Review: TRP's New Trail EVO Brakes

Nov 5, 2021
by Henry Quinney  
photo

TRP is a brand on the move and, happily enough for them, it seems to be on a near-constant upward trajectory. Initially, I think there was a degree of skepticism around them. After all, Tektro, the entry-level brake manufacturing giant, make enough brakes that we've probably nearly all ridden a set at some point, but how would their racing division fare, and would they be sticking around for the long term?

From the outside, the design ethos at TRP seems quite easy to admire. Not much about their brakes scream "gram counting". For me, this is something like a blessed relief. I don't mind my brakes being heavier, or my rotors thicker. I understand why some people are concerned about the weight of them, or perhaps don't ride the technical terrain that warrants them, but I definitely don't put myself in that camp.
TRP Trail Evo Details

• 270ºC boiling point
• 307 g (80cm hose, with pads, no adaptor or hardware)
• 2.3 mm High-Flow caliper
• Hybrid composite caliper pistons
• New resin pads
• 5.0 mm hose
• 10 mm master cylinder piston
• $209.99 USD per wheel - rotors not included
www.trpcycling.com

This is where the new TRP Trail Evo brake comes in. Not only does it have an actual weight of 307g for a front brake including pads but excluding the rotor, which is heavier than both the Code RSC or the XT four pot, it also does that without some of the same features. I think if it were to include more adjustments we would see that weight increase further. I obviously don't actively want heavy brakes, but it's interesting to see where the Trail Evo's priorities lie. To further accentuate this point, the TRP R1 rotors that I've been using are 2.3mm thick - 0.5mm thicker than most rotors from Shimano or, until recently with their new 2.0mm options, SRAM.

The Trail Evo brakes are also priced very well. At just over $200 USD per end, it carries over the value that Tektro is known for into its high-end offerings.

photo
TRPs own clutter-free clamps that give a clean and refined look.

Technical Details

The Trail Evo sits between the DH-R Evo, which is their downhill brake, and the Slate Evo, which is intended for lighter trail biking and eMTBs. The Trail Evo also has a price between the two - $70 more than the Slates and $20 less than the DH-R Evo. All of these brakes all signify a wholesale commitment by TRP to thicker rotors, and all come recommended for use with the 2.3s.

The Trail Evo brake calipers hold four hybrid composite caliper pistons that aim to deal with the demands of heavier bikes and longer descents while being better at resisting heat build up. The lever comes with a choice of mounting options for I-Spec EV, SRAM Matchmaker, and TRP's own shifters. It also benefits from tool-less reach adjustment, although sadly not a contact point adjustment.

The Trail EVO has TRPs high-flow calipers and a 10mm master cylinder piston with new seals that supposedly require less breakaway force. It also makes use of 5mm external diameter hoses that claim to be stiffer. This should aid hydraulic pressure when the lever is forcing oil to the caliper. They also make use of an updated mineral oil recipe. The reformulated oil has a higher boiling point.

photo
The long lever blade meant that my controls were always too far away, even if you're using a dropper-actuator that has a lot of adjustment to offer.

Installation & Setup

The brakes came with a simple and effective pre-bled "EZ-Plug System". It's an idea that is very effective and essentially means that brakes were bled at the factory, then had their levers disconnected from their hoses and the plugged. You can install them easily at home, including sliding them through any internal routing before trimming down and reconnecting. I thought I would ride the bike before bleeding it and have found it to perform admirably and haven't reached for the bleed kit just yet. Should you need to do so, the method for bleeding TRPs is very simple - you just push the oil up through the system, which will flush any air out as you do so.

I really liked the simple hinged mechanism on the levers, and it does without the release-catch you will find on Shimano brakes. This approach makes for easier installation and removal. The MMX shifter compatibility did have me scratching my head a little, though. The adaptors sit inboard of the lever and those with small hands may well struggle. Even using the limited adjustment of my SRAM GX shifter, it wasn't ever really enough to move it to a suitably outward position. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it does require you to shift your hand on the grip slightly. This is exacerbated if you run your hands towards the outer edge of the grip. Either way, it didn't have much adjustability and this would soon begin to feel like a theme.

I dialed my levers into their most inward position. The place where my finger fell on the lever itself felt good, however, I did initially have concerns that there wasn't enough lever throw before engaging the rotor. The full adjustment of the reach, in my opinion, in no way represented a useable range. The most outward position was almost absurdly far away.

photo
Even in its closest position, the lever blade was just too far away for me.
photo
The bite point came early in the lever's stroke. Again, this was too far away

At its closest the distance between behind where your index finger would rest on the blade and the grip was 43.5mm. The bit point was measured at 27.5mm. The back of the lever when the reach adjustment was in its most extreme outward position was 69.5mm away from the grip. I feel like the brake would benefit if all these figures were reduced by around 20mm.

