VITALMTB - TESTED: TRP’s New EVO PRO Brakes

The new model delivers more power and adjustability combined with the same consistent, hassle-free performance.

By Luca Cometti
3/3/2025

Read more at vitalmtb.com

Nearly 5 years after TRP launched its DH-R EVO brake, they are introducing a new and improved brake dubbed the EVO PRO. The DH-R model received a lot of praise for its consistency, power, and unique colorways. So how did TRP improve on an already high-performing brake?

Highlights

• All-new lever with streamlined cable path for internal or external routing
• New Pad Activation Dial (PAD) provides modulation adjustment, allowing riders to customize brake feel during the lever stroke
• Tool-free lever reach adjuster for personalized ergonomics
• Uses TRP mineral oil with a boiling point of 270 degrees Celsius
• High-flow 4-piston caliper for strong, reliable braking performance
• Developed in collaboration with World Cup Downhill and Enduro teams
• Top-loading pad design
• Same pads as DH-R EVO
• I-spec II compatible
• MMX/TRP Shifter/I-Spec EV compatible
• Color options: gold, silver, black
• Weight: 309g (front) // 323g (rear)
• Price (per brake): $279.99 black // $289.99 silver // $299.99 gold

After spending most of the previous five years on TRP's EVO line of brakes, I have grown fond of the consistent and powerful performance they provide. While the caliper of the EVO PRO remains the same as the DH-R EVO, the lever has seen a complete overhaul with the addition of what TRP calls the "Pad Activation Dial," or PAD for short. The adjustment lets you change how much lever throw you get before the pads engage with the rotor. One complaint I had with the original DH-R EVO was that it had quite a long lever throw before the initial bite. The new lever and adjustment have dramatically reduced this.

Black knob = reach adjustment | Gold knob = PAD adjustment

With the addition of a shorter lever throw, ergonomically, the new brakes are closer to parallel with the bars when fully engaged. This creates a bigger sweet spot for your finger to pull on the lever and a lighter feel. Overall, the feel of the PRO when engaged is quite a bit firmer feeling than the original DH-R.

Our brakes came paired with TRP's new S05E rotors, which they claim increase deceleration by 10% compared to their previous RS01E rotors. TRP has always been known to have some of the thickest and heaviest rotors on the market at 2.3mm and 222g for their 203mm rotor. While thick rotors are going to be harder to bend and will help with heat dissipation, they do come with an added weight penalty.  

Verifying the 10% claim was tough, considering I installed the new brakes with the new rotors. Still, the brake system as a whole had substantially more bite than the previous DH-R, RS01E combo. Another claim from TRP is that the new rotor should come up to temperature quicker and be more stable at those temperatures thanks to better distribution of open and solid areas.

Setup

TRP brakes have always come pre-bled, which makes setup a breeze. The front and rear brakes come with the same length hose at 1900mm and can be cut to size with the supplied barb, olive, and compression nut. The bleed process has not changed with the EVO PROs, and I followed this video from TRP to set up the brakes. After cutting the lines, there was minimal fluid loss, and with just a simple lever purge using the clear bleed tube, they felt firm and ready to hit the trail.

On The Trail

Modulation

The EVO PROs took some time to get used to as the new lever design was quite a bit lighter, and I found myself unintentionally locking up the brakes more so than I did with the old DH-R EVOs. It took 2-3 rides to acclimate to the feel and to be able to brake as I wanted without worrying about receiving too much power. I did speak with TRP, and they mentioned that changing to their red semi-metallic pad is a good option if I was looking for a bit less grab and easier modulation overall. This is something I plan to try in the future. I'm also curious to spend more time with these brakes on longer trails, as the lighter lever action and increased power make me think they'd aid with hand and arm fatigue.

Power

Right from the start, I noticed increased power with the EVO PROs. The brakes arrived with TPR's blue performance resin pads. These are the pads I am used to running on the previous-gen DH-R EVOs. However, the new brakes and new S05E rotors definitely locked up easier than the DH-R's with the older RS01E rotors. It was much more of an on-off feeling than I was used to from TRP. I think this is something that is hard to balance with brakes. I find that when you have a lighter-feeling lever, with more power at a given amount of finger pressure, a more powerful brake will almost always feel like it has less modulation initially until you get used to that added power. That being said, once I got used to how the PROs modulated, I preferred the added power, allowing me to brake later and with less input than the DH-Rs. With the option to run different rotors and pads, I'm confident most riders will be able to fine-tune the feel and power of the EVO PROs to their liking.

Consistency

I have always felt that TRP has some of the most consistent feeling brakes on the market. With all the past TRP brakes I've run, I regularly went entire seasons without ever needing to do a bleed. I am fortunate to have quite an array of bicycles that I ride throughout the year, and even if I have not touched a bike in a few months, I can pretty much take it off the rack and never have to worry about my brakes not feeling the way I left them. The EVO PRO's have been similar, producing the same bite point every time I've pulled them. My testing around SoCal didn't allow for the longest, brutalist descents. Still, I did manage to get a lap down a track that drops about 1,500 ft in four and a half minutes, and the brakes felt the same when I dropped into the trail, as they did at the end of the trail, with no noticeable fall off in power. Based on how the brakes have performed thus far and my past experience with TRP brakes maintaining the same feel after tons of riding, I've got no reason to doubt the EVO PROs will be slowing me down in the same manner six months from now.

Things That Could Be Improved

While the lever throw has undoubtedly been improved, other brakes, such as SRAM Mavens, still have less lever throw than the new EVO PRO's. Some people with bigger hands may find that the lever does not go out quite far enough for them. I was at 12 of 14 clicks from all the way out on the lever adjustment knob, and I don't have the largest hands. On the PAD knob, I had it dialed out with the least amount of throw, which satisfied my preferences. I think some riders may want even less lever throw, which may be achieved through some bleeding tricks. I am excited to spend more time on the PROs to see if any problems arise in the long term, but as of now, I would say TRP hit it out of the park with these brakes.

What's The Bottom Line?

Building off the success of TRP's DH-R EVO, the new EVO PRO makes some noticeable improvements over its predecessor. With a new lever design that boasts improved ergonomics, a lighter lever feel, a modulation adjustment, and more power, the PRO delivers many of the upgrades riders were looking for with the DH-Rs. When paired with TRP's new S05E rotors, the brakes have an insane amount of power and bite. It might take a few riders to acclimate to the power, so don't be afraid to tune the feel with rotors or pads. But once you've adjusted, the EVO PROs can produce as much stopping force as you'll ever need, matched with a consistent lever feel and smooth modulation to manage the power they can produce.

Score Breakdown

• Setup/Bleed Process: 10
• Modulation: 8
• Power: 10
• Consistency: 10
• Overall Score: 9.0