On Tuesday March 23, 2010, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with 3T announced a voluntary recall of all VENTUS LTD, Ventus LTD 17, VENTUS LTD Gold, VENTUS LTD Track, VENTUS TEAM and VENTUS TEAM 17 bicycle aerobars.

3T advises riders to stop using the bars immediately until a grip retrofit is completed.

3T’s US distributor, BikeMine, is offering a redesigned grip, which is fitted with adhesive to remedy the problem. The fix is free and can be carried out by owners or local 3T dealers.

The recalled aero handlebars were sold in one size and color for each model: Black with red stripe for the Team and black with silver stripe for the Ltd. The “VENTUS” and “3T” logos are on the topside of the bar with the model name.

The two rubber grips on the bars’ ends can loosen or slip off during use in humid, wet or salty conditions, posing a potential hazard to the rider. Two incidents were reported to 3T involving adults with minor abrasions.

The recalled handlebars were sold at independent bicycle retailers and Internet retailers nationwide from January 2008 through November 2009. The LTD model sold for US$1,200 and the TEAM model for $1,000.

Further information can be found on 3T’s website, or by calling BikeMine’s toll-free Ventus recall hotline at 877-861-9125.

The full CPSC recall can be found here.