Merida Scultura, stop using it immediately and check the code on the fork’s steerer, or take it to your local Merida dealer for help.
There are two fork model numbers and one production code affected. The recalled forks have the following numbers printed on the steerer tube:
- FK-CF1638 (model number - rim brake version) or
- FK-CF1638D (model number - disc brake version)
- A-0-UD (production code)
The affected forks have been used in the following 2017 model year bikes:
- Scultura CF2 rim bikes: 4000, 4000-Juliet, 5000, 6000, Special Edition
- Scultura CF2 Disc: 200, 400, 400-Juliet, 500, 4000, 4000-Juliet, 5000, 6000
The corresponding 2018 models are not affected.
If your bike has a different number on the steerer-tube sticker than the two listed above, then your bike is not affected by the recall.
If your bike is affected, do not ride it.
Cause of the recall
Merida received reports of three cracked fork steerers from an Italian amateur road team (which Merida did not name). Merida proceeded to check the team’s other bikes and found cracks beginning to form.
The company went back to its (unnamed) manufacturing partner and concluded that “an irregularity had occurred in the production process, which has a detrimental effect on the strength of the fork and therefore on the safety of our customers”. Thus, the recall.
Merida claims that the replacement fork has been tested by the company and a third-party lab for safety.
“It is hugely regrettable that our customers will not be able to use the affected models before the forks are replaced,” a Merida statement read. “As cycling fans ourselves, we are aware how important time on the bike is for our customers and we are going to do our utmost to rectify this situation as soon as possible. We would like to apologise in advance for the inconvenience this will cause.”