Performance

On the trail, the brakes are sublime in so many ways. However, that's not to say they don't have foibles.

Firstly, let's talk about power and pads.

I initially ran these brakes with TRP's new Performance Resin compound. They bedded in very quickly and the power was, in a word, remarkable. What struck me was not how quiet and effective the brakes were but also how little the power faded for an organic pad. There are some brands that have organic pads which I don't consider worth the backing plate they're bonded to, but that's not the case with the TRPs. In fact, even in a particularly wet autumn in Squamish they even lasted well too.

I had initially assumed the resin pad would wear quick enough that it would only be a week or two before I went for the harder metallic option. However, even after many wet and sodden rides there was material left. I decided to blink first and changed to the sintered option.

The sintered pad, much like the resin, seems to offer the performance you would hope for without the blind spot you may find with some brand's versions. Not only was the power as consistent as you would hope, but there was a distinct lack of glazing or vibrations, even after long, brake-heavy descents.

In the aforementioned points, these brakes truly excel and have left me very impressed. However, there are criticisms, too.

photo
A large 223mm rotor works well with a Rockshox Zeb and a TRP +23mm adaptor and delivers both consistency and power.

I think the supreme power of these brakes is let down by somewhat lackluster ergonomics. I have quite large hands, typically an XL or XXL in gloves, and I found that I could not get the lever to sit in a good range of control - it was simply too far away. I feel that I can modulate levers better when they're in a window that's closer to the bar than the TRP's could offer. The lever position, coupled with a brake that could be described as offering its full range of power in a short amount of lever stroke, meant that if ever I was getting bashed or pushed around on the bike, which can happen often, I could over-apply the brake and compromise myself.

There was also the issue of riding wet and slippery rock slabs in Pemberton. Truthfully, the ergonomic quirks of the brake did affect modulation when surface grip was limited.

I think it's a very good brake, and there will be some people that will happily trade some positioning options for all-out power, but I would struggle to say I'm one of them. I really like them, and it's not that they lack modulation, but rather a large amount of power on offer means that they work best with muted and small inputs from your hands. This is a strength in some ways, and staves off hand fatigue on long runs, but it has to be in a useable range and I don't feel as if the Trail Evo is able to offer that to me.

I tried various bleed tricks to bring the lever in, but their bite point would normally migrate outward and further away from the bar within half a run. I would still run them, and I think their power and consistency could quite possibly be class-leading in terms of power-per-dollar, especially when comparing against the industry giants of Shimano and SRAM, but I would love it if they could incorporate both power, consistency and better ergonomics. I feel like the lack of the latter undermines what would be a truly excellent braking package.


photo
I quite like the blacked-out look.

photo
I was always stretching for the shifter. Admittedly, I like to run my hands to the outer edge of the grip.



Pros

+ Very consistent lever feel
+ Huge amounts of power with a minimal exertion
+ Easy to install and bleed
+ Well priced

Cons

- Lack of bite point adjustment
- Shifter position could be better
- The reach adjustment doesn't put the lever in a useable range




Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesIf you want power, consistency, and an ethos that prioritizes performance over gram-counting then this is the brake for you. However, you will also need to make your peace with the lack of adjustment to the bite point and learn to live with the lever blade being relatively far away from the grip. If you can do that though, or at best get used to it, you'll have a very good set of brakes for enduro riding. I think TRP is on to something with the 2.3mm rotors and I wouldn't be surprised to see other brands follow suit in the coming years. Henry Quinney


Author Info:
henryquinney avatar

Member since Jun 3, 2014
319 articles

148 Comments
  • 105 14
 we have reached the point where $200 per brake is "reasonable" smh.
  • 27 42
flag Mr-Steven-Harper (Nov 5, 2021 at 8:10) (Below Threshold)
 If the price matches the performance $200 is pretty reasonable. Inflation aside there’s a lot more invest into bike technology now, than there was 20 years ago. Top end components will be more expensive, but eventually the technology trickles down.
  • 21 10
 no rotor...... like WTAF
  • 24 3
 @Mr-Steven-Harper: Doesn't mean I am not gonna bitch about it while I swipe my card. This day and age I don't see any technology trickling down to more "affordable" prices. Prices rise and keep rising.
  • 29 6
 @Mr-Steven-Harper: TVs are 1000x better now and are cheaper. Same with computers.
  • 5 0
 Literally said the same thing... Guess I'll be Flinstone-ing down the trail on my next bike!!
  • 13 6
 There is not really a point making cheaper aftermarket brakes these days. Twenty years ago I bought my first disc brake, Magura Julie for 120 euro. Nowadays most bikes come OEM with disc brakes. Whoever wants to upgrade is willing to pay more to satisfy specific demands. If you just need brakes and don't want to pay much, you buy the OEM stuff the aforementioned person is taking off the complete bike. Pretty pointless to develop something super cheap and try to compete with the (un)used OEM parts market. It is like developing an aftermarket variation on the SRAM SX drivetrain.
  • 10 1
 That’s literally less than hayes 9s cost 2 decades ago.
  • 13 25
flag mhoshal (Nov 5, 2021 at 9:08) (Below Threshold)
 @HB208: no they aren't. Sure maybe for a shitty PC or an offbrand TV that will just crap out on you in a year. Top brands still cost premium prices. You could also argue that you can get a Walmart bike for 1/10th the cost of a premium bike. So there is literally no difference and your argument falls flat.
  • 27 3
 @HB208: That is a really REALLY bad comparison. As someone who owns a manufacturing company those two products are so different it is like comparing apples to airplanes.

