Eurobike Mtbr

Shimano's handlebar, stem and seatpost sub-brand PRO used the Eurobike world stage to introduce Tharsis XC, a new group of cockpit parts designed to cleanly hide and route the wiring and batteries of their XTR Di2 electronic component group. The parts can be used with mechanical components as well, but have special grooves and routing ports to accommodate the wiring, or E-Tubes, of Di2.

Eurobike PRO Tharsis XC Stem

Stem with no star nut

Perhaps the most interesting piece in the collection is the Tharsis XC stem which not only has wire routing ports but a headset adjustment system that eschews the traditional star nut/top cap system in favor of a threaded spacer on the underside of the stem that applies pressure to the stack. Shimano opted for this setup in order to free-up the inside of the steerer tube for potential Di2 battery placement. The $149 stem is made of 3D-forged aluminum and weighs 138 grams in its 100mm length. The stem will come in two angles and a multitude of lengths not yet announced.

Eurobike PRO Tharsis XC Bars

If you look closely you can see where the Di2 wiring enters the stem (bottom right).

Handlebars available in four options

Four handlebars are offered in the Tharsis XC collection including one-the Flat Top Di2 bar-made specifically for electronic shift wiring. Made from a mix of PRO's T700 and T800 unidirectional carbon, the bars have 9-degrees of back sweep and come in four configurations:
  • Flat bar - $200 / 700mm wide/ 133 grams
  • Flat Top bar - $200 / 720mm wide/ 5mm rise/ 160 grams
  • Flat Top Di2 bar - $219.99 / 720mm wide/ 5mm rise/ 162 grams
  • Riser bar - $200 / 740mm/ 15mm rise/ 173 grams

Seatpost can carry Di2 battery

The new $299, 199-gram Tharsis XC seatpost features a 1-bolt clamp design, T700 UD carbon fiber construction, and is Di2 compatible, with an internal battery holder. Offered in zero and 20-millimeter setback, and 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6 mm diameters, the post is compatible with 7x7 and 7x9 saddle rails. Side clamps for oversized 10.3mm carbon rails are available separately.

For more information visit shimano.com

This article is part of Mtbr's coverage of the 2014 Eurobike trade show in Freidrichschafen, Germany. For more from Eurobike CLICK HERE.