Stiffy™ threadless MTB Stem

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Profile-Design of Carson CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 8,000 "Stiffy"™ threadless mountain bike handlebar stems. The US CPSC will monitor this recall for effectiveness. The stem connects the bicycle's handlebars to the fork. One of the recalled stems is pictured below. The stems can break during riding causing a loss of control of the bicycle. Profile-Design has received 5 reports of injuries from Stiffy stem failures.

This recall only involves "Stiffy"™ threadless mountain bike handlebar stems sold from March 1997 through April 2000. These stems were sold aftermarket through independent bicycle retailers. These stems were also included as original equipment on new bicycles or bicycle parts kits distributed by:

  • Porter Frames Slingshot
  • Bicycle Company Cicili
  • Fondriest Javelin Cycle Hillside Mountain Cycles
  • Security Bicycle Accessories Mountain Cycle
  • Ellsworth Bicycles
  • G. Joannou Cycle Company Simo Cycle Corporation
  • Jamis Bicycles Samchulu
  • Bicycle Company
  • Softride Bicycle Company

The recalled stems are identified using the following points of identification:

  1. the recalled stems say only "Profile" on them and not "Profile-Design";
  2. the rear portion of the steer tube clamp (the portion that says "Stiffy") is sharply angled (45 degrees) at the images/layout/top and bottom (later models not subject to the recall were not as sharply angled);
  3. the front handlebar clamp only has two bolts and not three like later non-recalled versions;
  4. the recalled stems were available in black, red, blue, yellow, and cream.

Consumers should using the stems immediately and either obtain a replacement stem from Profile-Design free of charge (and change the stem themselves), or visit a Profile Design retailer to have the stem replaced free of charge. A list of retailers is listed on the website under "Dealer Locator" at www.profile-design.com, or you can call Profile Design at (888) 800-5999 ext. 161 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm Pacific time to locate the retailer nearest you. Removal of the recalled stem and installation of the new stem only takes about 10 minutes using a 5mm hex or "Allen" wrench.

Consumers who wish to do their own replacement can call Profile Design's recall hotline at (888) 800-5999 ext. 161 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time for a return authorization number and a UPS or USPS Priority Mail shipping label which they can use to send the old stem to Profile Design. The old stem must be sent first so that its size can be matched to the replacement stem. Detailed instructions for removal of the old stem and installation of the replacement can be obtained by calling the number above or online with the help of our Stiffy Recall Email address.

Profile Design, LLC, 2677 El Presidio Street, Long Beach, CA 90810
Phone: (888) 800-5999 ext. 161 Fax: (310) 747-0085
Stiffy Recall Email: stiffy-recall@profile-design.com