TVs and computers use shared componentry across multiple manufacturers. There are currently only 15 companies on the planet that produce LCD panels. That means 15 companies have managed to corner the market on an industry that produces 214 MILLION TVs every year, 1.5 BILLION phones and another 40 MILLION computer monitors. LCD panel (and OLED panel) production is incredibly scalable as they are a pressed product. Manufacturing brakes requires complex machining, post processing of parts and much lower production volumes.

A good comparison would be the cost of printing an entire novel on paper vs engraving the first page on a sheet of aluminum. You can use a printing press to stamp a page incredibly quickly - on the order of 0.5 seconds, while engraving would take several minutes per page. If bikers would be happy with rough cast heavy brake calipers with minor post-machining like you find on cheap car brakes, we would see a big drop in price. But nobody is putting rough cast brake calipers and levers on their bike.
  • 19 2
 @madmon: When is the last time you bought brakes. Rotors have not come with brakes in years
  • 1 0
 @cueTIP: Well actually, my brake calipers (Magura Louise 2007) are cast and indeed a bit rough.The whole point was to make Louise a cheaper alternative to Marta (whose 2009 calipers look nearly identical though they're forged and much smoother).
  • 6 2
 @madmon: Rotor size and manufacturers are a personal choice. Why pay for and be stuck with something you're going to upgrade anyway *cough Galfer *cough cough*
  • 3 0
 @vinay: couldn't disagree more. Most of the aftermarket stuff I buy is in the lower to mid range where performance is nearly as good as the top stuff (mostly) but there is normally a weight penalty.
  • 1 0
 @mr-moose: Yeah, it is perfectly fine to buy that but isn't that stuff readily available in the used market too? Personally I'm happy using the very old brakes I already have and even for those I can get spares. Recently one of my 2006 Magura Louise masters started sucking air in and I replaced it with a 2009 Magura Marta master. Should be good for another couple of years.
  • 3 2
 @madmon: they'd have to include every rotor size to accommodate everyone's preference. Then it'd cost $350+ per brake. lol
  • 1 1
 @cueTIP: Eh, if you are talking economies of scale, manufacturing tech for bike components is almost certainly more automated than it was 30 years ago and they are producing A LOT more, especially for MTBs given the huge serve in riding.
  • 1 0
 @road-n-dirt: My TRP Spyres came with rotors - could be an amazon thing?
  • 6 0
 @noapathy: those are different. Most MTB hydraulic brakes, especially mid to higher end ones do not come with rotors and have not for several years.
Also the Spryres are road/CX and you are most likely to run 160mm on those bikes.
  • 2 0
 @road-n-dirt: I know, thanks. Just a possible explanation for some who may not swap parts frequently. (I run 140/160, but kept the extra 160 for later) Smile
  • 2 0
 @stumphumper92: I think what he means is that features of top models trickle down to lower models. For example XX1 Eagle vs SX Eagle. XTR vs Deore, Code RSC Brakes vs Code R, etc etc etc
  • 1 0
 @HB208: The parts are a lot more complex and the tooling they're using is not that much more automated than it was 30 years ago. CNC machining has been around for a long time and nobody I know of in the bike industry is using robotic manufacturing lines.
  • 6 0
 @stumphumper92:

