Shimano Recalls PRO Atherton Mountain Bike Handlebar Stems Due to Fall Hazard
Recall 12113 · Feb 21, 2012 · Shimano
213
units affected
213
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 12113
- Date
- Feb 21, 2012
- Company
- Shimano
- Units affected
- 213
- Product
- Mountain Bicycle Handlebar Stem
- Product type
- Bicycles and Bicycle Accessories
- Remedy
- Replacement
- Hazard
- Crash risk
The product
This recall involves PRO Atherton direct mount bicycle handlebar stems with the model number PRSS0049 and supplied from October 2009 to November 2010. The stem consists of a metal alloy body and front plate and four alloy bolts. The stem body is black with red markings. It has the word "PRO" in four places on the sides and the word "Atherton." The front plate is black and silver with the PRO logo in the center. The model number is located on the barcode sticker on the backside bottom of the packaging material. Stems with the following identification codes are being recalled: HH, HJ, HK, HL, IA, IC, ID, IE and IF. Some of these stems were outfitted with 18mm bolts instead of 21mm bolts. The identification code is located on the stem body where the handlebars are seated.
What can happen
The bolts holding the front plate of the stem to the stem body can be pulled out of the threads while the bike is being ridden, causing the rider to lose control of the bike and fall.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles with PRO Atherton handlebar stems and take them to an authorized retailer to determine if the stem on their bike is subject to the recall. Authorized retailers will replace 18mm bolts with 21mm bolts free of charge.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Shimano has received one report of an incident in which the rider fell and received torso and arm injuries.
- Sold at
- Bicycle and specialty stores and dealers nationwide from October 2009 to November 2010 for about $120.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled mountain bicycle handlebar stem?
Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles with PRO Atherton handlebar stems and take them to an authorized retailer to determine if the stem on their bike is subject to the recall. Authorized retailers will replace 18mm bolts with 21mm bolts free of charge.
What is the hazard?
The bolts holding the front plate of the stem to the stem body can be pulled out of the threads while the bike is being ridden, causing the rider to lose control of the bike and fall.
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.