Recall: Salsa Bicycles Recalls Bicycles; Handlebar Stems Can Break Causing Rider to Fall

Salsa Bicycles Recalls Bicycles; Handlebar Stems Can Break Causing Rider to Fall

Name of product: Handlebar Stems Used on Salsa Bicycles

Units: About 8,600

Importer: Salsa Bicycles, a subsidiary of Quality Bicycle Products, of Bloomington, Minn.

Hazard: The handlebar stems can crack or break, posing a fall hazard to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: Salsa Bicycles has received three reports of handlebar stems breaking. One incident resulted in a rider suffering a broken wrist.

Description: This recall involves all CroMoto S.U.L. stems sold as individual aftermarket units and on these models of complete Salsa bicycles: Ala Carte, El Mariachi, Casseroll Triple, Casseroll Single and La Cruz. The aftermarket stems are black and have the word “Salsa” painted on the extension. The complete bike stems are painted to match the bike model color and have the word “Salsa” painted on the extension. The recalled stems range from 75 through 105-degree rise and extension length from 90 to 120mm. Please visit the firm’s web site at www.salsacromotostem.com for a complete list of model numbers and names included in this recall.

Sold by: Specialty bicycle retailers nationwide from November 2007 through December 2008 for between $880 and $1870 for complete bikes. The aftermarket stems were sold at specialty bicycle retailers nationwide and via web sites from March 2008 through December 2008 for between $60 and $65.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately and contact an authorized Salsa Bicycles dealer for a free inspection and replacement stem.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, 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 Web site at www.salsacromotostem.com