TRP TRAIL EVO DISC BRAKE REVIEW

Words and Photos by Travis Reill

TRP’s DH-R EVO brakes have received quite a bit of coverage over the years, which is understandable since they are one of the most powerful brakes on the market. For this reason, DH-R EVOs are spec’d on some of the all-mountain, enduro and e-bikes we test, which we’re stoked on. After our time testing those bikes, TRP has quickly climbed the rankings as a top-performing brake at The Loam Wolf, often choosing them for our personal bikes.

But what about the DH-R EVO’s younger brother, TRP’s Trail EVO brakes? Can the Trail EVOs hold their own while ripping down singletrack? That is precisely what I have been trying to discover as I put the TRP Trail EVO brakes to the test this summer.

ABOUT THE TRP TRAIL EVO BRAKE

2021 saw the release of TRP’s Trail EVO brake, a follow-up to the re-design of the popular DH-R EVO. For the Trail EVOs, TRP traded some of the all-out power found on the DH-Rs for a bit more modulation, which is perfect for the trail rides most of us tackle on a given weekend. However, TRP still intended to have the Trail EVOs be a high-quality set of stoppers, sharing the same dual 16mm piston 4-pot calipers found on the DH-R EVOs. Where the DH-Rs are intended for downhill, gravity, and full-size e-bikes, the Trail EVOs take a lighter approach, built for the everyday trail/all-mountain rider.

But don’t mistake a “lighter approach” as lacking stopping power. There are only minor differences between the Trail EVO and DH-R EVO brakes. Both maximize oil flow with 5mm hoses running to 4-pot calipers, which have 360-degree oil flow inside each caliper. From calipers to hoses to brake levers, TRP eliminates harsh, sharp turns, again helping with the oil flow and allowing for easier and more consistent bleeding of the mineral oil system.

The internal lever piston and piston material are the most significant differences between the Trail EVO brakes and their big brother. The Trail EVOs have a 10mm stainless steel internal lever piston, whereas the DH-R EVO brakes see a 9mm hybrid composite piston. These differences give the DH-Rs the win on overall stopping power; however, they lack some of the modulation that the Trail EVOs gain.

TRP currently makes an adapter to pair the Trail EVO brake levers with some SRAM, Shimano, and their own EVO 12 shifter with their HD 3.7 adapter. This adapter, labeled as “HD 3.7 I-Spec II to SRAM MatchMaker RH” can cause some confusion, as there is no indication that it is for the TRP shifter. The Trail EVOs use a thick 2.3mm rotor, which is meant to dissipate heat well and reduce the chance of rotor warp.

TRP’s Trail EVOs also only come in a matte black finish, and retail for $224.99 per brake, without a rotor.

THE DIRT

TRP sent their 203mm RS01E rotors to accompany the Trail EVO brakes on both ends of my mountain bike. This meant I would also need TRP’s P23 post-mount adapter for the front and rear calipers, which they also provided. The Trail EVOs came with a set of their resin pads, which I switched for TRP’s metallic pads out of preference. All told, this would be a roughly $645 brake setup.

Setting up the Trail EVOs was relatively easy, thanks to their EZ Plug System, which allows TRP to ship a pre-bled set of brakes. The hose – which is full of mineral fluid – is connected to the caliper with a plugged barb installed on the end. You can then run your hose — the most challenging part of the installation by far — through the frame without concern about losing any fluid. The lever is also full of fluid and plugged. After running the brake hoses and finding the desired length, the hoses are cut, the olive, barb, and compression nut are installed, and the hose is connected to the lever after removing the lever’s plug.

There was minimal mineral oil cleanup, and if done very carefully the brakes may not even need to be bled. In my case, I needed to bleed the front brake, which was the first brake I installed, but the rear brake has been performing with no issues.

The last part of the setup process is bedding in the brakes, which seemed to take longer on the Trail EVOs than on other brakes I’ve ridden. Other than the extra time it took, this was a nonissue, and we speculated that it could be because of the thicker 2.3mm rotors these EVO brakes use. Plus, TRP sent me two 203mm RS01E rotors, which could have also played a role in the slower bedding process due to the reduction in heat produced.

Many will not care how long it takes to bed the brakes in if they work well, which is what the TRP Trail EVOs did. I was immediately impressed with their stopping power, which I would put in the same realm as SRAM Codes or Shimano XTs. I also think they strike a good balance between Shimano and SRAM regarding modulation and general feel.

Shimano is known for that strong bite point — an on/off feel — whereas SRAM brake lovers enjoy the modulation they provide. A SRAM lover will say Shimano offers little modulation and, therefore, little braking control. At the same time, a Shimano believer will argue that you shouldn’t have to pull so hard to get your brakes to work. I’ve spent a lot of time on both brakes, and I feel that the TRP Trail EVOs fall between the two camps, but dance closer to Shimano. The Trail EVOs have that familiar “on/off” initial pad contact, but leave some room to modulate.

The Trail EVOs handled everything I threw at them flawlessly, including some of the steepest sections of trail I’ve ever ridden. This is where the sheer power of the Trail EVOs shined, as well as the modulation they offered. I could easily control my descent down the rutted, rooty steeps. Brake fade was nonexistent, and the Trail EVOs remained consistent, even on longer descents at the bike park where I was undoubtedly on the brakes quite a bit. There were no strange noises, no vibrations or shuddering, just quality, consistently powerful braking throughout my time on the Trail EVOs.

Adjustability seemed to be the only hiccup I could find with the TRP Trail EVO brakes. First, they don’t have a bite-point adjustment, which could perhaps be put in the “luxury” category but is still nice. The levers were also somewhat far from the bars — roughly 47mm when adjusted in as close as they’ll go. While lever reach is easily adjusted without tools, other brakes’ adjustments bring the levers in closer to the bars than TRP’s. Reach wasn’t a major issue for me — having the levers adjusted as close to the bars as possible worked nicely. That said, I’ve talked with riders who felt they were too far away, and opted for a change to a lever with different ergonomics. Perhaps the issue isn’t with lever reach, but a different ergonomic for the lever itself.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Just because they aren’t as powerful as the DH-R EVOs, don’t think TRP’s Trail EVOs aren’t powerful stoppers. For most of your riding, the TRP Trail EVO brakes deliver more than enough consistent stopping power with a good dose of modulation, and manage heat well enough to keep you riding confidently.

Price: $224.99 (per brake, without rotor)
Website: TRPcycling.com

WHERE TO BUY
Support us! The Loam Wolf may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.