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CPSC, Profile Design Announce Recall of Bicycle Handlebar Stems

Recalled November 30, 2000 · CPSC recall 01044 · Profile Design

Recalled bike handlebar stem
Hazard
The stem connects the bicycle's handlebars to the fork. These stems can break during use, causing the bicycle rider to crash and suffer serious injuries.
Remedy
Consumers should stop using bicycles with these stems immediately, and either call Profile Design to get a free replacement stem, or return the bicycle with the recalled stem to a Profile-Design retailer, to have the stem replaced free of charge.
Units
About 8,000
Incidents / injuries
Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.

Description

This recall only involves "Stiffy"™ threadless mountain bike stems. Threadless stems clamp directly around the fork's steering tube. These stems were sold individually, and also on custom-built bicycles and in bicycle parts kits distributed by: Porter Frames Slingshot Bicycle Co. Cicili Fondriest Javelin Cycle Hillside Mountain Cycles Security Bicycle Accessories Mountain Cycle Ellsworth Bicycles G. Joannou Cycle Co. Simo Cycle Corp. Jamis Bicycles Samchulu Bicycle Co. Softride Bicycle Co. The recalled stems have "Profile" and "Stiffy" written on them. The rear portion of the steer tube clamp is sharply angled (45 degrees) at the top and the front handlebar clamp has two bolts. The recalled stems were sold in black, red, blue, yellow and cream.

What to do

Consumers should stop using bicycles with these stems immediately, and either call Profile Design to get a free replacement stem, or return the bicycle with the recalled stem to a Profile-Design retailer, to have the stem replaced free of charge.

Contact

For more information, call Profile Design toll-free at (888) 800-5999 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Product
Mountain bike handlebar stems
Manufacturer(s)
Profile Design LLC, of Carson, Calif.
Retailers
Independent bicycle dealers nationwide sold bicycles and parts kits with these stems and individual stems, from March 1997 through April 2000. The stems sold for about $50.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →