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

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.

Remedy

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.

Replace

Incidents & injuries

Shimano has received one report of an incident in which the rider fell and received torso and arm injuries.

Product description

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.

Sold on

Bicycle and specialty stores and dealers nationwide from October 2009 to November 2010 for about $120.

Contact the company

For more information and to find an authorized retailer, contact Shimano American Corporation at (800) 353-4719 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website at www.shimano.com