NOVATO, CA (BRAIN)—Marin Bikes is partnering with UK brand Mezzo Bikes to distribute three models of folding bikes in the United States.

After evaluating several folding bikes and exploring in-house development, Kelly Burr, vice president of product development, decided that Mezzo was the right choice. “Building an efficient folder that handles like a real bicycle is extremely difficult,” Burr said. “We’ve chosen the Mezzo because it represents the epitome of the qualities that we wanted in a folding bike. The ride quality is in a category above all competing models available on the market.”

Available in three styles with an introductory retail price of $929, each model provides dealers with a full margin and the ability to sell the Mezzo on its quality without Internet pricing competition.

“The Mezzo is a fresh product that doesn’t come with a stodgy stigma,” said Marin brand manager Aaron Tieman. “It provides a practical alternative for the commuting professional and a profitable product for U.S. bicycle dealers.”

[Source: Bike Retailer]

Safety is of the utmost importance for the bicycle industry. A unsafe bike product can hurt many people, that is why many manufacturers are careful when they design and release a new bicycle product. Unfortunately a problem sometimes doesn’t show itself until after a product has been released to the market. About 11,500 units of Dahons folding bikes have experienced a cracking hazard at the handlebar post that can pose a risk, Dahon has begun recalled them. If you think you may have a folding bike that is part of the recall be sure to contact Dahon as soon as possible. Below is more information about the Dahon folding bike recall.

Dahon and REI Novara Folding Bicycles Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

May 13, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, IN COOPERATION WITH THE FIRM NAMED BELOW, TODAY ANNOUNCED A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONSUMER PRODUCT. CONSUMERS SHOULD STOP USING RECALLED PRODUCTS IMMEDIATELY UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED.

NAME OF PRODUCT: 2008 MODEL YEAR DAHON AND REI NOVARA FOLDING BICYCLES

UNITS: ABOUT 11,500

IMPORTERS: DAHON CALIFORNIA INC., OF DUARTE, CALIF. AND RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT INC. (REI), OF KENT, WASH.

HAZARD: THE HINGE ON THE HANDLEPOST CAN CRACK, POSING A FALL HAZARD.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: THERE HAVE BEEN 25 REPORTS OF THE HANDLEPOST HINGE ON THESE BICYCLES CRACKING, INCLUDING ONE MINOR INJURY INVOLVING SCRAPES AND BRUISES.

DESCRIPTION: THIS RECALL INVOLVES MODEL YEAR 2008 DAHON AND REI NOVARA FOLDING BICYCLES. THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ARE AS FOLLOWS: THE WORDS “DAHON” OR “NOVARA” AND THE MODEL NAME ARE PRINTED ON THE BICYCLE. HINGES WITH AN “R” EMBOSSED ON THE FACE OF THE UPPER HANDLEPOST HINGE AND/OR A “RADIUS HANDLEPOST” STICKER ON THE HANDLEPOST ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

SOLD BY: AUTHORIZED DAHON CALIFORNIA DEALERS AND REI STORES NATIONWIDE FROM MARCH 2008 THROUGH APRIL 2009 FOR BETWEEN $430 AND $1,300.

MANUFACTURED IN: TAIWAN AND CHINA

REMEDY: CONSUMERS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY STOP RIDING THESE BICYCLES AND CONTACT ANY DAHON CALIFORNIA DEALER OR REI STORE FOR A FREE INSPECTION AND REPAIR.

CONSUMER CONTACT: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT DAHON CALIFORNIA AT (800) 442-3511 BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 4 P.M. PT MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY OR VISIT THE FIRM’S WEB SITE AT WWW.DAHON.COM