Today’s mountain biker has firmly carved out several distinct riding styles – Downhill, Enduro, Cross Country, Dirt, and of course racing or just riding. So many different styles, speeds and conditions require dedicated components.
With the new alloy Tharsis 9.8, Di2-compatible carbon bar and alloy stem Tharsis Trail, and Koryak alloy components, co-created with Dan, Gee and Rachel Atherton and team mate Martin Maes, PRO now offers distinct group sets to accommodate many different off-road riding styles.
MTB highlights for 2016 include:
- New Tharsis 9.8 graphics
- New Tharsis Trail stem and bar groupset
- New Koryak stem, bar and seatpost groupset
- A whole host of additional workshop items and accessories
Tharsis 9.8 – Made for downhill riders
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.
2016’s update introduces new artwork for PRO’s 9.8 saddles, stems, bars and seat posts. The alloy components are designed 110% above the recommended safety requirements, allowing you to put complete trust in your PRO Tharsis 9.8 when you’re hurtling downhill.
Tharsis Trail – made for all-mountain/enduro riders
Following on from last year’s introduction of its Tharsis XC groupset, PRO expands its MTB coverage even 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.
GT Atherton’s Martin Maes was fully involved throughout the development process. “During the development phase I pushed as hard as I could with every component to completely test them to their limits and feedback the best information possible. The end result is that I can’t ask for anything better to race with!”
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 for deft control on technical trails. Both the Di2 and regular bars can be cut down as far as 720mm for a narrower racing preference.
To accommodate a neat 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.
PRO Koryak – satisfying price, performance and durability in equal measure
The new alloy stems, bars and seatposts from Koryak come from the same DNA as the Tharsis range but where the Tharsis range has been co-created with the world’s best XC and enduro riders, Koryak benefits from these technology developments with a design intended for cross country and trail racers and riders.
Koryak seatposts employ a one bolt clamping system for easy assembly, easy adjustment and rail-friendly clamping for all types of saddles, including oversized clamps to accommodate wider rails (available separately).
Flat or low-riser alloy bars are available as a 720mm bar, whilst the riser bar is a longer 760mm. All bars are 31.8mm in diameter with a 9 degree backsweep.
Starting at a weight of just 110 grams, seven Koryak aluminium stems are new for 2016. All stems are designed for 31.8mm bars and range in length from 40mm to 100mm. The three stems from 40-60mm have a 0 degree angle for trail riders, whilst the four stems from 70-100mm accommodate a 6 degree +/- angle for cross country riders.
Workshop Range
Additional items topping out the PRO range for 2016 include workshop tools (disc brake spacer, cable cutting tool, cleaning brushes, hacksaw and post clamp), chain tension device, CO2 catridges, mini pump, floor pump, saddle bags and seat post clamps.
More Info
Visit www.pro-bikegear.com for all the 2016 product information.
