Despite being a major brake manufacturer, TRP aren’t as popular as the industry’s top dogs. We tested the Trail EVO, the second most powerful brake in the Taiwanese manufacturer’s portfolio right after the DH-R EVO, which is also in this test. How does the Trail EVO fare against its bigger sibling, and the 13 other brakes in this test?
Learn more about this comparison test: The best MTB disc brakes – 14 MTB brakes in comparison
TRP is short for TEKTRO Racing Products, which is the performance division of established brake manufacturer TEKTRO. TRP offer a wide range of brake systems and groupsets for bikes of all types, from road to XC and DH. In our 2024 brake comparison test, the Taiwanese brand took on the competition with not one, but two brake models, the DH-R EVO and Trail EVO. Despite looking almost identical to its bigger sibling, the Trail EVO has one drawback: the bigger master cylinder results in a lower system pressure, which results in comparatively less braking force at the same pull force.
Retailing at € 400, the TRP Trail EVO is € 100 cheaper than the DH-R, and one of the cheapest brakes in this test. Like its bigger sibling, it comes standard with organic brake pads and thick 2.3 mm rotors, which are meant to improve heat dissipation. The Trail EVO features tool-free lever reach adjustment, but forgoes an externally adjustable bite point. The one-piece clamp attaches to the handlebars with a single bolt, which isn’t secured with an O-ring, meaning that it can be easily lost, together with the small plastic part in the clamp. The clamp is compatible with Shimano and SRAM shifters, ensuring a clean cockpit.
Bleeding is quick and easy. Like with Shimano brakes, you just have to thread a funnel onto the lever bleed port and pull the lever a few times to release excess air. TRP rely on mineral oil, so you don’t have to worry too much if you spill some on your hands or bike frame. However, we still recommend using rubber gloves and keeping the pads out of the way while bleeding to avoid contamination.
TRP Trail EVO on test
In our lab tests, the TRP Trail EVO proved the weakest contestant, and can’t keep up (or slow down) with either of the SRAM CODE brakes, which placed second to last. Even a pad upgrade didn’t help much, with our Sinter reference pads only providing a marginal increase in power. Heat management lies in the midfield, and the thicker discs don’t seem to make a big difference.
The levers of the TRP Trail EVO are relatively long, but we had no issues positioning the shifter and dropper remote on the handlebars. That said, the lever reach adjustment doesn’t extend very far in, meaning that the TRP’s might not be a good option if you like your levers close to the handlebars. As our lab results already showed, the TRP Trail EVO delivers little braking torque, requiring strong fingers to decelerate. Especially on long or very steep descents, this can result in fatigue and premature arm pump. The Trail EVO has a similar brake feel to the DH-R EVO and is also very easy to modulate, though the sheer lack of power robs you of confidence.
Our conclusions about the TRP Trail EVO
In a nutshell, the TRP Trail EVO is a simple brake without many features that is easy to bleed. At € 400, it’s one of the cheapest competitors, but it failed to convince in this comparison test, both in the lab and on the trail. It’s easy to modulate and has a similar brake feeling to its bigger sibling, the DH-R EVO. However, the lack of braking power requires strong fingers and robs you of confidence on the trail.
Tops
- Good modulation
- Affordable price
- Easy to bleed
Flops
- Very little braking power
- Limited lever adjustments
For more info, visit trpcycling.com
Find the overview of this comparison test here: The best MTB disc brakes – 14 MTB brakes in comparison
All brakes in test:
Formula Cura 4 | Hayes Dominion T4 | Hope Tech 4 V4 | MAGURA MT5 Pro | MAGURA MT7 | Shimano SLX | Shimano XT | Shimano XTR | SRAM CODE Bronze Stealth | SRAM CODE Ultimate Stealth | SRAM MAVEN Ultimate | Trickstuff MAXIMA | TRP DH-R EVO | TRP Trail EVO |
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
