Syntace USA Announces Recall of Bicycle Handlebar Stems

Name of Product: F99 (Force 99) Bicycle Handlebar Stems

Units: About 2,300

Distributor: Syntace USA, of Olney, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled bicycle stems can crack or break under normal conditions, causing the rider to fall and suffer serious injury.

Description: The recalled bicycle handlebar stem is black. Stems with production codes 01 03 through 45 04, and stems with no production code are included in this recall. The production code is the bottom set of numbers located on the end of the stem.

Sold by: Bicycle dealers, mail order magazines and on the Internet from May 2003 through July 2005 for about $90.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using bicycles equipped with the recalled handlebar stem immediately and contact Syntace for instructions to receive a free replacement stem and installation.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Crystal Trout at Syntace USA at (800) 448-3876, extension 233, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or log onto http://www.syntaceusa.com/index.cfm?pid=1&pk=1172 - consumers also can e-mail the firm at [email protected] or write to: Syntace USA, 1902 Miller Drive, Olney, Ill. 62450.