The new Deore M6100 brakes are a perfect example of trickle down. All the power of the XT and XTR brakes for $170CAD. They might not have all of the features the pricier brakes do, but their really similar for a lot less money.
  • 4 11
flag mhoshal (Nov 5, 2021 at 13:45) (Below Threshold)
 Love how I get neg propped but not one idiot can debate what I say because they know I'm actually right fucking morons.
  • 9 0
 @mhoshal: Chill man. Go for a bike ride. Inhale and exhale that cold fresh air and realise life is actually pretty good.
  • 2 0
 @HB208: Got your graphics card right here hoss
  • 4 1
 @mhoshal: lol if people downvote you and don't reply it is because your argument is shit. For a cost a Nokia 3310 20 years ago you can now have a smartphone that will take pictures (probably better than dslr from that time), can access the internet from mostly anywhere with 4/5G, take notes, have level app, games and so on, while still being able to phone and text. You give up a bit of battery life over the old phone and durability too. But does an iPhone fares any better than a cheap smartphone ? Definitely not. My iPhone battery is f*cked after a year especially if it sees any temp below 10c which is worse than most chinese phone running android, if I drop it the screen and back shatters exactly the same than any other smartphone. And even in the bike world it is the same. 15 years ago if you were getting a Kona Coiler and most other entry level bikes from trail to freeride you'd get a Race Face evolve XC which you would bend in 3 spins and then would explode the bearings of your ISIS bb every 2 months. Meanwhile I have spent 2 seasons on some NX cranks without a single problem despite sending much bigger shit than 15 years ago and riding much faster. So your argument falls flat on its face, if you wish to enforce your argument please provide exemples of manufactured products that are the same price or more expensive than 15 years and provide less performance or features than it did. Good luck to you.
  • 1 3
 @Balgaroth: lmao are you really using Apple products as a comparison lol everyone already knows their products are absolutely shit. I still have an S6 edge that Samsung released 8 years ago and it still works fine. So your argument falls flat on its face. So basically you want me to go do all the foot work so you don't actually have to use your brain ok lol buddy used tvs as an example of being cheaper products now okay how much does an 8k brand name TV cost? You'd be lucky to find one under $10 000 and some go up to $100 000 so tell me how that's cheaper when the TV that where out 15 to 20 years ago didn't remotely cost that.
  • 2 1
 @mhoshal: thing is the reference to Apple was only one out of the many exemples I gave, and even with its obvious flaws it outshine anything you could have put your hands on 15 years ago. Your tv exemple is rubbish because your can get flat screen tvs of decent size, capable of connecting to wifi and so on for the type of money that got your shoe box size catodic tvs 15 years ago. And tel me what you would have gotten 15 years ago with 10.000$ ? Probably some HD 1080p screen that can't connect to anything aside from a dvd player. Try agaib pal lol
  • 3 0
 People complaining about prices = no idea of their own privilege. Base model Deore 4-pots Shimano brakes are cheaper and better than XTR brakes from 10 years ago.

Post COVID + an increase in wages in Asia = things cost more like how much they're meant to cost + better wages in Asia. Can't benefit off cheap manufacturing in Asia for ever. How dare they start wanting to earn a decent wage.
  • 1 1
 @Balgaroth: your last sentence only proves my point more dumbass go back and read.
  • 1 0
 @mhoshal: lol dummy my last sentence was a reply to my second last question, you're so dumb you're seriously making my day xD
  • 1 0
 @mhoshal: Dude, you gotta get yourself a beer, sit down and chill…
You know, your obvious anger issues will shorten your life. Oh btw, you ain’t as smart as you think you are, nobody really is.
  • 43 0
 Its about time the "EVO" nomenclature is retired.
Everything has been EVO-fied
  • 56 0
 It could be worse, it could be called: select super deluxe ultimate evo
  • 15 0
 @kcy4130: Introducing, the TRP Trail Select Super Deluxe Ultimate Evo Pro Elite Max Plus
  • 8 0
 @kcy4130: You missed the Debonair moniker on that.
  • 6 0
 could have had the "Enduro" term on them
  • 6 1
 Losing out on the creationist market too.
  • 23 0
 you can literally get a pair of magura mt5's on amazon for £160, currently running them now, i couldn't be happier with brakes
  • 4 3
 Lots of comparable options with good rep and better price
  • 5 0
 Are they a marked improvement over the Trail/Sport set? I had a set of those, and I really liked them when they were working. The problem I had was that they were a pain to bleed, and I felt like I was bleeding them waaay too often.
  • 16 2
 Magura's customer service is lights-out too. My front MT5 started feeling off, so I bled it on a Wednesday, went for a ride, and discovered that the master was leaking at the hose connecting nut. Emailed Magura on Thursday, they got back to me on Friday saying they'd send a new one out, and on f*cking MONDAY a new one (with a bleed kit!) showed up at my door...over the weekend from the US.

Just unreal, they made a customer for life right there.

