Syntace USA, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced a voluntary recall of about 2,300 F99 (Force 99) Bicycle Handlebar Stems. The recalled bicycle stems can crack or break under normal conditions, causing the rider to fall and suffer serious injury. No incidents or injuries have been reported. The stems were sold at bicycle dealers, mail order magazines and on the Internet from May 2003 through July 2005 for about $90.
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.
Consumers have been advised to stop using bicycles equipped with the recalled handlebar stem immediately and contact Syntace for instructions to receive a free replacement stem and installation.