Bicycle Engineering Expert Opines on Brake Failure Leading to Crash

Case Overview

This cycling case involves a bicycle accident that occurred due to an alleged defect in the bike’s braking system. On the day of the incident in question, the Plaintiff purchased a new bike from a major retail outlet. When the bike was first purchased, the Plaintiff verified that its brakes were in working order. Later that same day, the Plaintiff took the bike out to a local park for a ride. While traveling along one of the bike trails in the park at speed, the Plaintiff came upon a tree limb that had fallen in the middle of the path. The Plaintiff attempted to brake, however the brake mechanism did not respond, and the Plaintiff struck the branch and crashed. As a result of the accident, the Plaintiff suffered a number of broken bones, as well as a severe concussion.

Questions to the Sports Injury expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience as a bicycle engineer?

Over the course of my career in the cycling industry, I have assembled and serviced thousands of bicycles and worked in the design of bikes.

Please explain your experience running diagnostic testing on bicycles- specifically brake systems?

In the world of specialty/independent retail bicycle shops, all bikes go through an extensive initial build by an experienced mechanic and then, at the time of purchase, are once again checked out prior to delivery to the customer. I have serviced hundreds of bikes purchased from mass retailers, because the customers were concerned and wanted it checked out by a trained mechanic. In my experience, the fault generally lies with the assembly vs the quality of the bicycle parts.

About the expert

This expert has been in the and sporting goods industry for over 15 years. A former Product Manager/Buyer with Performance Bike, Inc., he was a key component of developing, sourcing, pricing, and marketing their highly successful private-label line of cycling and multi-use apparel. As a Senior Line Product Manager with Cycling Sports Group, he managed the entire apparel product life cycle from initial concept to final delivery. The recipient of awards such as Honoree of Sporting Goods Business Top 40 Under 40 as well as a two-time winner of Bicycling Magazine Editor's Choice Award, this expert is currently a freelance Outdoor Industry Consultant specializing in the management of product lines and development.

E-007223

Specialties:

Sports Injury