@bdub5696 the Trail set is just an MT5 and MT4, nothing different...tho I've always found mine to be quite easy to bleed, and don't need to bleed often, sucks you're having other experiences.
  • 21 0
 I've got the new Shimano BL-MT501 4 pots (cheapest brakes going), and fitted Hopes 2.3mm 220 rotors, I swear to God, they have stopped the Earth rotating on several occasions.
  • 2 0
 Them calipers on new shimano levers is where it's at.
  • 1 0
 And if you want even cheaper try the Shimano BR-MT201. Yes, they say 2/3 finger lever, but you mount them further inboard and use 1 finger. No Servo Wave either, so very linear feel.

I've been running these for 3 years, and have been very pleased.
  • 1 0
 Just waiting until these start coming through at a bit of a discount. Can only see them at near RRP right now.
  • 1 0
 @wellbastardfast: calipers on levers where what
  • 1 0
 @chakaping: Check out a large Asian marketplace rhyming with "Bali Distress"
  • 2 0
 @GZMS: I think they mean BR-MT520 calipers on BL-MT501 levers.
  • 1 0
 I have Shimano 4 pot XT 8100 brakes, but the 180mm RT-66 rotors. Any suggestions on what I should upgrade the rotors to?
  • 3 1
 @boozed: i wouldnt call 501 new.. i had this combo, stops really well.. but started to leak after 1,5 years.. typical shimano i guess
  • 16 1
 So for those of us who don't have the issue of wandering bite point on any of our sets of Shimano 4-pots, there's no reason to change from XT/Saint and Ice Tec rotors?

As you describe these too as on/off with all teh power in a short stroke. But heavier and with less reach adjustment.
  • 7 0
 These have a distinctly Sram feel. If you prefer shimano do NOT get these.
  • 12 0
 @lefthandohvhater: I had the trp dhr evo brakes recently. But after so many years on shimano, anything else just feels wrong. I have gotten so used to my brakes working like light switches.
  • 10 0
 Personally I like the reach to be a little further out. I've personally had SRAM and Hayes levers pull straight to the bar and loose ALL braking power. It's terrifying. Put these on my Kona Process 153 and couldn't be happier.
  • 5 0
 You're totally right. Sadly, it just didn't work for me but if you can get the fit right, these will be great brakes.
  • 13 0
 TRP came on my AXS Following and I am not a fan so far. Can't wait to get a set of dominion a4's installed.
  • 3 0
 PM me or check my buy/sell - got a set available with rotor's. Cheers
  • 3 0
 let me know if you decide to sell the TRP!
  • 19 0
 Get a room, you three!
  • 1 0
 @ShredKC good choice love my A4s! Switched from Codes RSC and am pumped. Incredibly powerful with cream modulation and very reasonable price.(bought from Germany)
  • 1 0
 @Fullsend2-13: text me if you are selling the codes!
  • 11 1
 As a self-described TRP fanboy, I will gush about TRP brakes if given the chance...

That bring said, some of the "issues " mentioned in the review are more about setup and personal preferences than the brakes. First, that shifter does look inboard a lot. But I also look at that grip to brake gap and wonder why on earth its at least an inch. Wonder if some paying around with location on the bar would fix that. (Or do shifter on its own clamp inboard of the brake...) But what about the second issue, the way out there reach? Well, as the review notes, you don't need much effort in the beginning of the brake lever stroke (or any of it really). TRP brakes have modulation and power for days. You just need a fingertip and not, as illustrated above, the 2nd finger segment, to do most braking. For comparison to the reviewer, I have tiny hands, wearing a medium in most gloves, and have the reach adjustment about 6ish turns from the closest to the bars. Have no issues with the brake lever being too far out.
  • 9 0
 Hello there. Yes, you're totally right - there is a subjective nature to it. I hope I was able to get that across in the review. That said, I did ask other tech editors and riding friends to see how they felt about the fit during the course of testing. The lever is pretty long, hence the distance between the grip and clamp. Ultimately, we all have our levers in different spots and that's what the adjustment should be to account for, in my opinion. I have quite large hands, as stated in the review, so I do tend to have my levers between the creases on the middle part of my finger. I just don't feel, for me, I'm able to get the control or consistency I want if I run them closer to the fingertip. I think there is a lot to be impressed about, regarding these brakes, and I hope I made that clear. However, adjustment is there to suit all riders. I might be on the outskirts of sizing but it's not a problem I've had with other brands. These feel very different from the DHRs. I'm not sure if those are the ones you have, or you have the Trail Evos themselves, but they benefit from far more effective adjustments. Thanks for reading. Cheers
  • 2 0
 @henryquinney: I have the Trail SLCs on my mountain bike, Slates on the fat bike and Spryres on by gravel/road bike. The lever isn't supposed to have changed from the previous gen and EVO, so I'm not thinking its lever shape change. But it might be setup also. I have the shifter/dropper lever next to the grip (Ergon) and the brakes outboard of that, meaning my pointer fingertips are nestled in the "hook" of the brakes. As I said above, I brake just with the fingertips.

