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Recalled bike handlebar stem
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.
About 8,000
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.
Recall Details
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Profile Design LLC, of Carson, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 8,000 mountain bike handlebar stems. 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.
Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.
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.
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.
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. 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.
"Stiffy"™ stems with "Profile Design" written on the side and that have three bolts on the handlebar clamp are not included in the recall.
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.
Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
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- Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
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