TRP's Slate and Trail Brakes Get the EVO Treatment

Aug 23, 2021 at 15:57
by Matt Beer  
TRP Trail EVO

TRP have been growing their stake in the brake market over the last few years and are expanding the lineup with new "EVO" editions of the Slate and Trail models. Aaron Gwin proved their function on the downhill World Cup scene and TRP have accumulated a die-hard fan base, but the brand wanted to improve some qualities for the demands of riders today.

Both the Slate EVO and Trail EVO (an evolution of the Quadiem model) are built around new High-Flow calipers and use thicker, 2.3 mm rotors. The calipers and master cylinders receive new light-action seals, improved hoses, re-formulated mineral oil, and resin pads with a new materials. This long list of upgrades is said to minimize brake fade and improve performance for riders of any level.

photo

photo
Slate EVO Details


• 270ºC boiling point
• 300 g
• 2.3 mm High-Flow caliper
• stainless pistons
• resin pads
• 5.0 mm hose
• 10 mm master cylinder piston
• $139.99 USD per wheel - rotors not included

The Slate EVO uses combined technologies from the DH-R EVO and Slate T4 to reduced brake fade and maintain a consistent bite point, all in a lighter weight package. It's aimed at the light eMTB and trail bike categories. The calipers are designed to be used specifically with the TRP R1 2.3 mm thick rotors. The hinged lever clamp is I-Spec B compatible and has mounting options for I-Spec EV, SRAM Matchmaker, and TRP's G-Spec TR12 or DH7 shifters.

TRP Trail EVO
TRP Trail EVO

Trail EVO Details


• 270ºC boiling point
• 310 g
• 2.3 mm High-Flow caliper
• hybrid composite caliper pistons
• resin pads
• 5.0 mm hose
• 10 mm master cylinder piston
• $209.99 USD per wheel - rotors not included

Sitting between the power DH-R EVO and the Slate EVO is the Trail EVO, which is acquires many of the same upgrades as the Slate EVO, but is about $70 more per wheel. Also built around 2.3 mm rotors, this brake caliper holds four hybrid composite caliper pistons that are said to deal with the demands of heavier bikes and longer descents. The lever ergonomics continue to see changes and follows suit with the same shifter mounting options of the Slate EVO.

The TRP Slate EVO and Trail EVO brake sets are now available to purchase at www.trpcycling.com or through your local dealer.




Photo credit: Ryan Robbins / TRP Cycling Components.

Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
296 articles
Must Read This Week
Final Results from the Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
79217 views
Ibis Enduro Team Pulls Out of World Cup Racing
53115 views
Review: How Canyon's KIS Could Change Mountain Biking, and Why It Probably Won't
50430 views
Spotted: New Enduro Bike from Lapierre
44620 views
28 Handlebar & Stem Setups of Enduro World Cup Riders
42594 views
Bike Check: Gee Atherton's AM.170
40954 views
Kona Announces New Aluminum Process X
40929 views
Devinci Global Racing Steps Away from Enduro World Cups
39338 views

175 Comments
  • 87 13
 Hayes Dominion.
  • 8 0
 shhhhh!
  • 39 1
 After running, code R's, rsc's, Mt5's, shigura's, mt7's and now Hayes I can confidently say the dominion A4's are the best brakes I have ever used and I won't switch them out for anything. Consistency, power and super light lever pull.
  • 13 0
 If you know, you know.
  • 25 5
 Formula Cura
  • 9 2
 Dominion huh
watchdominion.com
  • 7 1
 @kyytaM: Yes, having tried Sram (guide & code 4pots) and Shimano (SLX, XT 4pots, Doere 4pots), I can confirm my Cura 4 are wonderful brakes and match exactly the feeling I expect from my brakes (I think this last point is really important to consider, not everyone want the same thing from their brakes).
Though I have not tried TRP or modern Hayes so I can tell how they compare to them Smile
  • 16 6
 @Aksel31: TRP’s are ahead of Hayes imo. Ran both for many months n the TRP’s are just more consistent, powerful, and hassle-free. Light lever touch too
  • 3 3
 @kyytaM: yes for Cura. No for Cura4
  • 2 0
 This man knows his brakes. Best lever feel in the business!
  • 10 0
 @jason114: You need to try TRP DHR EVO's. 220 Rotor front, 200 rear. Wont be beaten. Plus comes in gold which is insane.
  • 2 0
 @tedchalk: I'm curious why you'd value cura higher than cura4, what is the reason for this? I've been very happy with my cura4, but so have riding buddies with their regular cura and cura4 swems a little harder to bleed due to caliper geometry
  • 2 1
 @Dazl90: and of you don't know, now you know
  • 1 0
 @Aksel31: How do the Curas/Dominons feel compared to 4p XTs? I love the bite of my XTs and honestly hate the feel of srams but I feel like I would have a hard time committing to brakes I've never felt before. There's no comprehensive guide to lever feel out there which imo is really needed
  • 2 0
 @Gregmurray50: I would say that compared to the XTs, the Cura 4 are more consistent. The bite is a bit more aggressive also (not by much, could be a personnal feeling) and also the lever feel is different and suits me more (again it's a personal feeling)
Even after a whole day in hot and dusty Vallnord, the Cura are feeling exactly like the first minute of riding and I think that's a really important point. I really liked the bite from shimano brakes but as many experienced, the consistency is not really there on long days of riding.
So in conclusion, same braking power as shimano but way more consistent throughout the day. For Dominions, I havn't got the chance to test them so I can't tell Smile
  • 5 0
 Haven't used those, but have used other Hayes brakes,
and their "crosshairs" alignment system is great.
Makes setting up other brakes seem like a pain.
  • 4 0
 @Gregmurray50: XT have got the sharp bite which the dominion really doesn't. I think feel wise the dominion sits between shimano and SRAM. It feels like it has more bite than SRam, but there's a fair bit more pull before you hit the the real power than there is with shimano.

