U.S. Class Members Face Approaching Deadlines in Ongoing Shimano Cycling Safety Lawsuit

A major update has emerged in the ongoing cycling safety lawsuit involving Shimano’s Hollowtech II cranksets. With key deadlines approaching, cyclists who may be eligible for compensation under the proposed Shimano bicycle crankset settlement should check upcoming dates. 

The court has granted preliminary approval, and with the claims deadline set for August 4, 2026—and the objection and exclusion deadlines set for December 29, 2025—affected riders are being urged to review whether they qualify. 

This case centers on an alleged bicycle crankset defect involving bonding separation and delamination in certain cranksets manufactured before July 2019, raising concerns about bicycle safety and prompting thousands of reports of failures and injuries.

The proposed agreement, informally referred to as the Hollowtech II settlement, follows Shimano’s voluntary recall announced in September 2023. 

Case Overview and Allegations

The class action, Jarett Hawkins v. Shimano North America Bicycle Inc., et al., is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California before Judge James V. Selna. 

Filed under the court’s personal property tort category with allegations rooted in fraud, this suit claims that Shimano improperly marketed its Hollowtech II cranksets as safe and reliable despite reports of bonding separation and early-stage delamination. Plaintiffs assert that these issues could increase the risk of a crash or bicycle injury.

These alleged failures were linked to over 4,500 reported incidents of crankset separation, including cases involving bone fractures and lacerations. 

Shimano, however, denies wrongdoing and disputes all allegations. As with many product liability disputes, the company stated it agreed to the settlement to avoid the expense and uncertainty of prolonged litigation. The court has not ruled on liability.

This case has drawn significant attention among owners of high-end bicycles, particularly those equipped with performance cranksets commonly installed on brands such as Trek, Specialized, and Giant.

Which Cranksets Are Included?

The proposed bicycle component settlement applies to “Designated Cranksets,” defined as certain Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace Hollowtech II cranksets manufactured before July 2019. The list includes:

• Ultegra FC-6800
• Ultegra FC-R8000
• Dura-Ace FC-9000
• Dura-Ace FC-R9100
• Dura-Ace FC-R9100-P

These cranksets must also fall within one of the approved production codes provided in the settlement documentation. To qualify, U.S. residents must have purchased, received, been gifted, or owned one of these cranksets or a bicycle equipped with them, not solely for resale.

This alleged bicycle crankset defect relates to separation at the bonded interface between the crank arm body and its cover. 

The settlement describes this alleged early-stage failure as a form of bonding separation, often showing initial corrosion or cracking. These issues were central to the earlier crankset recall, which led to heightened attention surrounding concerns about the cycling equipment defect.

Settlement Benefits for Class Members

Under the proposed framework of the Shimano bicycle crankset settlement, affected cyclists may qualify for three main categories of benefits.

1. Extended Warranty Coverage (Automatic)

Shimano will extend warranty coverage for bonding separation and delamination until July 29, 2027. This extension applies only to those designated cranksets originally covered under the company’s express warranty terms. Riders do not need to file a claim to receive this benefit; it is applied automatically.

2. Enhanced Inspection Measures

As part of the voluntary recall and the broader Hollowtech II settlement, Shimano agreed to implement more rigorous inspection procedures. 

Authorized retailers will receive improved inspection tools, including magnifying devices and enhanced lighting, along with an updated inspection manual. Retailers must also confirm that they have reviewed and will follow the updated guidance. 

3. Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Class members who paid for a replacement crankset due to separation or visible delamination may be eligible for reimbursement, provided they supply documentation showing replacement costs and the condition of the original crankset. However, reimbursement is generally not available if the crankset was replaced on or after September 21, 2023, or if the crankset was still under the express warranty at the time of replacement.

Warranty time frames differ by model:

• Ultegra FC-6800 and FC-R8000: Two-year warranty
• Dura-Ace FC-9000, FC-R9100, and FC-R9100-P: Three-year warranty

How to Submit a Claim

Cyclists seeking reimbursement must file a claim form online or by mail by the final deadline of August 4, 2026. Claims require the crankset serial number and proof of replacement-related expenses. The settlement administrator will begin reimbursing eligible claims only after the court grants final approval.

Failure to file a claim means the rider will not receive reimbursement, though they will still receive the automatic warranty extension if applicable.

Opting Out or Objecting

The cycling safety lawsuit settlement allows class members to either exclude themselves or object, but they cannot do both. Requests for exclusion must be postmarked or emailed by December 29, 2025, and must include the rider’s full name, serial number, and a clear request to opt out. Those who opt out will not receive reimbursement or warranty benefits.

To object, riders must submit written objections, also by December 29, 2025, inclusive of contact information, crankset serial number, supporting documents, and the reasons for the objection. If they intend to appear at the final approval hearing, they must state this in the objection.

The court will review all objections during the final approval hearing, currently scheduled for February 2, 2026. Because the schedule may change, the settlement website is the most reliable source for updates.

What Happens If a Class Member Does Nothing

Class members who do nothing will give up their right to sue or continue suing the company for the claims covered in the proposed Shimano recall settlement, and will not receive reimbursement for replacement costs. 

Wrapping Up: What’s Next in the Shimano Lawsuit?

As the cycling safety lawsuit progresses, riders across the country are encouraged to verify whether their crankset is included and to take action before the approaching deadlines. With extended warranty protections, improved inspection procedures, and the possibility of reimbursement, the Hollowtech II settlement offers several forms of relief for cyclists affected by the alleged cycling equipment defect. 

Because court approval is still pending, keeping up with updates remains essential for anyone who may be part of the bicycle component settlement.

If you own an affected crankset or believe your bicycle may be equipped with one, review your serial number and eligibility as soon as possible. File early to ensure that any potential delamination claims are processed once the court issues its final decision.