cwilly8

My father-in-law was about to throw out his 25-year old hybrid bike -- a Univega Via Carisma. Instead, I got it and started refurbing it for a general purpose knock-around bike. While searching for tips for crank and bottom bracket removal, I ended up at a Shimano web page stating that the crank in question (FC-MC12) had a recall (circa 1996). There was an 800 number, so I called it and -- much to my surprise -- actually got a Shimano tech on the other end. He stated that they still honor the recall, and that besides the crank, they would replace the bottom bracket, front derailleur, and chain. However, they could not deal directly with me, only through a LBS.
Call me skeptical ... but I went to our small town LBS, explained what Shimano had said, and gave him the info. Five weeks later these parts arrived from Shimano. Top-of-the-line? Absolutely not! But terrific for a 25-year old bike. Thanks to Shimano and our LBS the bike will live again!

John Valuk

I looked into the same deal a while back when I was in the process of waking up my 1995 Trek 730 Multitrack, and learned about the 1997 recall. That bike, too, had the FC-MC12 cranks.

I chose not to go that route, but I think it's very cool that Shimano continue to support that recall.

I replaced the FC-MC12 cranks with some used FC-MC16 ones.

Amt0571

I'm totally impressed they're honouring a recall more than 20 years later.

It speaks really well about them.

CargoDane

That's truly impressive!

Crankycrank

Wow, good for Shimano. I remember getting a new Shimano cassette from a shop that freakishly had two of the same sized cogs in it. Told the shop, Shimano wanted it back pronto, gave me two new cassettes as a replacement. Very impressed.

dscheidt

no, it speaks about the law. Safety recalls are in effect for the life of the product, with some exceptions. The expected lifespan of a non-defective crank is pretty much forever, so shimano don't really have any choice about it.

canklecat

That's impressive. Yeah, sure, recalls are forever, but some companies won't honor recalls or extended warranties. Been there, done that, with Subaru, Commodore and Nikon.

My 1993 Univega Via Carisma components (Exage, mostly 500CX) seem fine and apparently weren't subject to the recall. But it's still impressive that Shimano will honor it without forcing the customer to jump through flaming hoops.

Amt0571

And the FD, bottom bracket and chain were also unsafe it seems.

Darth Lefty 

What’s more surprising, given the regular shakeups in the bike industry, is that Shimano today is still Shimano of 1996. Not just corporate continuity but same product lines in same niches.

I think the other parts must be included to bring the bike up to date to use the replacement cranks.

Trakhak

True. For the first years of the recall, only the cranks were provided.

dscheidt

They're required to use the new crank. Different spindle length means new BB is required. different crank requires different derailleur. I guess they want you to shift easily, so that's why you get a new chain. What shimmano has supplied as part of the recall has changed over time, as cranks have required different stuff. Originally, you just go a new crank, because it fit on the existing BB.

Troul 

glad to read something positive come from that brand's name in recent light.

Russ Roth

Have to call the LBS tomorrow, I dropped one of these off back in Feb before the SHTF and checked twice over the summer to no luck. Got a bike waiting for them if they ever arrive. Guy wanted to know how I even knew of the recall, had to explain that I was replacing them regularly 21 years ago and did enough to never forget. I rehab bikes to give to needy people and these things are nice when they show up, lets you really get a bike running better.

veganbikes

Shimano doesn't have a huge choice as it is a recall but good they sent you some other parts as well.

Shimano is usually pretty good about warranty and recall stuff. Obviously it is super tough these days as parts are hard to get and hence why I didn't even bother trying to build up my Specialized Sequoia frameset. I am waiting on a warranty on my rear brake caliper on my MTB and that is going to take some time to get in. I am not hurting for bikes but did want to get in one ride on my newest mountain bike before years end.