I do wish brake manufactures would have "sized" levers though. It would help for situations like this.

Now, lets talk about what really matters, talking fellow Pinkbike staff into a fat bike field test here in MN... ;-)
  • 3 0
 @henryquinney:
Hello i often have the same problem with levers. What i do is to exchange right and left matchmaker. Works very well to shift your gear lever outward without touching your brake lever position.
Try it ;-)
  • 3 0
 @henryquinney: Looks like a better set up could be achieved with separate clamps for shifter and dropper. I too have moved away from integration. I now I even wonder why we've been bundled down that road just for the supposedly cleaner look
  • 10 1
 Running these on my enduro bike, 240lbs geared up. Tried shimano, every lever i had leaked and would pump up. Like sram code rsc for the modulation, but they fade on steep stuff even with metallic pads. Both sram and shimano i would warp the rotors in one ride. These have the modulation of sram with the quick bite and easy bleed of shimano. No fade, no warped rotors. I don't see a reason to go back to sram or shimano.
  • 5 0
 Absolutely. The consistency is really impressive. Glad you've found something to work well for you.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney: its worth noting that in the US the dhr evo is a +$50 per brake increase, not just $20. Trail evos are $209.99 and dhr evos are $259.99 a piece
  • 7 0
 I looked at these a bit ago.

For what it’s worth, these are basically the Quadiems, with an updated caliper that fits a 2.3mm rotor, and features top loading pads.

It’s got the same size pistons (16mm x 4), and the master cylinder/lever piston diameter is the same.

The DHR Evo uses the same caliper, but a different master cylinder piston diameter, for more power.

I’ve had my pair of quadiems for almost three years now, and I’ve had absolutely zero problems with them. No overheating, squealing, pump, fade or anything else untoward. I’d absolutely consider these brakes for a new build.
  • 6 0
 I've got a set of DHR EVOs on my bike and they truly have so much power and never fade. They're a bit far out like you say though, but once I'm used to it I can get along with them pretty well. If somebody likes a far bite point, these are the best brakes out there.
  • 8 1
 y'all picky about your brakes
  • 4 0
 I replaced my Zee brakes with these Trail Evos. Best decision ever. The TRPs are flawlessly consistent, fabulous modulation and tons of power. Way more control than the Shimano brakes. I’m firmly on the TRP bandwagon now.
  • 3 0
 So, I picked up a set of these. The only real negative in reviews, as here, was the reach. I like my levers far(ish) out, so went for it. They're fine. Perfect adjustment range, I'd say. I can wind them in to be way too close to the bar for my liking if I want to. Maybe something has changed in the last year-and-a-bit? Just a my-2-cents update on these brakes.
  • 4 0
 The price delta to the DH whatever version makes these rather likely to be an oem only affair. And that’s before you consider that Hayes Dominion exist.
  • 2 3
 They are like code rs but worse in every way
  • 1 0
 We want benefits not features (from the manufacturer. )E.g. 270degc boiling point, that’ll be handy for my non existent caliper thermocouple read out. Why not just say ‘these bastards won’t ever boil even with a newb dragging the rear on the longest Alpine descent.”
  • 2 0
 Because someone will take them on a hardtail to megavalanche and melt all the snow off the mountain after 10 minutes of holding on for dear life
  • 4 0
 Fair point! Well, just for clarity - these bastards won't ever boil.
  • 6 4
 Looks like a cross between Shimano and SRAM. For $200 USD, you can probably get a full set of the XT 8100 or even the SLX 7100 versions with money left over to get rotors and extra set of brake pads.
  • 18 4
 yeah but youd have worse brakes and paper thin rotors that warp when you look at them weird
  • 5 1
 Or Formula Cura
  • 6 0
 Not being a smart ass, can you now? I was looking for brakes in September and it would have been 450 for a full set of 8120s but every reputable place was backordered so you couldn't get them anyway. 8100s were over 350 for a pair but not really a comparison here.
  • 1 2
 @ICKYBOD: I just got a pair of the XT 8100 from my LBS this summer and the total was around $130 CAD. I didn't have to purchase the calipers since I reused them from a previous XTR brakeset. I think the total for a 4-pot set would've been just under $375 CAD without any discounts. I should've actually gotten the SLX 7100 since it would've cut the cost down even further by as much as $20-$30. So, a set of SLX 7120 (4 pots) would've been pretty affordable (pretty much the same brake levers as the XT but without free stroke adjustment and different lever ergonomics). I'm sure if you look around on the web, there are places that do have stock on Shimano parts in Europe. Prices in Europe are cheaper but the VAT for European nations kind of kills the deal. However, since there is a Shimano contract in place, you can't actually buy them and get them sent to anywhere in North America.
  • 2 0
 @phazedplasma: really? My 4 piston SLX are the best brakes I’ve had.
  • 1 0
 TRP brakes look good, but none of their brakes have a pad contact adjustment. I really like that feature. With the pad contact adjustment and lever reach adjustment, you really can precisely dial in both lever position and lever throw.
  • 2 1
 "Not only does it have an actual weight of 307g for a front brake including pads but excluding the rotor, which is heavier than both the Code RSC or the XT four pot, it also does that without some of the same features."
Was this meant to be positive? This review is heavy confuse
  • 4 0
 Pinkbike. Can you do a brake field test? Cost aside, which brakes actually work the best?
  • 2 1
 @vinay: I understand your point, however, with all the complaints of no options we hear on this site (in terms of only getting spec'd bikes with either Sram or Shimano) a company has to start somewhere. That somewhere is usually aftermarket. Once, they make a few waves in the aftermarket then OEM starts to notice and may throw a bone here and there. This all leads to better bikes and more competition in the marketplace.
  • 1 0
 I have the TRP DHR-EVOs and while the power is amazing, this quote from the reviewer is spot on:

