Until now, TRP brakes were mainly known to downhill and enduro bikers. To change this, TRP recently introduced the Evo X, the first brake for marathon and cross-country racers in the brand's almost 20-year history.
However, TRP's expertise goes back much further. Behind the abbreviation is the high-performance division of the industry giant Tektro. Tektro Racing Products (TRP) has made a name for itself in the last few years. not only with its own circuitbut also by disc brakes with a massive appearance in the gravity sector. The new TRP Evo X is also based on the success of the DH-R EVO - the previous flagship in the TRP line-up - and doesn't look very delicate in the hand. Is the Racern any good?
Details TRP Evo X
- Area of application: Cross-country / Marathon / Trail
- Price per brake: 229 Euro
- Brake weight (set, BIKE measurement, incl. pads): 626 g
- Brake disc weight: 154 g (180 mm, 1.8 mm thickness) / 240 g (203 mm / 2.3 mm thickness)
Competitive in terms of weight and price
In view of its massive appearance, the TRP Evo X surprises with a perfectly acceptable weight. The decision to forego tool-free grip width and pressure point adjustment and the use of titanium hardware is a good one.
On our laboratory scales, the set of front and rear brakes including pads weighed in at 626 grams. For comparison: A Sram Level Ultimate Stealth brake with four pistons, which is also designed for power in the racing sector, weighs around 555 grams. Even for racers, an extra 70 grams of weight should not be decisive for the race, especially as the power of the TRP is stronger despite only having two pistons - but more on that later.
If you compare it to the top racing brakes from Sram, the TRP Evo X is also significantly cheaper at 558 to 720 euros. Nevertheless, weight fetishists will unfortunately not find a convincing combination with TRP. We were impressed by the look and finish of the Taiwan brakes. The milled handlebar clamp is pleasing to the eye and the gold harmonises with the Fox Factory suspension elements.
In 2025, cross-country and marathon bikes are so versatile and powerful on descents that many race brakes can hardly keep up. For me, the brake is the last place to save weight. Those who brake later are faster for longer. For me, therefore, powerful brakes also belong on a race bike. The small additional weight of the TRP Evo X is absolutely bearable! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
TRP Evo X: Brings the fastest racer to a standstill
Right from the first few metres, the TRP Evo X makes it clear: there's power here! In contrast to many of its competitors, the Taiwanese bike doesn't need to be braked for a long time to work well. The pressure point was very defined at all times during the test and the deceleration performance was strong. However, the TRP is easy to modulate as it doesn't come on like a poison, but transitions from a gentle initial force to reliable power with plenty of reserves.
Even if the lever ergonomics are slightly different, the braking feel of the TRP Evo X is reminiscent of a Shimano XT. To many ears (including ours), this might sound like a compliment. Compared to the Shimano, however, the solid brake lever of the TRP feels stiffer. In extreme situations, you can really dig in and benefit from a high feeling of safety without flex or other gimmicks.
The TRP Evo X is rather loud when braking. Although we were unable to elicit any squeaking or grinding from it, the pads audibly grip the disc. The development of a lot of brake dust was also noticeable. However, we are not yet able to comment on the durability of the brake pads.
Even with a 180 mm brake disc, the stoppers have an extremely high braking force for a two-piston racing brake. This should also win it some friends in the down-country and trail sector. On the tame profile of ascetic race tyres, caution is almost required. The braking power of the TRP Evo X definitely exceeds the traction of many fast cross-country tyres.
If you want to go the whole hog, fit a TRP brake disc with a diameter of 203 millimetres and a fat 2.3 millimetre thickness at the front. This gives TRP's first race brake unrivalled stability and heat resistance. So if you are prepared to take around 90 grams more weight for the thick disc with you on the trails, the Evo X is an absolutely competitive MTB brake that takes the fear out of even steep hairpin bend trails.
Conclusion on the TRP Evo X MTB brake
The TRP Evo X is one of the best race-labelled brakes I've had the pleasure of riding. In terms of power and modulation, it beats the XC competition hands down. Combined with large discs, the TRP also makes a good trail brake. It's a bit of a shame, however, that hardcore racers still have to do without a really light brake from the Taiwanese. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Strong braking force and stability
- Excellent dosing capability
- High rigidity gives a lot of confidence in the hardware
- Strong enough for demanding trails with large discs
Contra
- not a really easy option
Jan Timmermann
Editor
