Tharsis 9.8 Saddle

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"The carbon reinforced nylon base is what makes this saddle perform consistently across a long stage. There is no flex-induced positional shift when you are grinding up a long climb or sprinting between transitions, and the Shox layer takes the edge off the repeated impacts on technical descents without making the saddle feel mushy or unpredictable under power."

An enduro saddle occupies a uniquely demanding position in the component hierarchy. It needs to be stable and efficient enough for extended climbing efforts, durable enough to survive the physical abuse of repeated high-speed descents and the inevitable tip-overs and rock strikes that come with progressive riding, and comfortable enough that it is not the thing costing the rider energy over a multi-stage event. The PRO Tharsis 9.8 Saddle is designed to satisfy all three demands without compromising any one of them for the others.

The foundation is a carbon reinforced nylon base, which provides the platform stiffness required to convert seated power efficiently during climbs and transfers while resisting the flex that would otherwise introduce positional instability under variable loading. Shox Technology is integrated into the construction between the base and the EVA padding layer, functioning as an active damping system that attenuates trail vibration and impact energy before it reaches the rider. The practical effect over a long enduro stage or all-mountain ride is a measurable reduction in accumulated fatigue at the contact point, without the dead, unpredictable feel that an overly soft saddle produces under hard pedaling efforts.

The 130 x 260mm competition profile is shaped for an aggressive, forward-weighted riding position, keeping the rider's pelvis correctly placed for both climbing efficiency and descending control. Kevlar reinforcements at the nose and tail address the two points most vulnerable to wear and impact damage in enduro use, extending the functional lifespan of the saddle through the kind of abuse that degrades lesser constructions quickly. The microfiber cover provides a durable, grippy surface that resists tearing and weather degradation, and the SUS316-Ti stainless steel rails deliver the strength and corrosion resistance required for a saddle that will see mud, rain, and repeated mechanical stress across seasons of hard use.