Profile Design LLC, of Carson, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 8,000 mountain bike handlebar stems. 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. Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.

This recall only involves "Stiffy"TM 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. Independent bicycle dealer's nationwide sold bicycles and parts kit with these stems and individual stems from March 1997 through April 2000. The stems sold for about $50.

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. 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. Profile Design Contact: John Cameron (888) 800-5999