Van Rysel GRVL AF Recall: What Owners Should Do and How to Check a Front Wheel

In October 2026, Decathlon America recalled about 1,150 Van Rysel GRVL AF gravel bikes sold through REI because the front lock nut can loosen during use, which can let the front wheel loosen or come off. The fix is a free inspection and front fork repair at REI. This guide explains how to tell whether your bike is affected, what to do next, and the simple pre-ride checks that every cyclist should do on the front wheel and the rest of the bike, recall or not. For the announcement, see our news story on the Van Rysel GRVL AF recall.

What the recall covers

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) posted the recall on October 8, 2026 (recall number 27-017). According to the notice:

• Products: Van Rysel GRVL AF gravel bikes in Sword Brown, Apex Beige, Sword Pink and GRX Black, sizes XS through XL.
• Hazard: the front lock nut can loosen during use, causing the front wheel to loosen or dislodge, which poses a crash and injury hazard.
• Units: about 1,150. No incidents or injuries had been reported.
• Sold: at REI Co-op stores and on REI.com from March 2025 through August 2026, for $1,400 to $2,300.
• Remedy: free inspection and repair of the front fork assembly.

How to check your bike

Find the barcode sticker on the frame near the bottom bracket, the area where the cranks attach. The Van Rysel Product ID is printed at the top right of that label and starts with a 5. The recalled IDs are:

If you bought online, your REI order history shows the SKU, which is often the quickest way to check.

What to do if your bike is affected

1. Stop riding it until it has been inspected.
2. Take it to an REI Co-op store for the free inspection and front fork repair.
3. If you cannot get to an REI, contact Decathlon America at 415-408-5494 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday to Friday), email support.america@decathlon.com, or use the "Recalls" link in the footer of decathlon.com.

Do not treat tightening the nut yourself as a fix. The remedy covers the front fork assembly, and a nut that has loosened once can loosen again.

Buying used? Ask about the recall

Gravel bikes often change hands on resale sites. If you are looking at a used GRVL AF, ask the seller for the Product ID and whether REI has done the recall repair. If the answer is unclear, budget a trip to REI before your first ride.

The pre-ride check every rider should do

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a quick A-B-C check and a short test ride every time you ride. It takes about a minute and catches many problems before they become crashes.

A is for air. Check that the tires have the right pressure; the recommended range is usually printed on the tire sidewall. Look for cuts, nicks or worn tread, and replace damaged tires.

B is for brakes. Squeeze the brake levers and make sure the brakes stop the bike. Check that the pads are not worn down and the cables are not damaged or loose. The brakes should not rub while the wheel spins. NHTSA's checklist also says to make sure the quick-release levers that hold the wheels on are tight.

C is for chain. The chain should be clean, lubricated and free of rust, and it should move smoothly when you pedal and shift gears. A rusty chain drags, shifts poorly and can even snap.

Finish with a slow, short test ride and listen for unusual noises.

Front wheel checks in more detail

Because this recall is about the front wheel, it is worth adding a few seconds to the front end of your check:

• Lift the front of the bike and spin the wheel. It should spin freely and straight, without wobbling or rubbing the brake.
• Grip the top of the tire and push it side to side. You should not feel any knock or play at the hub or fork. Any movement means something is loose.
• Check the axle. If your bike uses quick-release skewers, the lever should be fully closed and firm. If it uses a thru-axle, it should be fully tightened as the manufacturer specifies.
• Drop the front wheel from a few inches. It should land with a solid thud and no rattling.
• Hold the front brake and rock the bike. A clunk can point to a loose headset or other front-end issue.

If anything feels loose, do not ride. Have a bike shop inspect it.

Warning signs while riding

Problems with the front end often give a warning before they become dangerous. Stop riding and check the bike if you notice any of these:

• A clunk or knock from the front when you brake or ride over bumps.
• Steering that feels vague or wobbly, especially at speed or on descents.
• A front wheel that seems to shift in the fork, or a brake that suddenly starts rubbing.
• New rattles that were not there before.
• A tire that rubs the fork when you stand up and pedal hard.

Do not try to finish the ride if the front wheel feels loose. Walk the bike, or call for a lift, and have it inspected before riding again.

Common questions

My GRVL AF is not on the list. Is it covered? Only the Product IDs and REI SKUs in the CPSC notice are covered. If your numbers are not listed, the bike is not part of this recall, but it is still worth doing the checks in this guide.

Is there a cost for the repair? No. The CPSC notice says the inspection and front fork repair are free.

Can I keep riding until I get to REI? The notice says to stop using the bike. Arrange transport to the store rather than riding there.

Gravel riding adds stress

Gravel bikes spend their lives on rough surfaces that shake bolts and nuts. That makes regular checks more important than on a road bike that sees only smooth pavement:

• Check after rough rides. A quick wheel check after a long gravel ride catches problems early.
• Get regular tune-ups. Many shops recommend at least an annual tune-up for frequent riders.
• Use correct torque. Bolts on modern bikes have specified torque values; a torque wrench prevents both overtightening and loose parts.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride.

Stay up to date on recalls

Register your bike with the manufacturer if you can, so you hear about recalls quickly. You can also search the CPSC's recall site at cpsc.gov/recalls for any bike or component you own. For other October 2026 recalls, including winter gear, see our guide to rechargeable hand warmer battery safety.

More about the company is on the Decathlon brand page.

Editorial disclosure

This safety guide contains no affiliate links. SurfGirl never earns commission on recalled products. Recall facts are from the CPSC notice as of October 30, 2026; check the recall page for the latest details.

References

1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Decathlon America Recalls Van Rysel GRVL AF Bicycles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Crash Hazard. Retrieved October 30, 2026, from https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2027/Decathlon-America-Recalls-Van-Rysel-GRVL-AF-Bicycles-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Crash-Hazard
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Bicycle Safety: Pre-Ride Safety Check. Retrieved October 30, 2026, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2024-07/bike-safety-pre-ride-bicycle-check.pdf