King Cargo Limited, an itinerant trader currently trading in Masterton and possibly Levin, will be recalling Trans brand BMX and mountain bikes as a result of a Commerce Commission investigation.

Commerce Commission's Director of Fair Trading Deborah Battell said the investigation revealed that the bicycles do not comply with the new bicycle product safety standards.

"Supplying bicycles that do not meet the safety standard requirements is a breach of section 30 of the Fair Trading Act," said Ms Battell.

The Commission found that 34 Trans brand bicycles on sale at a retail outlet set up King Cargo Limited, did not comply with the New Zealand and Australian safety standards for bicycles. The retail outlet is in the ANZ Building on the corner of Queen and Bannister Streets, Masterton. The Commission understands that King Cargo Limited has also supplied these bicycles in Levin.

An inspection revealed six breaches of the safety standard. Of particular concern was that the front brake levers were not situated on the correct side (the right hand side) of the handlebars, and that the bicycles were supplied without an owner's manual.

The Commission also considered that, under the new bicycle standards that were introduced in October 2001, these bicycles should have carried labels that stated the bicycles were not suitable for off road use.

Ms Battell said customers should take up King Cargo's invitation to return any bicycle purchased from it, so that it can be replaced or brought into compliance with the safety standard.

Note: the Commerce Commission has a Trans BMX girls bicycle purchased from Mr Connell available at its Wellington offices.

Media contact: Director of Fair Trading Act Deb Battell

Phone work (04) 498 0908, cellphone 025 208 0841

Communications Manager Jackie Maitland

Phone work (04) 498 0920, cellphone (025) 249 3407