David vs. Goliath – TRP aim to shake up the market with their new EVO Pro MTB brakes, and take on the industry’s established component giants. But has the Taiwanese manufacturer managed to iron out the issues of previous models to improve performance on the trail? We put the TRP EVO Pro through extensive testing to find out.
TRP, the high-end brand of Taiwanese manufacturer Tektro, is bringing fresh innovation to its brake lineup with the new EVO models. In our previous brake comparison test, the TRP Trail EVO and DH-R EVO delivered solid performance but couldn’t quite match the competition in terms of braking power.
Now, TRP aim to change that with the EVO Pro, which is the new flagship brake for trail, enduro, and downhill bikes. At the same time, TRP are introducing the EVO X, a new top-tier XC brake featuring a two-piston design and weight-saving optimizations. How did the TRP EVO Pro perform on the trails? Find out in our test!
The TRP EVO Pro MTB Brakes in Detail
The new TRP EVO Pro MTB brakes stay true to their signature style and will be available in silver, gold, and black, with prices ranging between €360 and €380, depending on the color. Our premium gold model retails at €380.
The proven DH-R remains in the lineup but is now significantly more affordable at around €270. As TRP’s new flagship model, the EVO Pro is claimed to deliver 15–20% more braking torque – at least when paired with TRP’s newly developed brake rotors.
The rotors are still 2.3 mm thick and come in both 203 mm and 223 mm diameters, but they feature a redesigned wave pattern and optimized ventilation holes for improved performance.
The brake lever has been redesigned from the ground up, and now features a more robust, aggressive look, while the calipers remain largely unchanged. The tool-free reach adjustment has been moved to the outer side of the lever, while the bite point can now be fine-tuned using a dial inside the brake lever.
Additionally, new brake hoses have been introduced to reduce expansion, resulting in a sharper bite point. The EVO Pro is also officially approved for use with the Bosch ABS system and ABS-Pro.
The TRP EVO Pro MTB Brake on the Trail
Right out of the box, the TRP EVO Pro impresses with easy installation and a familiar setup. Bleeding the system follows the same funnel-based process as Shimano brakes. However, it’s important to cycle both the reach and bite point adjustments multiple times during bleeding, as small air bubbles tend to get trapped in the piston and won’t escape otherwise.
Mounting the brake to the handlebars is straightforward using the clamp on the master cylinder. Due to the relatively long brake lever, the brake needs to be mounted farther inboard on the handlebars, which can cause issues with Matchmaker-style shifter- and dropper-lever setups. The shift or dropper lever ends up positioned farther away from the grip, making it harder to reach with your thumb.
Both the reach and bite point adjusters can be easily operated with gloves and have a noticeable, precise detent, which makes them easy to turn. However, the lever cannot be positioned very far from the handlebars, which may be a drawback for some riders.
To ensure maximum braking performance right from the start, we pre-bedded the TRP EVO Pro brake pads using our Sinter Smart Bedding Machine. The excellent modulation of the previous TRP models remains unchanged – there’s no on/off digital feel here. Instead, the EVO Pro offers precise, controlled braking with noticeably more power, striking a great balance between braking force and control.
If you liked the TRP DH-R EVO, you’ll love the EVO Pro. But even TRP newbies, it’s an excellent choice, as it requires no long adaptation period and instantly provides confidence and control. Even on long descents, the bite point remains consistent, ensuring a reliable and secure brake feel throughout the ride.
Conclusions about the TRP EVO Pro MTB Brake
The TRP EVO Pro features an updated master cylinder design, a bold new look, and tightly routed brake hoses along the handlebars. But it’s not just about aesthetics – braking power has been significantly improved too. The new brake now bites like an anchor, yet retains its excellent modulation. With this, TRP position themselves as a serious competitor to the industry’s biggest players and could become a top alternative for many riders.
Tops
- Lots of power
- Excellent modulation
- Easy setup and bleeding
Flops
- Limited reach adjustment
- Long lever may cause space issues on the handlebar
For more info head to trpcycling.com.
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
