With the new EVO PRO and EVO X brake systems, TRP is launching two high-performance brake systems onto the market. The story of TRP began in 2006, when the Taiwanese company Tektro launched its own high-end brand. Since then, TRP (Tektro Racing Products) has continuously developed and established itself as a serious competitor to the top dogs Sram and Shimano.
The new EVO series is based on the success of the DH-R EVO - the previous flagship in the TRP line-up. As with so many TRP products, downhill legend Aaron Gwin had a hand in its development. In 2025, the DH-R EVO will have to cede its leading position to the new EVO Pro, but will still be available as a cheaper alternative. The second TRP innovation, the EVO X, on the other hand, doesn't really fit into the previous hierarchy. Why? It is the first specially developed XC brake from the Taiwanese company. This means that the EVO claims a completely new and separate category in TRP's portfolio.
The new TRP flagship: snappier and full of features
According to TRP, the EVO PRO was specially developed for downhill, enduro and E-MTB racers who don't want to compromise when it comes to braking power. A central feature is the so-called Pad Activation Dial (PAD), with which the pressure point and the hardness of the initial bite can be adjusted individually and without tools - from smoothly adjustable to ultra direct. Lever width adjustment is also super easy and can also be done by hand. Also good: the brake clamps are threaded. For example, the remote for the dropper post or a gear lever can be attached here directly or via a matchmaker.
TRP promises 15 to 20 per cent more braking power and durability for the EVO PRO compared to its predecessor, the DH-R EVO. The 4-piston brake is available in the colours gold, silver and black. Depending on the colour, prices vary between 359 and 379 euros each. Weight? According to the manufacturer, the front brake weighs 309 grams including the cable. The EVO PRO is also compatible with the Bosch ABS PRO system.
The facts about the TRP EVO Pro
- Pad Activation Dial (PAD) for individual pressure point and initial bite setting
- works with mineral oil
- comes ex works with organic brake pads (metal-organic brake pads or full metal pads available separately)
- Tool-free lever width adjustment
- Tool-free pressure point adjustment
- Clean cockpit design with thread for matchmaker
- 4-piston brake calliper
- Weight: 309 grams (front), 323 grams (rear)
- Colours and unit prices: Gold (379 Euro), Silver (369 Euro), Black (359 Euro)
- Compatible with Bosch ABS PRO
New race brake discs for even more power
In addition to the new brake systems, TRP is also presenting a new brake disc called Race Rotor for 2025. Paired with an EVO Pro, it should improve braking power by up to 20 per cent according to the manufacturer. The first special feature: Except for the areas where the brake pads are in contact, the discs are coated with an anti-rust clear coat. TRP also uses a comparatively high material thickness of 2.3 millimetres for the Race Rotor. Discs of this thickness not only improve braking performance, but are also more temperature-stable and durable. For comparison: Sram's most powerful HS2 disc is only 2 millimetres thick. The Race Rotor is available in diameters of 203 and 220 millimetres and costs 78 or 86 euros depending on the size. The weight of the 220 mm version is 240 grams. The 203 mm model weighs 204 grams.
TRP EVO Pro with Race rotors in practical test
For our first practical impressions, we tested the new brake system, including the new race discs with a diameter of 200 millimetres, on an E-All-Mountain (Whyte ELyte Evo) mounted. The handling of the new TRP EVO Pro is unrivalled. Both the pressure point and the lever width can be perfectly adjusted to personal preferences by hand with 12 defined clicks. The adjustment screws turn as smooth as butter, so that fine-tuning can also be done easily while riding. The EVO Pro also has no weaknesses when it comes to ergonomics: The solid brake lever sits comfortably on the finger and feels stiff and direct even during hard braking manoeuvres - nothing twists here!
The TRP EVO Pro hardly needs any time to brake. Drop the anchor here and there at full speed and the newcomers are in top form. After that, our first impression is: powerful but good-natured. Even in the most direct setting (PAD), the initial bite is rather tame compared to the competition. What some may see as a criticism, we found pleasant during our test rides. This is because the EVO Pro can be controlled very well and does not falter as soon as the pads touch the disc - perfect for manuals or on slippery surfaces with little traction. On the other hand, the new TRPs deliver a top-class full braking performance when you firmly reach into the controls. In our opinion, you don't need more power than that!
World first: The first XC brake from TRP
In addition to the EVO PRO, TRP presents the EVO X, a brake that has been specially developed for XC, light trail and down-country bikes. Unlike its more powerful brother, the lever width and pressure point can only be adjusted with the aid of tools. In addition, the EVO X uses lighter titanium screws and a more heavily milled lever to reduce weight. Otherwise, the two brake levers are identical. The differences in the brake callipers are even more obvious: The EVO Pro has four pistons, while the EVO X only has two and is correspondingly slimmer and lighter. Speaking of light: TRP puts the weight of the EVO X at 289 grams on the front wheel and 303 grams on the rear wheel. The new XC stoppers are available in two colours: black and gold. Both cost 279 euros.
The facts about the TRP EVO X
- Pad Activation Dial (PAD) for individual pressure point setting
- works with mineral oil
- comes ex works with organic brake pads (metal-organic brake pads or full metal pads available separately)
- Clean cockpit design with thread for matchmaker
- 2-piston brake calliper
- Weight-optimised with titanium screws and heavily milled levers
- Weight: 289 grams (front), 303 grams (rear)
- Colours and unit prices: Gold (279 Euro), Black (279 Euro)
- Especially for XC, light trail and down-country bikes
Development and availability
Leo Chen, CEO of Tektro and TRP, emphasises the intensive development work behind the new brakes: "We have spent years perfecting every detail of the EVO PRO and EVO X. These new brakes are the result of intensive testing and direct feedback from world-class professionals." The aim was to develop a braking system that not only impresses on race day, but is also easy to maintain and install in everyday use. The EVO PRO and EVO X are now available through TRP's official distribution channels and authorised dealers.
Max Fuchs
Editor
