Salsa Bicycles is recalling about 8,600 bicycles because the handlebar stems can crack or break, posing a serious fall and injury hazard to riders. According to this news report in Consumeraffairs.com, Salsa Bicycles has apparently received three reports of handlebar stems breaking. One such incident ended up with a rider breaking his wrist.

The recall involves all CroMoto S.U.L. stems sold as individual aftermarket units as well as several models of complete Salsa bicycles: Ala Carte, El Mariachi, Casseroll Triple, Casseroll Single and La Cruz. The aftermarket bicycle stems are black and have the word “Salsa” painted on the extension. The recalled products, manufactured in Taiwan, were sold by specialty bicycle retailers nationwide from November 2007 through December 2008. They were sold for between $60 and $65.

Those who own these defective bicycle products are asked to stop using them immediately and contact an authorized Salsa Bicycles dealer for a free inspection and replacement stem. If you would like to find out more about this product recall, please contact Salsa Bicycles at 1-877-774-6208.

This is apparently not the first product recall for Salsa Bicycles in recent years. In 2004, the company recalled hundreds of bicycles because of a defective steering tube that could crack or break causing a sudden loss of steering control and posing a fall hazard to bicyclists, according to a safety alert issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

I’m relieved that Salsa Bicycles recalled their defective products that have thankfully not yet caused any serious injuries although they have the potential to do so. A majority of bicycle accidents that we deal with are caused by motorist negligence, bicyclists’ error or dangerous roadway conditions. But a number of accidents also occur because of defective bicycles or bicycle parts. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of a defective product, please contact a reputed Southern California product defect attorney, who will help you explore your legal rights and options.