Safety regulator, Profile Design Announce Recall of Bicycle Handlebar Stems
Recall 01044 · Nov 30, 2000 · Profile Design LLC
8,000
units affected
8,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 01044
- Date
- Nov 30, 2000
- Company
- Profile Design LLC
- Units affected
- 8,000
- Product
- Mountain bike handlebar stems
- Product type
- Bicycles & Accessories
- Hazard
- Crash risk
The product
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 can happen
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.
The fix
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.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.
- Sold at
- 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.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled mountain bike handlebar stems?
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.
What is the 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.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.