The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·12113·Announced 2012-02-21

Shimano Recalls PRO Atherton Mountain Bike Handlebar Stems Due to Fall Hazard

Shimano is recalling PRO Atherton mountain bike handlebar stems because bolts may pull out, causing riders to lose control and fall.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in a bicycle component that can cause loss of control and falls, with one reported incident resulting in torso and arm injuries, meeting the criteria for significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Shimano American Corporation is recalling PRO Atherton direct mount bicycle handlebar stems with the model number PRSS0049. These stems were supplied from October 2009 to November 2010 and are manufactured by Post Moderne Corporation in Taiwan. The stems consist of a metal alloy body and front plate with four alloy bolts. The stem body is black with red markings, featuring the word "PRO" and "Atherton." The front plate is black and silver with the PRO logo. The model number is located on the barcode sticker on the backside bottom of the packaging material. Stems with identification codes HH, HJ, HK, HL, IA, IC, ID, IE, and IF are subject to the recall. Some of these stems were outfitted with 18mm bolts instead of the correct 21mm bolts. The identification code is located on the stem body where the handlebars are seated.

The recall is due to a fall 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. This can cause the rider to lose control of the bike and fall. Shimano has received one report of an incident in which the rider fell and received torso and arm injuries.

Approximately 213 units were sold in the United States and 83 units in Canada. The stems were sold at bicycle and specialty stores and dealers nationwide from October 2009 to November 2010 for about $120. Consumers should immediately stop using bicycles with PRO Atherton handlebar stems and take them to an authorized retailer to determine if the stem is subject to the recall. Authorized retailers will replace 18mm bolts with 21mm bolts free of charge. For more information, consumers can contact Shimano American Corporation at (800) 353-4719 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.shimano.com.

The recalled product

Product
Mountain Bicycle Handlebar Stem
Manufacturer
Post Moderne Corporation, Taiwan
Category
Consumer Product — Bicycle Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
213

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fall

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