Cannondale announces voluntary recall of OPI cross-country stems

Cannondale has issued a voluntary recall of the OPI stems on its cross-country line of equipment, a feature such mountain bikes have used since model year 2011.

During routine testing, Cannondale noticed a possible safety issue with the stem and steering tube assemblies used in some of their mountain bikes. Though no accidents or injuries were reported as a result of the apparent defect, the company saw fit to notify the pertinent regulatory authorities and publicize the issue. It’s a decision, they said, that’s in the best interest of Cannodale customers.

The problem, the company said, is that the connection between the base of the OPI stem and the top of the steering tube results in a reduced fatigue life, a problem that could lead to the failure of the fork itself — an obviously dangerous prospect, loaded with the risk of serious accident or injury. The remedy, annondale said, is to affix a special wedge kit that reinforces the threaded connection between the OPI stem and the steering tube, locking it more effectively. As a result of this fix, fatigue life is restored.

To confirm that your stem is one of the OPI stems subject to this voluntary recall, Cannondale advises to check for the words “OPI,” which are printed at the top of the affected components. If confirmed to be one of the faulty stems, stop riding immediately and take the bike to the nearest Cannondale dealer for a replacement — something the company is offering at no charge. To speed up the process, call ahead and make an appointment.

“We know that it might be a hassle to have your bike off the trails to do this,” said Bill Rudell, Cannondale’s public relations manager, “but yours safety is important to us.”

A photo of the wedge component used to correct the issue was provided by Cannondale, and is pictured below: