04 June 2025
When we set out to design the ultimate Enduro cockpit, we knew it needed to enable riders to tackle the most technical trails, at speed, with complete confidence. This meant that it had to be stiff, but offer a measure of vibration-absorbing compliance too. Plus, it needed to showcase the neat integration of the new SHIMANO XTR M9200 groupset while still allowing for micro-adjustments and personalization. We believe we have achieved all that and more in the creation of the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar and Stem.
After a thorough research and development phase, which included benchmark tests and PRO Community Rider input, the PRO Tharsis EVO project was conceived with four primary aims. The first two were performance goals, namely to produce an Enduro and aggressive trail riding handlebar and stem that balance stiffness and compliance. Stiffness is vital to gravity riders, as it allows them to steer with absolute accuracy. Compliance, on the other hand, reduces the fatigue in their hands and forearms by absorbing vibrations and reducing trail buzz.
The next two goals were as important because they allowed us to showcase the form and functionality of the new SHIMANO XTR shifters and brakes, while maintaining the ability to not only personalize one’s bike fit through stem length, but also through micro adjustments of the handlebars. Together, these four goals provided the guiding principles for the design process. We believe that the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar and PRO Tharsis Stem will therefore not only inspire you to push your Enduro bike harder, but also to create a cockpit that is clean, beautiful, and superbly functional.
Mountain bike handlebars have increasingly moved to 35-millimeter clamping diameters in recent years. This, in and of itself, increases the stiffness of the bars. Stiffness on its own, though it allows for precise steering, can increase fatigue, especially in the hands and forearms. Thus, a balance must be struck between stiffness and compliance. Rider feedback has revealed that vertical and horizontal displacement should increase as the impacts intensify to aid the bike’s suspension in absorbing bigger hits.
The PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar provides benchmark challenging vertical and horizontal displacements at 500 Newton loads. This displacement increases progressively at 1000 Newton loads, providing increased compliance in a comparable way to how mountain bike shocks absorb more travel for greater impacts.
The long-awaited wireless SHIMANO XTR shifters and rear derailleur, as well as the redesigned SHIMANO XTR brakes, were launched alongside the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar and PRO Tharsis Stem. The wireless shifters are obviously seamlessly integrated, but the PRO product development team worked to ensure that the hydraulic brake hoses, or a hydraulic brake hose and the dropper seatpost cable, can be internally routed. The smooth running of hydraulic brake hoses through the handlebar, into the stem, and into the headset required careful planning. We needed to allow the space for the hoses to bend gradually to not affect braking performance, and also for them to transition smoothly into the bike’s frame, as not to affect cornering by catching or blocking the natural rotation of the headset. We achieved this by advancing on what the PRO road product team learnt from the development of the PRO Vibe EVO integrated road handlebar.
The custom Propain Tyee 6 CF Enduro mountain bikes showcase the neat integration of the groupset as well as the aggressive lines of the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar and PRO Tharsis Stem. It is these sharp aesthetics that will undoubtedly catch the eye of mountain bikers, inspiring you to equip your bike with the cockpit and evoking envy in your riding partners.
Not only does the separate handlebar and stem allow you to choose from three PRO Tharsis EVO Stem lengths – be it 35-, 40-, or 50-millimeters – to best facilitate your bike fit, the backsweep and upsweep of the handlebar also allows for micro-adjustments. Once you have established the basics of the perfect fit with the correct stem, you can then further dial it in by rotating the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar. Thanks to the 8 degree backsweep and 4 degree upsweep, even rolling the bar forward by a single degree will raise the grips slightly. Conversely, to drop your hand position, you can roll the bar backward. This small-scale adjustability, combined with the choice between 20- and 30-millimetre rise options, allows you to find your perfect position on the bike and is only possible with two-piece handlebars and stems.
Micro adjustments are not usually necessary in cross-country or marathon racing. Even on the most technical modern XCO track, if you are comfortable, you will probably be efficient and have the control you need to conquer any feature you face. In Enduro racing, where you often ride trails blind, without having seen them before your race run, the smallest changes in your set-up can give you more control and therefore make you faster. While the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar looks like a one-piece bar and stem, it still offers the micro-adjustability of a conventional cockpit, thus blending the best of both worlds. Just rolling it forward a couple of degrees allows the backsweep to raise your hand position a few millimeters, which can make all the difference.
Along with the PRO Tharsis EVO Handlebar and PRO Tharsis Stem, the Propain Tyee 6 CFs also featured the redesigned PRO Stealth Offroad Performance Saddle, PRO’s Dual Lock Sport Grips, and the Tharsis 160 Dropper Seatpost. SHIMANO XTR M9200 groupset provided the shifting and stopping power, while the bikes rolled on SHIMANO XTR carbon wheels.