Whisky and Salsa issue stop-ride notices for carbon handlebars

A potential crash hazard, consumers are urged to stop using these handlebars immediately

Whisky Parts handlebars
(Image credit: Whisky Parts Co)

American distributor Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) and its brands, Whisky Parts Co. and Salsa Cycles, have issued a safety recall for various carbon handlebar models after users reported cracks or fractures.

These failures occurred at the spot where the brake and shift levers are installed, and pose a potential crash hazard. 

The voluntary recall, done in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, concerns the Whisky’s No.9 12F and No.9  24F carbon drop bars as well as Salsa Cycles’ popular Cowchipper and Cowbell carbon handlebars.

While Whisky's handlebars are an aftermarket product, the carbon Cowchipper and carbon Cowbell gravel handlebars were found on select Salsa all-road and gravel bikes, including the Salsa Cutthroat, Warbird and Warroad bicycles that were sold with carbon components between 2018 and 2022.

If you own  any of these four handlebar models, the brands urge you to “stop using these handlebars immediately" and take your bike to a Whisky Parts Co. or Salsa Cycles retailer for a free installation of a replacement carbon handlebar or an alternative aluminum handlebar.

Even if, upon inspection, your handlebars appear to be in good condition, the brands are asking all customers to participate in the recall by obtaining a free replacement.

For more information, call (800) 346-3340 or email recall@qbp.com.

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Anne-Marije Rook
North American Editor

Cycling Weekly's North American Editor, Anne-Marije Rook is old school. She holds a degree in journalism and started out as a newspaper reporter — in print! She can even be seen bringing a pen and notepad to the press conference.

Originally from The Netherlands, she grew up a bike commuter and didn't find bike racing until her early twenties when living in Seattle, Washington. Strengthened by the many miles spent darting around Seattle's hilly streets on a steel single speed, Rook's progression in the sport was a quick one. As she competed at the elite level, her journalism career followed, and soon she became a full-time cycling journalist. She's now been a cycling journalist for 11 years.