Bicycles with Defective Stems Recalled

Cannondale Corporation is recalling 1,300 bicycles with defective stems, after reports that the stem can break away and cause serious injury to riders. The Bethel, Conn.-based company is conducting the recall in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The stem of a bicycle connects the handlebars to the steerer tube of the bicycle fork. Cannondale has received four reports of stems breaking, including one that resulted in injury. The stems were sold on bicycles from March 2001 through July 2002 from between $3,400 and $5,000. They were manufactured in Italy by 3T and distributed by parent company Gruppo, SPA.

The recalled stems are black and have the model name 3T ZEPP XL printed in white on the body of the stem. The CPSC cautions consumers to stop riding the bicycles immediately and contact a Cannondale retailer for a free repair. You can contact Cannondale at (800) BIKEUSA or visit www.cannondale.com to find the closest store.

AUTHOR: Annette Hulbert