Bicycle Handlebar Stem Assemblies Recalled by Murray Ohio

Description

Bicycle Handlebar Stem Assemblies Recalled by Murray Ohio NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 1983 Release # 84-039 Replacenent Program Announced For Murray Ohio Bicycle Handlebars Stem Assemblies Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission the Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company of Brentwood, Tennessee, today announces a voluntary replacement program involving bicycle handlebar stem assemblies on approximately 62,300 BMX bicycles manufactured from August, 1982 through May 1983, The situation involves a random stem weld problem which may permit the stems on the affected units to separate from the handlebars allowing the handlebars to fall off the bicycle. Murray Ohio and the Commission have been informed of approximately 48 incidents where handlebars have reportedly become loose or separated from the bicycle. There have been 17 reports of injuries to the rider due to falls possibly associated with the problem stems. This announcement is being issued in conjunction with Murray Ohio's replacement program undertaken during the past twelve months involving several major retail outlets which reported problems of handlebar separation to Murray Ohio. To date over 12,000 stems have been replaced. The purpose of this announcement is to information consumers who may not already have had their bicycles repaired as to how they may obtain service or replacement parts. Murray Ohio's policy is to replace, free of charge all affected block stems, The following BMX bicycle models are involved in the replacement program: 3-5330x21 3-5330x25 3-5330x38 3-5330x47 3-5330x52 3-5330x63 3-5332x25 3-5622X21 3-5337x52 3-5532x6 3-5430x27 3-5430x30 3-5432x47 3-5432x6 3-5432 3-5532 3-5430 3-5537 3-5337 Murray Ohio's engineering analysis indicates that the problem handlebar stems may cause some looseness in the handlebars, usually early in the bicycle's use, prior to separating from the bicycle. However, there have been a few reports where the stem has separated causing the handlebars to fall off without warning. Murray Ohio redesigned the handlebar stem assemble beginning in May, 1983, to eliminate the problem. The Company has also notified its service centers to replace or repair pillow block stems on all BMX bicycles involved which have been brought in for any service or repair. Consumers who have purchased these bicycles may identify their unit by the model number stamped into the metal on the left or right side of the front of the frame. Dates of production can be verified from the identification decal above the pedal crank. Dates on the decal would be 08-82 through 12-82 and 01 through 05-83. Customers having one of these bicycles, who have not already had them repaired, should contact the nearest Murray Ohio Service Center as listed in the Yellow Pages or in the literature received with the unit. A replacement stem will be installed free of charge by the Service Center. For customers having questions, Murray Ohio can be reached on the following Toll Free number: 1-800-251-9991. Additional information may also be obtained by calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Toll Free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.