When downhill star Aaron Gwin is forced to slow down - because of an approaching bend or whatever - he has to do it quickly. The braking effect of a World Cup bike is at least as important as the suspension function. So it caused a bit of a stir in the scene when Gwin opted for a brake from the Taiwanese manufacturer TRP, whose name is more synonymous with low-cost/performance stoppers. The recently launched Trail SLC is the lighter version of Gwin's downhill brake. The star was actively involved in its development. The main focus of the modifications was on the lever. The use of carbon (lever, cover) saves some weight. However, the lever is still a far cry from a filigree design. The lever width adjustment via knurled screw is practical. The four-piston calipers with the cooling fins are largely the same as on the downhill version. They have only been minimally modified. In view of the prominent name that surrounds the brake (the G in G-Spec is the initial for Gwin), expectations are high. A slight disappointment at first: the braking effect is no better than that of a Shimano XT brake - good, but by no means impressive. The manual force required is relatively high. After braking for a longer period of time, the TRP is much more powerful, but it doesn't come close to the anchoring effect of a Magura MT Trail or a Trickstuff Piccola. The strength of the extremely solid TRP is its stability. A reliable brake for hardcore use that might be a tad too heavy for weight fetishists.
PLUS Solid construction; good lever ergonomics; high stability; lever width adjustable without tools
MINUS High manual force required for maximum power. Heavy, but this is largely due to the massive brake disc.
Weight 510 grams (*applies to one brake incl. disc and mounting screws)
Price 177.90 euros (VR brake with 180 mm disc)
You can find this article in BIKE 8/2019. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
Stefan Frey
Editor
