The Hollowtech crank recall is a nightmare for riders, shops and Shimano. How did we get here and what happens next?
From BikeRadar.com
By Jack Luke
Shimano’s worldwide recall of 11-speed Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets now affects 2.8 million units globally.
The original recall was issued after a reported 4,519 incidents of cranksets delaminating in the US and Canada alone, resulting in six injuries.
The recall is set to have an enormous impact on riders, shops and Shimano itself – and it’s not off to a good start.
Muddled communications and unanswered questions have fostered an environment of confusion that Shimano will need to resolve. Bike shops are also frustrated by the expectation they will mop up the mess of an issue that’s been in the public eye for years.
BikeRadar first reported on this issue in April 2020. In that piece, we outlined the possible causes of the failure, which sees the two-part Hollowtech cranksets split in two, sometimes catastrophically.
Here, we analyse what happened in the hours following the announcement and what impact the recall will have on shops and riders.
We also examine the questions left unanswered by Shimano and speak to the man who has arguably done more than anyone else to bring this issue to light.
