New Jersey seeks to outlaw the quick-release axle
This is perhaps the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard: Lawmakers in New Jersey are considering banning the sale of mountain bikes with quick release axles due to reported injuries to children. The bill would require a secondary safety mechanism and the “fork tips” on most forks don’t seem to satsify the bill’s proponents. Meanwhile the National Bicycle Dealers Association is throwing around big bucks to lobby NJ lawmakers ($15,000 so far - about the cost of 5 high end mountain bikes).
Passing this law in New Jersey would have a huge impact on the industry so it’s a bit odd that only $15K has been spent so far. Perhaps it’s because the law doesn’t seem likely to pass but still - is it worth risking the loss of a such a great mountain bike feature? New Jersey riders would have to go outside the state to buy bikes but more worrisome is that other states could follow suit with similar bans. Or bike manufacturers could simply eliminate quick release axles from all bikes since it wouldn’t be cost effective to produce models just for the NJ market.
The worst part about this whole thing is that the idea was touched off by injuries sustained by kids riding Wal-Mart bikes, not mountain bikes from reputable bike companies like Trek or Specialized. Take a look at this “adult” full suspension bike from Wal-Mart - How much do you think this baby retails for? $200? $100? Nope, try $69.94. No wonder these quick-release axles are failing - they’re probably made out of plastic and cardboard!
Hey New Jersey: Don’t outlaw the quick-release - outlaw Wal-Mart bikes instead!
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March 13th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
i would gladly get on board to ban Wal Mart or any other “Mart” bike for that matter! where do i sign up? The statement about “cardboard and plastic” is so appropriate too!
Just like everything else in this world, you have to have teachers and that is where parents fail….not everyone is mechanically efficient and that most certainly includes NJ lawmakers who are parents! Any mechanical device is prone to failure without proper and periodic maintenance. I purchased both of my primary (high dollar) bikes from a reputable dealer and that does NOT excuse me from doing pre-ride checks, even with my experience- I too have had a loose front wheel on the trail that I FORGOT TO CHECK BEFORE I WENT OUT, THAT MAKES IT MY FAULT!!! Do we really need common sense police stationed everywhere bikes are sold?