TRP Evo Pro
Review by Ethan Revich
TRP has remained a worthy competitor for gravity oriented riding since the beginning. For years their levers remained unchanged, till now. TRP created something truly special with their new Evo Pro brake. Designed for every rider, everywhere, and improving on their previous brake. A closer reach at the lever, while keeping the distinct power and consistency the Evo is known for. Changes to the new Evo Pro were about refinement on their existing brake rather than reinventing it. This review will be going over the updates and key features of the brake rather than a full breakdown of the Evo line.
I was very reluctant to pull off the Maven’s after having such a good experience with them this past year. But TRP promises a less binary bite and more consistency. The updated lever design and adjustments also fits a wider range of hands and riders.
Details:
High Flow 4 Piston Caliper
Tool free lever reach adjustment
Pad Activation Dial (PAD)
Mineral Oil
Resin, or Metallic Pads
S05E or any of TRPs 2.3mm thick rotors
Compatible with Bosch ABS Pro
309g (front caliper)
323g (rear caliper)
Levers:
TRP completely overhauled the Evo Pro levers. With an all new master cylinder and more ergonomic lever blade. The sweep to the lever blade resembles the aftermarket Oak Components or Freedom Coast levers lots use on the previous brake. This lever is pushing mineral oil through a 5mm hose down to the caliper. Following the trend of stealth routing TRP runs the hose closer to the bar.
In place of the old reach adjustment nob inside the lever stroke, there’s now a 10-click ‘Pad Activation Dial’ (PAD). This is meant to change where the lever bites in its stroke. On the front side of the lever you’ll find a reach adjustment, both having very positive clicks. This gives plenty of range to fit even the biggest of hands. My one criticism is the activation dial's lack of adjustment. The SRAM Maven offers far more, making it easier to adjust the brake as the pads wear. I opted to run the PAD all the way clockwise (with the least dead stroke) and left it. This sweep to the lever fits my hand perfectly and is among the lightest I have used. Placing itself between the Hayes Dominion and Hope Tech 4 V4.
Home mechanics will enjoy TRPs EZ Plug System which comes plugged on both lever and hose to route straight through the frame without disconnection. After installing the barb and olive you connect and do a simple lever bleed using their bleed cup.
More info about setup can be found on TRP's website under 'TECH DOCS'
Pads and Rotors:
My setup was pretty standard starting with TRPs performance resin pads. For a resin pad these held up with the best of metallic pads I’ve used, but bedding in was far easier. I paired these with TRP’s new 2.3mm thick S05E for maximum bite. I opted to go for a 203 front and rear same as what I was running on Maven to keep testing comparable.
Performance:
I’ve had this pair of TRP Evo Pros on my bike for just about a week now and ridden them in various California winter conditions. I had high hopes for these brakes, seeing just how many people ran these opposed to the big names.
When it comes to power delivery that’s where the Evo Pro excels. The power is fully manageable because of the power ramp. To get to max power you are pulling consistently and evenly throughout the stroke. Maven put me on the fence about how much power is too much power. Power is only good if your tires have the grip to slow yourself down. The Evo Pros strike a good balance between stopping on a dime and too much to break loose. I also found myself getting used to the Evo Pro quicker and easier than the Maven because of the power.
In terms of reliability I never felt a wonder or pump up anywhere in the lever. The lever felt smooth and light throughout the test.
The lever shape and placement is also the most convenient and natural placement I’ve found on a brake. Adjustments were meaningful and well executed while being on one end of the adjustment range. The light lever feel gives little fatigue while not being too vague. Power is enough for just about any bike. Downhill race bike to a full weight e-bike.
Like I mentioned above I stayed on 203mm rotors front and rear. I don’t feel the need to upsize front or rear. I enjoy a similar feeling between the front and rear brake in terms of power.
Pros:
Powerful
Light lever feel
Consistent
Cons:
Lack of adjustment range
Verdict
The TRP Evo Pro is undoubtedly an improvement on the DH-R Evo.
Everything you know and love in terms of power and feel but in a more adjustable package.
I really enjoyed these brakes. The power and control was just what I needed.
I will continue to run these brakes throughout the season to compare to the SRAM Maven Ultimate.
Check out the TRP website: