IN BRIEF
British brand Ridgeback is recalling three hybrid and urban bike models, the Comet, Speed and Motion, because of defective tyres. The notice published on 1 October 2026 by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) covers all sizes sold since 2020 with a product code beginning RB21, and rates the risk as “medium”: the tyre can fail while riding and cause the rider to fall. The brand is asking affected owners to stop riding immediately and contact their dealer, who will replace the defective tyres.
| Models | Ridgeback Comet, Speed and Motion, all sizes |
| Period | sold since 2020 |
| Product codes | RB21 prefix, 54 product codes |
| Tyre concerned | Vee Zilent |
| Risk level (OPSS) | medium |
| Date of notice | 1 October 2026 |
This Ridgeback recall concerns city bikes: Cycling Weekly describes the three models as hybrids and commuter bikes. It was published by the OPSS, the British body responsible for product safety, on the UK government website.
The Ridgeback recall targets tyres that can fail
The official notice describes a risk of injury: the tyres can fail while the bike is in use, which can cause the rider to lose control and fall. BikeRadar specifies that the tyres in question are Vee Zilent tyres fitted to some of these bikes.
In a statement reported by Cycling Weekly, Ridgeback explains that the tyres on the affected bikes may have manufacturing defects along the tread pattern. The brand adds, as quoted by the same outlet, that the problem appears when these tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure printed on their sidewall.
How to tell if your bike is affected
The official notice states that Ridgeback Comet, Motion and Speed bikes of all sizes sold since 2020 with a product code beginning RB21 may all be affected. Cycling Weekly reports that Ridgeback lists 54 affected product codes, covering different frame sizes and colourways; the full list is attached to the official notice.
The notice advises owners to check their tyres by following the brand’s instructions, or to visit a Ridgeback dealer for an inspection and, if necessary, a replacement. The brand is more direct, Cycling Weekly reports: it asks anyone who thinks they may be affected to “please stop riding your bicycle immediately” and to contact their dealer. Any defective tyres will be replaced.
Ridgeback is distributed by Sportline UK, a company owned by H Young Holdings.
