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Trek recalls bicycles with allegedly defective coaster brakes and replacement wheels due to risk of injuries and crashes. March 23, 2026 WASHINGTON - A recall has been issued for select Trek and Electra bicycles, along with certain replacement rear wheels, after reports that coaster brakes on these products may fail to engage. A brake failure can cause riders to lose control, creating a significant crash hazard. The recall affects specific models equipped with coaster brakes under the Trek and Electra brands. Impacted bicycles were offered in multiple colors, including shades of red, pink, blue, yellow, green, gray, and purple. The recall also includes designated replacement rear wheels with coaster brakes sold for the same models. The following models are included: Electra - Townie Rental 1 Step Thru - 2026 Trek - Precaliber 12 - 2026 - Precaliber 16 - 2024 and 2026 - Precaliber 20 - 2024 and 2026 - Precaliber 12 CB replacement wheel - 2026 - Precaliber 16 CB replacement wheel - 2026 - Precaliber 20 CB replacement wheel - 2026 Contact the ammons law firm for help filing a product recall claim. When a bicycle's braking system fails, the risk is immediate and serious, especially for children who rely on simple, reliable stopping mechanisms like coaster brakes. A failure to engage is not a minor defect; it raises concerns about design, testing, and whether the product was safe for use when it left the manufacturer. When a defect like this leads to a crash, it is important to determine what went wrong and whether it could have been prevented. If a defective product injured your child, The Ammons Law Firm, LLP is here to help. If you're unsure how to start a product recall claim, its team can walk you through it. The Ammons Law Firm, LLP'll review the recall notice, secure product evidence, and fight for the recovery you're entitled to.

Shimano introduces Pro Stealth 3D saddle using zoned 3D printed padding. Shimano, a Japanese manufacturer of bicycle components and drivetrain systems, has introduced the Pro Stealth 3D Saddle, a new addition to its Pro Stealth range that incorporates 3D printed padding to manage rider pressure across different riding positions. The saddle uses a multi-density mesh structure developed from pressure-mapping data collected during bike fitments, combined with feedback from test riders, with the aim of improving comfort while maintaining the aerodynamic posture associated with the Stealth line. According to the company's launch information, the Pro Stealth 3D Saddle features three distinct mesh zones with different material densities. A high-density section is positioned at the front of the saddle to support riders as they tilt forward into an aggressive riding position. A lower-density middle section is intended to distribute rider weight across a wider surface area when sitting more upright, reducing concentrated pressure points. A low-density rear section reduces overall saddle weight because riders typically make limited contact with the rear portion of the saddle while pedaling. Development of the saddle relied on pressure-mapping data gathered during professional bike fitting sessions, combined with feedback from test riders. Shimano states that this data informed both the placement of the mesh zones and their relative densities. This approach was used to retain the short-nose geometry and forward riding position characteristic of the Pro Stealth range while introducing a surface structure that adapts to changes in rider posture compared with conventional foam padding. Beyond density zoning, the saddle incorporates a hexagonal cell geometry throughout its 3D printed padding. Shimano explains that this structure allows individual cells to deform under load, absorbing vibrations both individually and collectively. This behavior is intended to reduce road-induced vibrations transmitted to the rider, which can contribute to fatigue over extended distances. The hexagonal cells are left uncovered, which the company describes as a way to showcase the precision of the 3D printing process and visually expose the additive manufacturing structure used in the saddle's construction. This 3D printed padding is produced from expanded polyurethane (EPU) and includes a dimpled surface texture. Shimano states that the surface treatment is intended to help stabilize rider positioning on the saddle during seated efforts. Two construction levels are available. The Team version uses carbon rails, while the Performance version is equipped with INOX stainless steel rails. Both variants are offered in 142 mm and 152 mm widths, with claimed weights starting at 224 grams for the Team model and 260 grams for the Performance model, depending on configuration. In the UK, Shimano products are distributed by Madison, with pricing yet to be confirmed at the time of publication. 3D printed saddle design gains traction across performance cycling The growing use of 3D printing in bicycle saddle design has been evident in recent product launches focused on pressure distribution and adaptive support. Trek introduced its AirLoom saddle platform, which uses a 3D printed lattice structure to address uneven pressure, friction, and hotspots across different riding disciplines. Unlike traditional foam saddles, the AirLoom design relies on an open lattice that allows individual cells to move independently, cushioning sit bones while flexing under softer tissue. Trek positioned the approach as a way to reduce saddle sores and improve long-ride comfort by allowing the saddle surface to adapt dynamically as the rider shifts position. The AirLoom range spans multiple configurations, from the 164-gram Aeolus RSL AirLoom with a full carbon shell and rails to more accessible versions that use thicker lattices and alternative rail materials. A similar design philosophy was highlighted with the release of the Scratch M5 PAS 3DMSS saddle from Prologo, which applied 3D printing to the saddle's upper surface while retaining an existing geometry used by professional riders. The Italian manufacturer combined its Multi Sector System with digital light projection and engineering-grade resins to create a surface divided into front, center, and rear zones, each with distinct structural densities. Development was informed by pressure-mapping data collected through Prologo's MyOwn fitting system, drawing input from both professional and amateur cyclists. The design retained a central pressure-relief channel and was offered with multiple rail options, reflecting an emphasis on localized material tuning rather than changes to saddle shape. Are you building the next big thing in 3D printing? Join the 3D Printing Industry Start-up of the Year competition and expand your reach. Featured photo shows Close-up of Shimano's new Pro Stealth 3D Saddle. Photo via Shimano.