Originally thought to only affect a small batch of SRAM Red 22 hydraulic brakesets, SRAM announced today that all sales be halted (OEM and aftermarket) and all current users of their road hydraulic brake systems cease use immediately. The attached press release does not specify what you are to do if your bike is so equipped, my suggestion is to reach back out to your local bike shop where you purchased the bike or components, or contact SRAM directly at www.SRAM.com or (800) 346-2928.
This is not good news heading into the 2014 season where many thought hydraulic discs (me too) would gain serious traction. While that will likely still happen in the long-term, it looks like SRAM will be re-tooling much of the system and incur major costs to rectify this situation in the near-term. Bummer indeed.
UPDATE (12/16/13): SRAM has issued a statement and an official Web site for this recall:
http://sramroadhydraulicbrakerecall.com
You can read the genuine, straightforward message from Stan Day, President of SRAM. They are owning up and taking this challenge by the horns. It will be disruptive, but SRAM will make things right. Also, see below for Mr Day’s video statement on the matter.
UPDATE: SRAM Road Hydraulic Brake Recall – STOP USE IMMEDIATELY
On November 4th SRAM identified and announced a technical issue with respect to a narrow production range of its RED 22 and S-700 Hydraulic Road Brakes. At that time, it was described as a performance and safety concern with no reported failures in the field.
It has recently come to our attention that during last weekend’s Cyclocross racing in the US, in sub freezing temperatures, several failures were reported. In these conditions the master cylinder seals failed to hold pressure resulting in abrupt loss of brake power, and an inability to stop the bike. These failures are related to product that is outside the originally stated date code range and unrelated to the original failure mode. No injuries have been reported to date.
As a result of this new finding, SRAM requests that anyone who has a bike equipped with SRAM Hydraulic Disc or Hydraulic Rim Brakes stop using the bike immediately. All products shipped to date, and currently in the market or in inventory will be recalled.
Further, we are asking our Bike Brand customers, OE factories, Distributors and Dealers to cease all sales and shipments of SRAM RED 22 and S-700 Hydraulic Road Brakes. A total of approximately 19,000 brake systems have been shipped to date into the global market.
Quarantine efforts currently underway with Factories, Bike Brands, and Distributors will be broadened to include all Dealers with inventory on bikes, or as Aftermarket product. Additional information related to timing and replacement of product will be forthcoming.
As originally announced we have reported this issue to the US CPSC and will be cooperating with the agency to announce a Safety Recall. We will also be contacting and working closely with appropriate like agencies in Europe and globally.
SRAM engineering and manufacturing is committed to the highest Quality standards. On behalf of all employees at SRAM we apologize for the business disruption to our customers business and to the individuals who have placed their trust in our products.
More Info: Visit sramroadhydraulicbrakerecall.com
