Last week was a busy one for Shimano, with numerous major product launches on the same day. From the long-awaited XTR Di2 to the dynamo-powered Q/AUTO system and updated XTR pedals and special edition XTR shoes, there were plenty of fresh goodies to report on. One product announcement that didn’t get quite as much attention was the new Tharsis EVO Handlebar and Stem combo from PRO, Shimano’s cockpit component brand.
Borrowing some design cues from PRO’s Vibe Aero road components, this enduro-oriented cockpit was “developed to allow for the perfect bike fit and to showcase the full functionality of Shimano’s new XTR M9200 D12 wireless groupset,” according to PRO. Designed specifically to work together as a system, the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar and Stem seek to provide the integration and internal routing of a one-piece cockpit with the fit adjustability afforded by a two-piece system.
Since handlebars are very important in terms of handling and comfort, PRO states the “Tharsis EVO Handlebar combines rigidity for precise and confidence-inspiring steering with enough compliance to reduce trail buzz and thereby also decrease fatigue.” Marketing buzzwords aside, this two-piece cockpit looks like an interesting new option for enduro or aggressive trail riders.
PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar
The Tharsis EVO Handlebar has some unique design features that set it apart from most other bars on the market. To start, it is designed specifically to be used with the Tharsis EVO Stem. The carbon handlebar has a 35 mm clamp diameter and a recessed clamp zone where the stem nests for a smoother interface and clean aesthetics. While the majority of the bar’s shape looks relatively standard, the bottom of the bar has a flattened shape that appears to line up nicely with the bottom of the stem.
For folks riding bikes with through-headset cable routing, the Tharsis EVO Handlebar also has internal routing ports for the rear brake line and a dropper post cable which exit through the bottom-center of the bar, passing through a cutout on the underside of the stem. This should allow for and incredibly clean and mostly cable-free cockpit if that’s your thing. Those without through-headset routing can simply route their cables as normal.
Made for enduro and aggressive trail riding, the Tharsis EVO Handlebar is crafted from T800 carbon fiber, which PRO states, “exceeds the expectations of the most demanding Enduro riders, in terms of stiffness and trail buzz mitigation, without sacrificing on weight or durability.” Balancing the opposing performance characteristics of stiffness and compliance is a challenge, of course, but PRO claims to have found that ideal middle ground.
The Tharsis EVO Handlebar comes in a 780 mm width only, your choice of 20 mm or 30 mm rise, and has 8 degrees of backsweep and 4 degrees of upsweep. While “integrated” with the stem, the two-piece design allows riders to adjust the bar roll to optimize the fit and comfort to their exact preferences. Riders can also customize the appearance of the handlebars with a colored decal kit. The matte black handlebar comes with subtle gloss black logos, but riders can order the five-color decal kit to add some flair in orange, purple, blue, grey, or sand.
PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar Specs
- Construction: T800 Carbon
- Width: 780mm
- Diameter: 35mm
- Rise: 20mm (PRHA0660) and 30mm (PRHA0661)
- Backsweep: 8 degrees
- Upsweep: 4 degrees
- Weight: from 210g
- MSRP: €239.95 EUR, £199.99 GBP
PRO Tharsis EVO Stem
The new Tharsis EVO Stem is a two-piece affair that is made of 7000-Series alloy. As mentioned previously, it was designed to work as a system with the Tharsis EVO Handlebar. The clamp width and overall shape of the stem were designed to fit perfectly within the recessed clamp area of the handlebar for a streamlined look. A cutout on the lower portion of the stem allows for cables routed internally through the bar to pass through to the headset. With 35 mm, 40 mm, and 50 mm lengths, riders can optimize reach and bike fit to suit their needs. The Tharsis EVO Stem comes in black or silver.
PRO Tharsis EVO Stem Specs
- Construction: 7000 Series Alloy
- Clamping diameter: 35mm
- Angle: 0 Degrees
- Lengths: 35mm (PRSS0675), 40mm (PRSS0676), and 50mm (PRSS0677)
- Weight: from 150g
- MSRP: €149.95 EUR, £139.99 GBP
PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar and Stem: Availability
The new Tharsis EVO cockpit components were officially launched on June 4th and are available now. Check out the dealer locator on the PRO website to find a dealer near you or to learn more about the new Tharsis EVO Handlebar and Stem combo.
