Shimano Europe B.V. (“Shimano”), owner of the PRO brand, is recalling certain batches of the PRO Vibe Stem (Alloy).

Following the discovery that certain batches can develop cracks in particular conditions, Shimano is issuing a stop riding and recall notice on all PRO Vibe Stems (Alloy) sold since May 2020. The products affected by the recall can be identified by the prominent silver ‘V’ branding on the faceplate of the stem and the forward-facing mounting bolts.

The affected products are:

• PRSS0440 Vibe stem SB black                 80mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle                  

• PRSS0441 Vibe stem SB black                 90mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0442 Vibe stem SB black                 100mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0443 Vibe stem SB black                 110mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0444 Vibe stem SB black                 120mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0445 Vibe stem SB black                 130mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0461 Vibe stem SB black                 90mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0462 Vibe stem SB black                 100mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0463 Vibe stem SB black                 110mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0464 Vibe stem SB black                 120mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0465 Vibe stem SB black                 130mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0450 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      80mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0451 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      90mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0452 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      100mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0453 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      110mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0454 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      120mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0455 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      130mm / 31.8mm / -10 angle

• PRSS0471 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      90mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0472 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      100mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0473 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      110mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0474 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      120mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

• PRSS0475 Vibe stem 1 1/4 SB black      130mm / 31.8mm / -17 angle

Corrosion can lead to cracks forming in the clamping area of the fork steerer tube (as highlighted in Figure 1).

Figure 1: Cracking can occur in the clamping area of the fork steerer tube.

If the crack is not detected by the user in time, it could grow until complete separation of the stem. If this happens while riding, the user could lose control of the bicycle and fall, posing a risk of injury to the user in a crash.

Cyclists who purchased a PRO Vibe (Alloy) stem should stop riding their bike and follow the procedure below to identify if their stem is affected by this recall.

Figure 2: Procedure of checking if a stem is affected.

Step 1: Was the stem purchased in or after May 2020?

No: The stem is not affected, and you can continue to use it

Yes: Proceed to step 2

Step 2: Does the stem have AL7075 marking on the underside?

No: The stem is affected, please contact your dealer for a replacement or refund

Yes: Proceed 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 dealer for a replacement or refund

If you are in possession of an affected stem, stop using it. Please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product originally. Return the affected product. Dealers have been authorized to provide a replacement stem (depending on availability) or offer a refund for the recalled product.

For contact details and further information, please visit the PRO website:

https://www.pro-bikegear.com/global/news/recall-notice-vibe-stem

Shimano would like to reiterate the company’s commitment to rider safety and dedication to producing industry leading products. We sincerely apologize for failing to live up to these standards and for any inconvenience caused by the PRO Vibe Stem (Alloy) recall.

(Please note that no other PRO stems, including the Vibe Carbon Stem, are affected by this recall).

For images included in the above release, please visit: