New PRO components for DH and cross country riders
Tharsis 9.8 is designed for those riders who can’t resist the urge to head downhill in the most direct route possible.
Shimano’s component arm PRO was busy at Eurobike, showing off a host of new gear for both downhill and cross country racers and riders. Highlights of the 2016 line include new Tharsis 9.8 graphics, a new Tharsis Trail stem and bar groupset, and a new Koryak stem, bar and seatpost groupset, plus a host of additional workshop items and accessories. These new pieces were designed in part with input from downhill racing stars Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton and GT Atherton Racing Team teammate Martin Maes. Here’s a rundown of key highlights.
Tharsis 9.8 for DH
Named after the force of gravity (9.806 m/s2) it’s no surprise that Tharsis 9.8 is designed for those riders who can’t resist the urge to head downhill in the most direct route possible. With current and former world champions on the development team the Tharsis 9.8 graphics take on a fresh, race-orientated look that grace the downhill bikes of Gee and Rachel Atherton. The update introduces new artwork for PRO’s 9.8 saddles, stems, bars and seat posts. The alloy components are designed above the recommended safety requirements.
To accommodate Di2 cable set up, the Tharsis Trail stem works in conjunction with the bars to carry internal cables to the Di2 battery in the fork steerer.
Tharsis Trail for Enduro
Following last year’s introduction of its Tharsis XC groupset, PRO expands its MTB offerings further with the introduction of its Tharsis Trail carbon handlebars and alloy stems, designed specifically for the all-mountain and trail rider in conjunction with GT Factory Racing´s Martin Maes. There will be two carbon bars available; one regular and one specifically designed to be integrated with Shimano’s Di2 system. Designed in the Tharsis ‘house style’ of matte black with gloss decals, the 214g bars are 800mm in width with a 20 degree rise. Both the Di2 and regular bars can be cut down as far as 720mm for a narrower racing preference.
To accommodate Di2 cable set up, the Tharsis Trail stem works in conjunction with the bars to carry internal cables to the Di2 battery in the fork steerer. This does away with the traditional star nut set up and uses an external locking mechanism to keep the headset tight. Two internal fork steerer battery holders are available with the stem, either a stiffer alloy holder or lighter rubber holder. The front clamp on the Tharsis Trail stem is now wider, stiffening the controls to better accommodate the forces applied by wider handlebars and aggressive riders. Finally, the headset adjuster tool comes as a workshop item with a new 32mm hex fitting or a stronger pocket-sized version for on-trail fixes. The Tharsis Trail stem is available in four lengths (35, 45, 55 and 65mm) with a 0 degree angle.
Continue to page 2 for more 2016 PRO component highlights »
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