"I found that I could not get the lever to sit in a good range of control - it was simply too far away"

I contacted TRP about this, and they said it was for safety to prevent the levers from pulling to the bars but these levers are wayyyy out there. I don't really agree with the safety justification.

Amazing brakes but quite disappointed about how far out the levers are. Thinking of downsizing the front rotor from 203 to 180 just so I don't accidentally lose the front wheel, because when things get rough it's hard to modulate the front brake with the lever so far out.

Gonna give it the old college try though in an effort to make these brakes work because other than that they're sick.
  • 1 0
 100% agree- levers are way too far out. I have small to medium hands and it took me 5 months to get used to it. DHR-Evo’s are Super strong, don’t fade on long DH runs, and very reliable. I’m running them on my enduro and trail bike and am thinking about getting another set for building back up my Kenevo SL. I would love to see TRP update the lever position to be adjustable closer to the bar.

Last summer I rode at Powderhorn for the first time and got pretty good arm pump. I thought it was mostly due to the firm trail conditions, speed, and embedded rock. I adjusted my suspension to no avail. Now I’m thinking the far out position of the lever may have contributed.
  • 4 4
 For 1/2 the price, I can get the Shimano MT520 4-piston in the front and MT500 2-piston in the rear. That's plenty for trail riding with decent modulation and ease of bleed. Not sure why this is considered affordable. kinda advertising here.
  • 2 1
 Common sense has no place on outpink.org
  • 4 0
 You can't get enough of that spire huh?
  • 3 0
 Have these on my hardtail, they rule. Never had an issue with the ergo coming from shimanos.
  • 1 1
 "The long lever blade meant that my controls were always too far away, even if you're using a dropper-actuator that has a lot of adjustment to offer."

Maybe the "Matchmaker" adapters are on the wrong side: The SRAM-to-SRAM mount that I have puts the shifter/dropper bolt outboard of the brake clamp...

Also, sure looks like that OneUp dropper lever is on the most inboard location. Maybe the outboard setting is still too far inboard, but why make that comment in a caption for a pic that shows the least optimal setting?
  • 5 0
 Hello there. Two good points.

The adaptors were not on the wrong side. I looked into running them inversely, however there is a lip on the clamp itself that prevents this.

The picture you reference was taken at the start of testing, just incase I scuffed up the levers. I hadn't ridden them yet and put them in a relatively neutral postion. The other photos (with my hands in them) were taken at the end of the test period. Hope that helps. Cheers.
  • 1 1
 @henryquinney: Aww, kinda stinks they didn't make the mounts reversible. For example, on my Guide levers I have a SRAM shifter sitting outboard and a PNW dropper lever sitting inboard (different adapters, but they can both be swapped to the either side). Kinda silly to make the mounts only go one way.
  • 1 1
 "The reformulated oil has a higher boiling point."

A whole 10C more than DOT 5.1! Though, doesn't matter once any significant moisture works it's way in: since the water will remain separate, the system boiling point immediately drops to 100C.
  • 1 0
 I've decided that trail brakes are dead to me, and that I'll run DH level brakes on all my bikes from now on. Those grams mean nothing compared to the performance. Especially for this price.
  • 2 0
 Is it only me who prefers the bite point further out? Just watched Cathros how to bike series and he said that bite point should be close to the bars.. Now here too
  • 5 3
 "The Trail Evo brakes are also priced very well. At just over $200 USD per end"

no. They are not priced very well. $200 is a shit ton for a brake.
  • 2 0
 Does this mean there is scope for someone like Cascade, bike yoke etc. to start offering aftermarket levers for other manufacturers brakes?
  • 4 0
 look like tektros
  • 5 2
 That's because they are
  • 4 2
 So just to be clear: A full set of these, including rotors, would be like 450 - 500 $?
No, thanks. Hard pass.
  • 3 2
 Code rsc's are more and these are every bit as powerful and don't fade.
  • 2 0
 Ich hab die dhr evo in Gold gekauft. Mit Bremsscheiben, Adapter und allem fast 600€. Ne Menge Geld. Aber ich war noch nie so zufrieden mit einer Bremse. Hatte vorher die Code rsc, mt7, Saint und v4 an meinen Rädern. Die Trp hat abartig viel Power die gefühlt nie nachlässt. Selbst ich mit 110kg fahrfertig bekomme sie in den Alpen bei 1000hm Abfahrt nicht zum Faden. Der Druckpunkt ist seit dem ersten Tag an der gleichen Stelle und ich habe absolut keinen Wartungsaufwand mit ihr.
Der Preis ist natürlich sportlich, aber würde es immer wieder tun.
  • 1 0
 Any chance you can swap the part of the clamp that has the MMX mounts between the levers to get the inboard positioning you’re after for the shifter and dropper lever?
  • 1 0
 Can PB set up some kind of metric that gives an indication of braking power? It’s impossible to figure out which company is good at what.
  • 3 0
 Upgradable lever blades?
  • 5 3
 Get a set of code Rs and be done with it.
  • 2 3
 I was always under the impression you should have your brakes reach as far out as possible to not tire your hand out when braking often? Does anyone have any scientific information regarding this?
  • 4 0
 Yes, don’t brake and your hand won’t tire out. Scientific Info.
  • 4 6
 The bike industry is a joke and probably laughed at constantly by outsiders. 2.3mm vs 2.0mm rotor thickness is a big upgrade? What next? 2.5? What a lame sport. I'd hate to write reviews about shit brakes. So many words for a brake that works ok but not as good as higher end ones but worse than lower end.
  • 2 0
 It's wierd that rotor thickness has become some a topic of discussion. People say things like "Shimano rotors warp so easy." Funny enough, running 2.3mm rotors in a Shimano caliper usually works just fine.
  • 2 0
 @PHeller: oh but you need a whole new brake system for the different rotor thickness or nothing will work lol
  • 1 0
 2.0 to 2.3 is a huge difference in terms of lateral stiffness which will go up as the cube. So 2.3 will be 50% stiffer than 2.0. Likely to make a really noticeable difference to warping.
  • 1 2
 @G-Sport: show math
  • 1 4
 @G-Sport: no. You show the math.
  • 3 1
 @makripper: Sorry oh, lord and master, how about you get some manners? Formula for second moment of area of a simple rectangular beam is bh^3/12. In this case the thickness would be "h". So if you increase h from 2 to 2.3, h^3 would increase from 8 to 12.17, which is 50%... Happy?
  • 1 7
flag taskmgr (Nov 10, 2021 at 7:10) (Below Threshold)
 @G-Sport: 8 to 12 isn't a 50 % gain
  • 5 0
 @makripper: Are you OK? Do you need me to call someone?
  • 2 0
 Perhaps your fingers aren't close enough. Not the levers too far away??
  • 1 0
 Magura mt thirty $95usd

One of the most powerful, well modulated, consistent Feel and reliable brakes out there.
  • 3 2
 Why did they name their brand after an amino acid
  • 24 0
 amino offence but who cares
  • 1 0
 @browner: riders love arginine over brakes.
  • 4 0
 What's the difference between an enzyme and a hormone?

You can hear an enzyme, but you can hear a hormone.
  • 2 0
 *can't hear an enzyme (damnit)
  • 2 1
 Much like tryptophan makes you tired/sleepy, so does every product launch by TRP. Coincidence? Maybe...
However, unlike tryptophan, nothing made by TRP would be considered essential!
  • 1 1
 pfff only undergrads use the three letter code.
  • 1 0
 Can you use this new mineral oil in Shimano brakes?
  • 1 0
 Slate has adjustable lever reach. I like (not love) my T4s.
  • 1 1
 I think it's time that TRP look up the definition of insanity...
  • 1 3
 I think TRP are hiring people to downvote any comment they don't like. Not trying to hurt anybodys feelings, just being honest in my opinion is all.
  • 4 0
 @jomacba: I downvoted your comments. Sounds like you have an axe to grind..
  • 1 1
 @nastee-nate: No axe to grind, I'm simply stating my personal opinion. That being said, I'd love to hear the reason why you disagree with my statement. (Just as a disclaimer, I have no aim to start an argument, just a simple exchange of thoughts as a friendly debate.)
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