The brand has discovered certain batches of stems 'can develop cracks in particular conditions'
(Image credit: Shimano)
Shimano Europe (owner of the Pro brand) has issued a recall for certain batches of its Pro Vibe alloy stems.
Shimano has issued a stop-riding and recall notice on all alloy Pro Vibe stems that have been sold since May 2020. After discovering certain batches can develop cracks in particular conditions. The stem models affected by the recall can be identified by the silver 'V' branding on the faceplate and the forward-facing mounting bolts. Carbon stems are not affected.
Shimano says that corrosion can lead to cracks forming in the clamping area of the fork steerer tube, and if a crack is not detected in time it could grow until the complete separation of the stem occurs. Posing the risk of injury to the user in a fall or crash.
Corrosion can lead to cracks in the highlighted area of the stem (Image credit: Shimano Europe)
Shimano has outlined the identification procedure for users to see if their stem is included in the recall. It is as follows:
Step 1: Was the stem purchased in or after May 2020? No: The stem is not affected Yes: Proceed to step 2
Step 2: Does the stem have an AL7075 marking on the underside? No: The stem is affected, please contact your PRO distributor for a replacement or refund Yes: Go to step 3a
Step 3a: Remove the handlebar and proceed to step 3b
Step 3b: Does the stem have one of the following codes on the left-hand side (FF, FI, FC, FG, FA, EF, EK, EE, ED, EH)? No: The stem is not affected, and you can continue to use it Yes: The stem is affected, please contact your PRO distributor for a replacement or refund
*The affected stem forging codes will be on the left-hand handlebar clamping area as shown in the below image.
If you are or think you are in possession of an affected stem. Shimano requests you stop using it and contact the original retailer to organise a return. Dealers have been authorised to provide a replacement stem or refund for the recalled product.
Shimano also said, "We sincerely apologize for failing to live up to these standards and for any inconvenience caused by the PRO Vibe Stem (Alloy) recall."
For contact details and additional information you can visit the pro website: www.pro-bikegear.com/global/news/recall-notice-vibe-stem
The steps to follow should you think your stem is included in the recall (Image credit: Shimano Europe)
All of the affected stem models (Image credit: Shimano Europe)
We covered another cockpit-related recall in early January when Salsa announced a recall for four pairs of handlebars due to a failure risk. The affected handlebars were the carbon cow-chipper, cowbell, Whisky No.9 12F, and Whisky No.9 24F handlebars which Salsa said
"After receiving reports of some of these handlebars cracking/fracturing where the brake/shift levers are installed, we entered into a Voluntary Recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada."
Riders can find the affected product model name on the handlebars and receive free installation of a replacement carbon handlebar.
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Stem or handlebar issues and recalls are always taken seriously as any front-end failure can be catastrophic on the bike.
Canyon issued a similar stop-ride notice for three Aeroad models after Mathieu Van der Poel's handlebars snapped at the Le Samyn race in 2021. Professional teams were asked to use older versions of the Aeroad model and consumers were asked to stop using their bikes until further notice. After the CP0018 and adjustable 'pro' CP0015 cockpit were found to be at risk from a manufacturing fault. After a period of time, Canyon rolled out an updated handlebar to remedy the issue.
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