Does that make sense?
I think the key for me with the dominions is the light lever - it's easy to get the power you want. With shimano, there was power there pretty quick, which made it a bit harder to modulate effectively when you're tired, but you couldn't get a lot more out without really pulling. The dominion is more consistent IMO.
  • 4 0
 @Gregmurray50: if you like the bite of shimano, you will like the dominions. I went from xtr to dominion. I never had a problem with the bite point on my xtr’s, but find the dominion to be more assured. They feel more controlled over the whole stroke. I’m a big guy so put a lot of heat into them as a result and they perform beautifully. I’m not sure I would switch if I was happy with XT’s, I just got a deal on the dominions. But I did like the dominions so much that I bought another set to replace the code rsc on my other bike. I wish Hayes had better distribution in my part of the world, I like just about everything of theirs that I’ve tried.
  • 5 2
 @mykaley: interesting. One of my closest friends (and a professional mtb instructor) literally threw their TRP Slates in the garbage, because of how much they hated them. They were original generation, but they could never get them to work decently. Their experience with them has put me off ever trying TRP, and hence buying dominions.
  • 5 1
 @Jordmackay: if you need 220's on the dhr evo's then it's a Loss for me already. Although I do want to try the dhr evo's and compare I can't bring myself to not run the dominions on my bike, they are just too good. Still on the same set of stock metallic pads since February and they have Life left, which is insane considering I would be on my 3rd set of code and magura pads by now.
  • 4 0
 @jason114: try some mtx pads when it’s time to change them. They made my already excellent Hayes even better. In fact I would recommend everyone try mtx pads in their current brakes.
  • 3 0
 @Afterschoolsports: facts. MTX pads are the best
  • 2 0
 @Afterschoolsports: Interesting. Was just thinking about trying some different pads in my a4's. They have metallic?
  • 1 0
 @Dazl90: Rosemary Salt??? You know that I love you and I’m out!!!!
  • 3 0
 @seismicninja: I use the gold pads on one bike and the reds on another. The gold are their pad for heavy users and red for everyone else. I expected the red to wear out quickly but they’ve held up well. I have a lot more km on the bike with reds but brake harder on the bike with golds. It’s been about 18 months since I installed both and they’re barely worn. I have golds to go in both sets of brakes next change but I would be happy running reds too.
  • 1 0
 Kind of a cross between a Shimano Deore (not even SLX) on the brake lever and Avid Elixer caliper. Call it the SHRAMO Delixer Shpecial.
  • 2 0
 @Afterschoolsports: I've had a set of mtx reds in my tool box since March and have been waiting to put them in
  • 2 0
 @ratedgg13: I've had 2 sets of early generation Slate T4's. The first set were marvelous, Shimano-like bite and power but more easily modulated. I had a second come OEM on a bike which I could never get the power up to an even half way acceptable point. I did some trouble shooting through lever and pad swapping and it appeared to be a 'bad' lever, though no leaks or anything like that were visible. This was backed up by a local tech who saw some great performing TRP's, and some not to hot ones like myself. So at least in the early days, TRP did have some known consistency issues.
  • 3 0
 @stormracing: careful guys. we need MTX to do well enough to stay in business but not get super popular until after the supply chain issues are resolved, although I have already hoarded some golds for the big bike and reds for the trail bike.
  • 3 0
 @muscogeemasher: hahah fair enough. I wish the best for them but definitely hope I can keep getting em quickly when needed. I did stock up though!
  • 2 0
 @malaya: super happy with Cura. only wanted a little bit more power since I get quicker on my bike, started Enduro racing.
very disappointed with Cura4 tho. very hard lever pull. gotta bin pads after 1/3 wear to get lever throw I like. not convinced they have any more power than 2-piston Cura.
and the other day in Leogang rear brake locked up after landing stepdown into Flying Gangster track. burnt rotor, glazed pads.
Gonna sell (or bin) Cura4 soon and use my old Cura until I can get something else. Nothing available to buy at the moment
  • 2 0
 @seismicninja stop reminding me that I can't sell my shitty Guide R's for a penny and turn around and buy Dominion's at full pop. It hurts.
  • 2 0
 @blowmyfuse: well, a lot of people were raving about Guide RE (Guide R lever with old Code caliper) - they are certainly much better that standard Guides, but still quite pathetic...
  • 1 0
 @stormracing: in all seriousness, props to those guys for inventing a stellar new product and hope they do really well. I think I could probably be happy on Code RSCs or Dominions. If MTX pads were only available for one, that’d be the one I’d run.
  • 1 0
 @Afterschoolsports: I’m assuming reds are organic and golds are metallic. What’s so good about them and how do they compare to something like stock shimano metallics or trick stuff power pads? Thanks.
  • 2 0
 @jason114: I wouldn't say its a need but why not go as big as possible? I ride ridiculously aggressive so it works great. I've heard dominions are the best at the moment I need to try myself.
  • 2 0
 @thenotoriousmic: I don’t know what the actual composition of the mtx pads is but I’m happy with both red and gold. On the Mrs xt and my Hayes, both metallic going to mtx the main difference is improved modulation, initial bite, and fade. Basically everything just works a little bit better. I haven’t tried the trick stuff pads sorry. If they only had red pads, I would be happy with them. For me, the golds are the better pad, especially on long descents.

Dominions with mtx pads, and 220/200 front and 200/180 rear rotors are absolutely perfect for my riding. I’m about 240lb and really hard on my equipment.
  • 2 0
 @Jordmackay: I’m with you. 220 rotors have been amazing for me. I’ve run one for a couple of years on my long travel bike. I have one to go on my trail bike next time I can be bothered working on it. First I’m trying out the Mrs front wheel with 200mm ice tech rotor to see how I like them. There’s a pretty marked improvement over the stock 200mm rotor that was on the front of my bike before.
  • 2 0
 @Afterschoolsports: always keen to try a new brake pad. Thanks.
  • 2 1
 @tedchalk: Formula released updated version of Cura4 with improved lever for more leverage and stronger bite + tool-free bite and reach adjustment. And as always with Formula, everything is backwards compatible. You should give them a try before giving up on the brakes.
  • 1 0
 @Afterschoolsports: How is the power and fade compared to the metallic hayes?
  • 1 0
 @Afterschoolsports: Also out of curiosity which 220 rotor are you running with the hayes?
  • 1 0
 @Wormfarmer: they’re better than the metallic for fade. Power is the same, but I wouldn’t expect pads to change that. I run a galfer 220. I would be up for trying the 246 if it wasn’t so expensive. I have a sram 220 to go on my trail bike.
  • 1 0
 @Zayphod: Yes I know. But why spend even more money for mods on brakes I don‘t like?
  • 1 0
 @Afterschoolsports: The higher the coefficient of friction between the pad and rotor the less force is needed to create the same amount of friction/stopping power. So different pads can lead to different power.

Glad to hear they help with fade, with metal pads and 200 hayes rotors I've been getting fade on steep dh runs. So I'll take any help I can get. Got a 220 magura mdrp rotor I'm going to try up front and if I like it I'll add one to the back as well. Almost went galfer rotors but heard they warp/bend easily, have you had any issues with yours? Also heads up that 243 rotor is 2.3mm thick I haven't tried an actual rotor but measuring the hayes caliper I don't see there being the room for a rotor that thick.
  • 2 0
 @tedchalk: Because the new levers are supposed to improve exactly what you currently don't like in Cura4.

As for the 2 piston Cura - just buy a bigger rotors and/or better pads.
I'm waiting for Galfer's 223mm rotor to arrive, can't wait to test it. Probably tons of stopping power with great modulation and perfect bite point... and no DOT. All that from a 200€ (for a set) brakes. Perfect.
  • 2 0
 @Wormfarmer: that makes sense. It’s been a while since I used Hayes pads so maybe there was a difference but just not as obvious as the other improvements in my memory. I would probably notice it going back to them. I’m not sure on the spacing. I’m currently some distance from my bikes. I think I’ve seen people talk about running the trp 2.3mm rotors with Hayes brakes on nsmb. I’ll have a look when I get out of quarantine. I have a feeler gauge so I will be able to answer properly.

When I got my galfer, there weren’t really many other options in that size. I’ve not had any warp with mine. I’m surprised to hear it’s an issue with them. I think you will benefit from the 220. I got mine before I even bought my Hayes, it was a revelation. One of my favourite trails has a long boring blast in the middle followed by a technical section then a gap to tight turn. I was able to carry a lot more speed through the gap when previously I had to be careful as my brakes would be pretty cooked by that point normally. I was a bit worried about modulation but i didn’t notice any problems. Half a run down one trail and my brain had recalibrated. For steep dh trails I could definitely see myself using one on the rear.
  • 33 0
 I have Trail Evos with 2.3mm discs currently and will be hard pressed to run another brake.
  • 5 1
 Braking has seem to have perked my attention... it's a damn sexy looking brake too...
  • 4 2
 @diggerandrider: BraKing incas 2? is that the braking you're referring too? If so, I'd probably look elsewhere. i've had 2 sets, 1 pair was leaking from the get go, and took forever to have them looked at and warranty, and the 2nd pair works fine, but lack stopping power, if that's what your looking for in a brake
  • 5 3
 Until you justify buying Trickstuff Maximas…. Then you’ll reuse this statement a final time
  • 2 0
 Same on all counts. Braking perfection.
  • 1 1
 @Waldon83: Ordered mine 1 year ago. Still nothing.
  • 6 0
 Yeah noticed they were for sale on trps site a few months back and got some after a quick chat with them on the phone (great customer service btw).

