TRP launch new TRP DH7 drivetrain
Is the drivetrain duopoly over? TRP has just dropped a new TRP DH7 downhill drivetrain with some impressive features that claim to reduce chain noise like never before!
Yes, it’s a DH drivetrain, yes it only has 7 speeds but is this a sign that TRP is going to upset the drivetrain duopoly. With a high-quality finish and some exciting technology, can TRP offer a viable high-end alternative to the big hitters Shimano and SRAM? TRP made some waves when they signed Aaron Gwin; it was a move nobody expected. However, with today’s release, we can now understand why they needed someone at the very pointy end of elite racing. In a collaboration between TRP R&D Taiwan, TRP USA and Aaron Gwin and his mechanic John Hall, the new TRP DH7 drivetrain is born.
TRP DH7 drivetrain at a glance
DH7 Deralieur
- Price: €169.90
- Weight: 272g
- Hall Lock
- G-Spec Ratchet Clutch
- Carbon fibre cage & Upper link
- Extra wide parallelogram pivot
- Sealed cartridge bearings pulleys
DH7 Shifter
- Price: €109.90
- Weight: 120g
- Shift levers designed and located for optimum performance by Aaron Gwin
- Enhanced grip & tactile feel built into lever paddles: embossed grooves on
advance and release lever - Carbon fibre upper housing & advance lever
- Ball bearing equipped
- 7 speed
- Tool-free straight lace cable changes
- Rider adjustable home position of lower lever with a 40-degree range
What’s new with the TRP DH7 derailleur?
The most exciting feature of the new 272 g TRP DH7 derailleur is the Hall Lock, which locks the B-knuckle to the bikes derailleur hanger. Derailleur B-knuckles are typically spring-loaded, allowing the derailleur to be rotated out of the way to make wheel removal possible. When ‘locked’ the TRP Hall Lock stops this movement, stabilizing the movement of the derailleur and reducing chain noise. The lock can be opened if you need to remove the wheel. The threshold of this lock can be adjusted to balance stability with the derailleurs ability to deflect on impact. The TRP DH7 also features a G-Spec Ratchet clutch which is adjustable to match the suspension layout and chain growth of your bike. The derailleur features a carbon fibre cage and upper link, with an extra-wide parallelogram pivot and sealed cartridge bearing pivots. The TRP DH7 will be available in black, silver and gold colour schemes.
Named after Aarons mechanic John Hall, the Hall Lock is, in essence, a lever integrated into the derailleur mount which locks the movement of the B-knuckle around the mounting bolt when closed. Locking the B-knuckle is claimed to reduce chain noise and increase chain retention.
What’s new with the TRP DH7 shifter?
The 120 g TRP DH7 Shifter is interesting too. Rather than featuring shift paddles that rotate in an arc when pressed, instead they follow a linear path to mimic the motion of a riders thumb. TRP claim this gives more consistent thumb contact in rowdy trails. The paddles also feature embossed grooves for maximum traction and run on ball bearings. Just as the derailleur, carbon fibre features heavily, and the upper housing and advance lever use the material. The longer lower-shift lever allows up to 5 multi-upshifts for rapid gear selection. The lower-shift lever also features 40 degrees of ‘starting position’ adjustment, allowing the rider to dial in their chosen ergonomics.
Our thoughts on the new TRP DH7
While only currently available as a 7-speed DH specific groupset, much of the technology in the TRP DH7 would have application in an 11-13-speed trail-enduro groupset. We all love quieter drivetrains so we are excited to see if TRP brings a trail groupset too.
For more information, check out the TRP website.
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Words: Photos: TRP
