Developed with help some of the world’s top XC World Cup racers, the TRP Evo X disc brake delivers lightweight XC performance with enough power and feel for more demanding downcountry/trail duties. The two-piston callipers create exceptional, confidence-inducing stopping, smooth modulation and consistency in all conditions.
TRP Evo X disc brake – Technical details
These employ a two piston calliper and are made from forged aluminium with titanium hardware. They come fitted with resin pads, which provide a smoother, more progressive (and quieter) bite than sintered, but they do tend to wear faster than those.
The Evo X has a new lever designed for one finger use, and it features a tooled reach adjustment (you need a 2mm Allen key). That might not be quite as convenient as a dial, but it’s lighter, and still easy to use – and reach is typically a set-and-forget adjustment anyway.
The streamlined master cylinder sits close to the bars and the slim clamp is designed to integrate your dropper-post shifter and gear shifter, be those from TRP, SRAM or Shimano, via an adaptor kit (TRP Shifter Adapters for EVO Pro/Evo X, £20).
The Evo Xs are optimised for use with 1.8mm rotors (sold separately) and TRP recommends the 1.8mm RS02M in a 180mm diameter.
The Evo X is available in all black or, for a bit of bling, black and gold.
TRP Evo X disc brake – Performance
If I’m totally honest, I’m a bit of a hydraulic brake bleed-o-phobe. Past experiences at bleeding brakes have left me traumatised, so I asked editor Liam to fit them for me (he loves a bit of faff with interal cable routing…). Turns out the Evo X uses an easy plug-and-play system, and as I watched Liam work, I have to admit it did look really easy. It was something I could have probably handled.
The Evo Xs replaced my battle-weary SRAM Level T brakes, and the 1.8mm-thick RS02M 180mm rotors (£30 each) replaced my worn SRAM 2mm discs. I even took the time to bed it all in properly, which is absolutely unheard of for me!
The Evo X brakes have been the perfect addition to my downcountry bike over almost six months of testing, whatever the temperatures and conditions. What I’ve been most impressed by is their smooth modulation and confidence-inspiring precision, which is a huge help when scrubbing off speed into technical terrain.
Lever feel is excellent, with only a light input needed to reach the progressive rather than grabby bite point, and they’ve remained consistent with no changes in throw. Once you get used to them, you can just ride, without ever needing to think consciously about your braking.
I’ve found them pretty forgiving on my hands too, and although I like to push the limits of what my short travel ripper can handle, I never suffered any brake fade on long descents. The pads have never even uttered a squeal, even in the filthiest conditions, and they have also worn well, though I do swap between bikes frequently.
If you want to adjust for power/weight slightly, those recommended RS02M discs also come in 140mm, 160mm and 203mm diameters for between £22 and £35.
In short, these are very easy to recommend.
TRP Evo X disc brake – Verdict
At £360 for the setup tested here, these sit in the upper middle range of the market – £150 per end (not including disc) being comparable with the likes of Shimano’s fancy-but-not-range-topping XT. The Shimano XT BR-M8100 also features two pistons, offers similar power, and is £154.99. I’ve found they can suffer from fade and inconsistencies in throw, however, though to be fair they’re still great performers overall.
If you have the budget and want some machined bling, consider Hope’s XCR Pro X2 brakes. At £210 each they aren’t cheap, but they certainly deliver on power. Alternatively, SRAM’s nearest equivalent is its Level Silver Stealth 2-Piston brake, at £200 per end.
The TRP EVO X brakes are easy to fit, look killer, and deliver on the power and performance. The light level feel and progressive modulation mean these are fit-and-forget stoppers, and I never felt under-gunned using them.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
TRP says, “The new EVO X offers race-ready performance for XC, light trail, and down-country riders, delivering smooth modulation and effortless control in all conditions. To develop this brake, we worked closely with World Cup XC racers over the course of an entire season. The result of all of this effort is a brake that lives up to the TRP name with its power, intuitive feel, and reliability in a lightweight XC package.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
TRP lists:
Race-tested performance with optimized modulation and light finger action at the lever
Adjustable reach for rider fit and preference
Supportive and ergonomic lever blade for improved comfort during long rides
Sleek master cylinder design for a clutter-free cockpit
Performance-driven 2-piston caliper for stable and reliable braking
Developed in collaboration with World Cup XC teams
Titanium hardware for reduced weight and enhanced durability
Easy setup and maintenance for quick adjustments on the go
Available in gold and black color option
Any further comments on quality?:
Well constructed; they look great.
Any further comments on performance?:
Excellent, controlled modulation.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
On par with Shimano XT BR-M8100, way cheaper than the Hope XCR Pro X2.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Great looking brakes with the performance to match, which cover anything from XC racing to more aggressive downcountry riding.
About the tester
Age: Height: 170cmWeight: 67kg
I usually ride: Trail MTBMy best bike is: Santa Cruz Tallboy
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: A few times a weekI would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: Mountain bike XC, Mountain bike Enduro
