July 13, 2026 — A consumer has reported a serious recurring safety issue with the WTB KOM i21 rear wheel on their 2019 Cannondale Synapse bicycle, citing two identical structural failures due to rim cracking. This incident highlights potential product defects that could pose significant safety risks to riders.
Product Details
Product: WTB WTB KOM i21 wheelset
Incident Report Date: 6/22/2026
Publication Date: 7/13/2026
Incident Overview
The reporting consumer detailed a concerning pattern of failure with their WTB KOM i21 rear wheel. The original rim on their 2019 Cannondale Synapse bicycle developed cracks after two years of use. Following this, the rim was replaced by a local bike shop. However, the replacement rim has now failed in an identical manner, cracking after four years of use. The consumer, who has over two decades of cycling experience, states this is an unprecedented issue in their history, never having experienced a cracked rim on any other wheelset. While acknowledging that the equipment is past its warranty period, the consumer believes two identical structural failures indicate a serious product defect and has urged for the product’s immediate removal from the market due to the significant safety risk it poses to riders. No specific details about the type of riding or terrain were provided in the report.
Safety Concerns
The reported cracking of bicycle rims, especially when it occurs repeatedly and in the same manner, presents several significant safety concerns for cyclists:
- Immediate Dangers: A cracked rim can lead to sudden and catastrophic wheel failure while riding. This can result in a loss of control, causing the rider to crash, fall, or be ejected from the bicycle. Such incidents can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, lacerations, spinal injuries, and road rash.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if initial cracks are minor, they can propagate over time, weakening the structural integrity of the wheel. This gradual degradation makes sudden failure unpredictable and increases the risk of an accident during subsequent rides, potentially under demanding conditions where control is critical.
- Who Might Be Affected: Cyclists using the WTB KOM i21 wheelset, particularly those who have had the product for several years or have ridden it extensively, are at risk. The defect could affect riders of various skill levels and those using their bicycles for commuting, recreation, or sport.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, a sudden wheel failure can cause extensive damage to the bicycle itself, including the frame, forks, and other components, leading to costly repairs or complete replacement of the bike.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a WTB KOM i21 wheelset, particularly the rear wheel, or a bicycle equipped with this model, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Immediate Steps: Carefully inspect your WTB KOM i21 wheelset for any signs of cracking, especially around the spoke holes, rim joint, or brake track. Pay close attention to both sides of the rim. If you discover any cracks, immediately stop using the wheel and consult a professional bicycle mechanic. Do not ride the bicycle with a compromised rim.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Check your bicycle’s specifications, purchase receipts, or the markings on your wheelset to confirm if you have a WTB KOM i21 model. This information is often printed on the rim itself.
- Prevention Measures: Regular and thorough inspections of your bicycle, including wheels, tires, and frame, are always recommended as part of routine maintenance. While this incident suggests a potential manufacturing defect, proper tire pressure and adherence to manufacturer-specified weight limits can help prevent undue stress on wheels.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar issue or have concerns about your WTB KOM i21 wheelset, report the incident to both WTB and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to contribute to a broader understanding of potential safety issues.
Manufacturer’s Response
Wilderness Trail Bikes, Inc (WTB) has acknowledged the consumer’s report as of July 13, 2026. WTB states it takes consumer safety seriously and, although there was no crash or injury involved with this consumer, WTB is in contact with the reporting consumer and will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the product complaint as well as the product itself.
For customer help, WTB directs consumers to their resources page: https://www.wtb.com/pages/resources
To report product questions or safety issues, WTB provides a direct link: https://wildernesstrailbikes.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.