Voluntary Recall Notice

PLEASE POST FOR 120 DAYS FROM 10/31/00In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Profile-Design of Carson CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 8,000 "Stiffy"TM threadless mountain bike handlebar stems. The US CPSC will monitor this recall for effectiveness. The stem connects the bicycle's handlebars to the fork. One of the recalled stems is pictured below. The stems can break during riding causing a loss of control of the bicycle. Profile-Design has received 5 reports of injuries from Stiffy stem failures.

This recall only involves "Stiffy"TM threadless mountain bike handlebar stems sold from March 1997 through April 2000. These stems were sold aftermarket through independent bicycle retailers. These stems were also included as original equipment on new bicycles or bicycle parts kits distributed by:
 
Porter Frames

Slingshot Bicycle Company

Cicili Fondriest

Javelin Cycle
Hillside Mountain Cycles

Security Bicycle Accessories

Mountain Cycle

Ellsworth Bicycles

G. Joannou Cycle Company
Simo Cycle Corporation

Jamis Bicycles

Samchulu Bicycle Company

Softride Bicycle Company

The recalled stems are identified using the following points of identification: (1) the recalled stems say only "Profile" on them and not "Profile-Design"; (2) the rear portion of the steer tube clamp (the portion that says "Stiffy") is sharply angled (45 degrees) at the top and bottom (later models not subject to the recall were not as sharply angled); (3) the front handlebar clamp only has two bolts and not three like later non-recalled versions; (4) the recalled stems were available in black, red, blue, yellow, and cream.Stiffy

Consumers should stop using the stems immediately and either obtain a replacement stem from Profile-Design free of charge (and change the stem themselves), or visit a Profile Design retailer to have the stem replaced free of charge. A list of retailers is listed on the website under "Dealer Locator" at www.profile-design.com, or you can call Profile Design at (888) 800-5999 ext. 161 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Pacific time to locate the retailer nearest you. Removal of the recalled stem and installation of the new stem only takes about 10 minutes using a 5mm hex or "Allen" wrench.

Consumers who wish to do their own replacement can call Profile Design's recall hotline at
(888) 800-5999 ext. 161 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time for a return authorization number and a UPS or USPS Priority Mail shipping label which they can use to send the old stem to Profile Design. The old stem must be sent first so that its size can be matched to the replacement stem. Detailed instructions for removal of the old stem and installation of the replacement can be obtained by calling the number above or visiting Profile Design's web site at www.profile-design.comProfile Design, LLC, 2677 El Presidio St. Carson, CA 90810

Phone: (888) 800-5999 ext. 161   fax: (310) 747-0085

For Stiffy Recall Email to stiffy-recall@profile-design.com