TEST – Braking system TRP DH-R EVO Silver: endless power (EN version)

Today we present the complete test of the TRP DH-R EVO Silver version brakes. TRP kindly sent us in December a super box complete with calipers, pumping unit, set of pads, adapters, discs respectively 180 mm rear 203 mm front and the bleeding kit for maintenance and first installation as you can see from this image regarding the unboxing !

Before analyzing the characteristics of the braking system and its performance in terms of modulation and power, let’s go over all the components of the kit provided for testing on the magnifying glass !!

CALIPER

The caliper consists of 4 pistons in two blocks characterized by a great CNC work and an excellent and well-maintained surface finish. The inlet port for the purge system is easy to access and correctly positioned at the top. The pads are installed with the classic spring plate and the safety screw, screwed with safety seeger. Tested and highly safe system as well as easy replacement.

LEVER BODY/PUMPING ELEMENT

The lever body and the pumping element are of excellent quality. CNC machining with final polishing. The lever is ergonomic (specific processing to optimize the grip) and easy to use with a single finger. Attachment point can be adjusted quickly and with precise clicks. Aluminum master cylinder

The clamping system is characterized by torx screws and the clamping is very stable without excessive pressure on the handlebar by tightening to the right torque. We had no problem finding the correct position and integration with the gearbox and telescopic control. All in their place. There are no integration systems with sram or shimano commands but we like it and that’s okay!

The tubes are 5 mm in diameter, larger than the competition standards and together with the rest of the technologies incorporated within the TRP DH-R EVO give that powerful yet modular character. The oil flowing inside the tubes and the system is of new conception with decreased viscosity and stability of physical properties up to 230 ° C of operation.

DISCS (THIKNESS 2.3 mm) AND ADAPTERS

Compared to the classic 1.8 mm thick discs, TRP declares an increase in stability at high temperatures by 8% and lateral stiffness of 47%. For 29 “wheels and heavy use the available 223 mm disc is suggested.

Discs have always been stressed elements of a plant due to complex and high mechanical and term stresses. They suffer bumps and deform with that annoying rubbing noise between pads and discs. This just doesn’t happen with the DH-R EVOs. The discs have a great ventilating capacity and help stabilize the performance of the system even under stress.

INSTALLATION

The installation process involves cutting the tubes to size according to the frame used. The frame we used for the test is from Niner with external brake cable routing, therefore very quick in its installation. The TRP system is already purged and according to the manufacturer’s declarations, the DH-R EVOs do not include purging operations even after cutting the system to size. Just follow the very clear and detailed instructions and make a clean and clean cut with the appropriate systems and you’re done. 3 energetic pumps and the system is under pressure with no bleeding necessary.

After the first exit, the system enters well under pressure and 100% of the power is available. After installation, making a comparison we can say that the available power is already well above 90% of the totality foreseen by the settled system.

BRAKING EFFICIENCY (RESIN PADS)

The initial setup is supplied with resin pads (blue color). We tested them in wet conditions and on often muddy trails to put everything to the test immediately with great flow downhill sections and energetic stop & go braking without missing even small fords and hot-cold thermal shocks.

We were not able to undermine the system, it is always ready and constant in response. Once you know it it’s like having an extension of your body acting just as we hope and want on wheels.

TRP worked a lot on this type of compound during the development phase. A new control system in the manufacturing phase and some changes, which they rightly keep secret, allow the resin pads to have a wider and more uniform contact area, since the controlled process allows a more uniform formation of pores. In addition to these characteristics, a greater bite is obtained at first stapling, which we have found a lot especially in the anterior implant. Furthermore, as already reported and we reiterate the noise is almost absent in all driving circumstances.

BRAKEING EFFICIENCY (METALLIC PADS)

Lovers of the most extreme DH and eager for even more stopping power? We switched everything by switching to a full metal and mixed metal front and resin system at the rear. Modulation is not lost, but braking power is acquired. For purely racing and downhill use we recommend it.

The noise is acceptable and there is no risk of running in the trails with a horn attached to the bike with each stroke of the pliers. Fantastic!! They are also suitable for mud and rain conditions and we can confirm this even if the performance in these situations is already very good with the resin set.

PRICE

Let’s analyze the price of each single component:

• Front braking system ——199€
• Rear braking system —-199€
• Adapters ————————13€ the one
• Disc of 180 mm——————– from 35€ to 50€
• Disc of 203 mm ——————–from 35€ to 50€
• Set of resin pads ————13€
• Set of metallichi pads———–13€

DH-R EVO is not just an abbreviation but contains a thought, an idea. The set of engineering efforts enclosed in a valuable, powerful and modular braking system. An experience as the name suggests in continuous EVOLUTION (EVO). The limit of use is further and further away, higher and higher as the DH-Rs are used. Always ready, zero fading and maximum support whether you have to stroke the brake to correct a trajectory, or you have to clamp as hard as possible in your most reckless descents and race runs.

All the info on official site of  TRP

Photo Credits: mtbworkshop.com

Stay tuned on mtbworkshop for new tests and news on the mtb world!!