Product news / test: With the TRP DH-R EVO, TRP presents the successor to the Quadiem G-Spec. The gravity stopper was developed with input from downhill legend Aaron Gwin, among others, and is no longer aimed exclusively at downhill customers, but also has e-mountain bikers in its sights.
With the TRP Quadiem G-Spec, Tektro Racing Products - that's what TRP stands for - took the step below the high-end MTB brakes for the most demanding downhill disciplines. Tektro itself should be known to many for their reliable, inexpensive, but overall rather less powerful disc brakes in the entry-level segment. TRP, on the other hand, will mainly be known to road, cross and gravel bikers: In the past, they made a name for themselves with high-quality, light rim brakes, today they make one of the best mechanical disc brakes with the TRP Spyre. But downhill? To underline the seriousness of this undertaking, the riders at the time brought none other than gravity legend Aaron Gwin on board, whose input on the proven Quadiem G-Spec also led to its further development. The result: the new TRP DH-R EVO.
Since 2016, however, the clock in the cycling world has not stopped. Above all, the ongoing boom in E-MTBs, now also in the downhill disciplines, has left its mark - also with the components. So it's not too surprising that TRP developed the new DH-R EVO with its high braking power not only for downhill racers and freeride pilots, but also for trail-loving e-mountain bikers. The stumbling block for the new conception of the TRP brakes were the brake discs: As early as 2018, the manufacturer was experimenting with 223 mm large and 2,3 mm thick (regular discs are approx. 1,8 mm) brake discs, in order to primarily reflect the development in the react to the E-MTB segment. The gravity athletes at TRP got wind of it and wanted to use these discs on their downhill machines too. With that, the path was taken, at the end of which the DH-R EVO now stands.
As it is in such a process, one thing leads to another: After the discs, the ergonomics of the brake levers were also tweaked, the composition of the pads was optimized, new oil mixtures were tested and finally the internal transmission ratio of the brakes was even increased to tickle even more braking power out of the system. The result shows its close relationship to the previous brake and accordingly the basic characteristics have not changed: The DH-R EVO is also braked with mineral oil, of course four pistons and the lever width on the transmitter can be adjusted to your own needs using a rotary wheel.
We have already been able to put the new TRP anchor to the test on a Conway eWME test bike and are - right from the start - quite impressed. While the predecessor didn't always convince us, especially in terms of maximum braking power and lever ergonomics, you had to place yourself clearly behind the top brakes of the competition, the DH-R EVO made the right adjustments. The new brake discs with a mighty 223 mm diameter take a bit of getting used to, but our mountain biker eyes have also gotten used to cassette sprockets with 50 teeth and more - what are a few millimeters on the brake disc? However, our feeling tells us that they play a major role in the enormous braking power of the new TRP downhill brakes - yes, that's right: enormous braking power!
In this regard, the brake has to measure up to the Magura MT7, for example, which is currently our benchmark for high-end disc brakes in many respects. While the DH-R EVO is still a little behind when it comes to the first brake applications, it literally blossoms as soon as the system has had a few braking maneuvers and is up to "operating temperature". Holla the forest fairy! Here you need a sure instinct when braking in order to get the power onto the trail. We also noticed positively that the discs warped a little even after longer descents and remained free of grinding - this is certainly also due to the thickness of 2,3 mm. Accordingly, we had no problems with fading.
The new lever is also a clear step forward. Small holes at the tip give you a good grip with and without gloves, even when it's wet. We also found a comfortable position for the fingers through the reach adjustment; however, one should note that the lever itself is quite long and the entire control unit flexes a bit when pulled hard. So if you like short 1-finger levers and rock-hard pressure points, you should try it before you buy it.
