The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·09135·Announced 2009-02-26

Salsa Bicycles Recalls Handlebar Stems That Can Break and Cause Falls

Salsa Bicycles is recalling about 8,600 handlebar stems that can crack or break, posing a fall hazard to riders.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in a bicycle component that can break and cause a fall, with one reported injury (broken wrist) but no fatalities or hospitalizations, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has been reported but is not severe.

Plain-English summary

Salsa Bicycles, a subsidiary of Quality Bicycle Products of Bloomington, Minn., is recalling approximately 8,600 handlebar stems used on specific Salsa bicycle models and sold as aftermarket units. The recalled stems are CroMoto S.U.L. stems, which can crack or break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

The recall includes stems sold as individual aftermarket units and those installed on complete Salsa bicycles, including the Ala Carte, El Mariachi, Casseroll Triple, Casseroll Single, and La Cruz models. The stems range from 75- through 105-degree rise and have an extension length from 90 to 120mm. Aftermarket stems were sold at specialty bicycle retailers nationwide and via websites from March 2008 through December 2008 for between $60 and $65. Complete bikes were sold at specialty bicycle retailers nationwide from November 2007 through December 2008 for between $880 and $1,870.

Salsa Bicycles has received three reports of handlebar stems breaking, with one incident resulting in a rider suffering a broken wrist. Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately and contact an authorized Salsa Bicycles dealer for a free inspection and replacement stem. For additional information, consumers can contact Salsa Bicycles toll-free at (877) 774-6208 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.salsacromotostem.com.

The recalled product

Product
Handlebar Stems Used on Salsa Bicycles
Manufacturer
Salsa Bicycles, a subsidiary of Quality Bicycle Products, of Bloomington, Minn.
Category
Consumer Product — Bicycles & Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
8,600

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fall hazard

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