Variable seatposts on test: Pro Tharsis DSP - lightweight all-round seatpost

Pro does not explicitly specify the Tharsis as an XC post, but also as a lightweight option for All Mountain and Enduro. In addition to the 100 millimetre version, there are two other models with 160 or 200 millimetre travel. What they all have in common are the titanium bolts fitted as standard. In addition to the seat post, the Tharsis DSP packaging only contains a short instruction manual. If you also order one of the handlebar levers, you will also receive the rest of the mounting material such as the outer cover and inner cable.

Fitting the Pro Tharsis DSP telescopic support

The instructions supplied are not very suitable for initial installation, especially if the outer casing also has to be re-installed. The font is small, like a medicine leaflet. In addition, not all the necessary steps are described in detail.

Anyone who is otherwise familiar with the installation of telescopic stabilisers will have no problems with the Pro. Once the cable is in the frame, all you have to do is hook it into the post, feed it through the outer casing and clamp it on the lever. So easy.

The small grub screw on the lever is not up to date, and the workmanship of the lever itself is of poor quality. Unfortunately, there is no guide for the protruding cable. Positioning it on the handlebars is also not easy. Assembling the clamp and remote is tricky, and the lateral guide bumps against the clamp on some brake models.

How does the telescopic support get onto the bike? It's actually quite simple. With our step-by-step guide the installation of the lowerable seat post is no problem.

Usability & function

The paddle of the Pro-Remote is huge, and the operating forces are correspondingly low. You almost only have to rest your thumb on the lever to set it in motion. Unfortunately, the feel when operating is spongy and not very defined, and the lever travel is also very long. Intermediate positions are difficult to find with this setup. Even with correctly adjusted preload, the thumb lever wobbles slightly.

The Pro Tharsis DSP glides through the stroke with little back pressure and quite smoothly. However, it takes its time when extending. Not ideal for an XC dropper post, especially as the speed cannot be subsequently adjusted. Also noticeable: there is almost no bump noise when the post reaches the top. This means that you are often unsure whether the post is fully extended again. Lightweight race bikes can be lifted by the saddle with the Tharsis without the post extending, but the post can be pulled out completely when pulling faster.

Price & Info - Pro Tharsis DSP telescopic post

• Price: 339.95 / 59.95 Euro (support / remote) >> available here
• Weight¹: 407 / 550 g (support / ready to ride)
• Stroke: 100 mm
• Diameter: 27.2 / 30.9 / 31.6 mm (tested)
• Length / insertion depth¹: 401 / 116 - 251 mm
• Stack height¹: 47 mm
• Scope of delivery: Support; operating instructions; remote separately
• Special features: quite light; lever looks cheap

Conclusion & evaluation

The Pro Tharsis DSP is a relatively lightweight dropper post that doesn't really stand out in any other respect. The lever with the large paddle is extremely easy to squeeze but very undefined and doesn't look very high-quality. It is also difficult to position optimally. Although the seatpost glides smoothly and with little pressure through the stroke, it only extends slowly and with a barely perceptible stop - not ideal for racing. Only one length available, which is suitable for racers.

¹BIKE measured values. Weight: telescopic seat post / ready to ride: seat post, remote, 1.5 m outer shell, cable pull ²The BIKE grade is independent of price. The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5.