CPSC, Profile Design Announce Recall of Bicycle Handlebar Stems
Home product recall 01-044. Announced by CPSC on Nov 30, 2000.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Nov 30, 2000. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 8,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The stem connects the bicycle’s handlebars to the fork. These stems can break during use, causing the bicycle rider to crash and suffer serious injuries.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using bicycles with these stems immediately, and either call Profile Design to get a free replacement stem, or return the bicycle with the recalled stem to a Profile-Design retailer, to have the stem replaced free of charge.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For more information, call Profile Design toll-free at (888) 800-5999 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
This recall only involves “Stiffy”™ threadless mountain bike stems. Threadless stems clamp directly around the fork’s steering tube. These stems were sold individually, and also on custom-built bicycles and in bicycle parts kits distributed by: Porter Frames Slingshot Bicycle Co. Cicili Fondriest Javelin Cycle Hillside Mountain Cycles Security Bicycle Accessories Mountain Cycle Ellsworth Bicycles G. Joannou Cycle Co. Simo Cycle Corp. Jamis Bicycles Samchulu Bicycle Co. Softride Bicycle Co. The recalled stems have “Profile” and “Stiffy” written on them. The rear portion of the steer tube clamp is sharply angled (45 degrees) at the top and the front handlebar clamp has two bolts. The recalled stems were sold in black, red, blue, yellow and cream.
About 8,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Mountain bike handlebar stems.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Profile Design LLC, Carson, Calif.
- Independent bicycle dealers nationwide sold bicycles and parts kits with these stems and individual stems, from March 1997 through April 2000. The stems sold for about $50.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
-
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.