Every bike in my garage will have TRP brakes by end of the year.
  • 1 0
 @Waldon83: I have the Direttismas on my DH bike. I thought my Hopes were the last brakes on that bike...until I put the Trickstuff on. yes they are stupid expensive, but work every dime. I can't imagine what the Maximas are like. I am not a big guy though.
  • 1 0
 I'm super happy with my Trail SL brakes, which are a couple years old now. Not super fond of the lever style, it's a bit thick, but brakes are great!
  • 2 0
 @bman33: Yep the Maximas are insanely good .
Stop my 220lb arse no problem
  • 15 1
 I am all about alternative companies for brakes. Shimano bite point has been crazy for years, Sram guides have not impressed me with power. Using and loving Magura MT7’s.
  • 3 1
 This sounds like me, I loved Shimano stopping power, but not their modulation. I never got along with the SRAM Code RSC - lack of power and Dot oil was a pain. Hayes are good. But I'm loving the Magura MT7s so much so I have another set coming for my number 2 bike.
  • 3 1
 Magura "alternative"? I expected something more exotic
  • 6 0
 Things have changed quite a bit though. Unfortunately Shimano isnt as reliable as they used to be but on the other hand SRAM really worked on their brakes. Formula is back on the menu and Hayes seem to be working good as well.
Concidering everything (power, reliability, price, etc.) I think that these four manufacurers are even competitors right now.
I could be wrong, but thats what all the info I have right now tells my spidey senses.
  • 5 0
 I've been running Guide RE for years, and they have been 100% reliable with virtually zero maintenance. I've bled then because I thought I should, rather than needed to. I've only ever had DOT fluid, so it doesn't really bother me. I've occasionally wanted a little more bite on big mountain descents, but I've mainly been running stock sintered pads, which last ages but aren't the most powerful. Tried TrickStuff Power pads, which had all the power, but basically dissolved in the rain.
  • 3 1
 Yes, i think Sram and Shimano are at the bottom for brakes these days. Have MT7's and they are phenomenal. I have rented bikes recently with Hayes Dominions and TRP's are they were both great. Way better feel than the two big "S's".
  • 3 6
 @stubs179: they’re not though are they? There’s a reason why every pro without a parts sponsor is on codes and not maguras or Hayes or that sram sell more codes than pretty much every brake manufacturer combined. It’s not a coincidence.
  • 1 0
 @mountainsofsussex: if you want to best possible braking then that’s the price you have to pay. They’re race pads you’ll burn through them in no time.
  • 2 0
 I just started running XT levers on my MT7's and they feel great.
  • 2 0
 @nickgarrison: I use XTs on my MT5s, have for a long time. Awesome power. I also started using Kool Stop pads and found a Magura pad that doesn't wear out after two or three rides.
  • 2 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Commencal21 is on Hayes this year
  • 2 0
 @mountainsofsussex: This matches my experience with the REs.
  • 3 1
 @thenotoriousmic: you want to know the real reason? Parts availability. Plain and simple if you need spares you can be guaranteed that every bike shop in the world probably has sram parts or full brake sets to keep you going. Unfortunately Hayes aren't popular enough and shops don't want to take the risk of stocking something that isn't popular even though they are amazing.
  • 2 5
 @therealmancub: because Hayes had to pay them to use their brakes otherwise they’d be codes like pretty much everyone else.
  • 3 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Not at all the case, not sure what gave you that impression
  • 1 0
 @therealmancub: well if the commencal team are actually spending money on Hayes brakes then that’s one hell of an endorsement. I’m excited to try them out. Never really had an issue with the Hayes 9’s everyone hated back in the day.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Most "Pro's" are making under $40K (£29K) a year so im sure they are just ridding whatever brakes come on the bike they are given. What the pros use sponsored or not is pretty irrelevant imo. Now, how they set their bikes up is a different story. Thats where people should take notice.
  • 1 0
 @stubs179: hardly irrelevant it shows given the choice what the elite prefer to run when not being paid to run components.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: wow, Hayes 9, that's a name from back in the day! Mine were pretty trouble free if I recall - survived Morzine anyway... As long as you didn't put cheapo eBay pads in as a friend did - they started smoking about 200m into the first descent!
  • 19 4
 Dominion. End of discussion.
  • 14 5
 I really want to like TRPs, but my set of Trails leaked from the caliper and master, and my set of Slates leaked from the bleed screws. Both caused pad contamination before I caught it. When I brought it up with TRP, I had to purchase new seals, for the Trails, something I thought they would cover. Then they said I had to take my Slates to a bike shop (bike was purchased online) to warranty the bleed screws. I provided pictures for them to determine it was a warranty issue, so I figured they would just send me new bleed screws. Kinda lame.
  • 5 2
 I have the same problem. Oil leaks from the bleed screws. Frown
  • 9 1
 One thing I found is after you bleed the brakes and re-install the bleed screw on the caliper, use compressed air and isopropyl to fully clean out ALL of the mineral oil from the threads of the bleed screw, then install your pads and wheel. First run on mine they both leaked on my pads and it took me a while to figure out what happened until I looked at how they engineered the bleed screws. I don't think TRP does this before they leave the factory. Zero issues since I figured it out!
  • 2 0
 @bdreynolds7:
Great info bd! Past two bleeds, rotor/pad contaminated before finally burning off. Love the brakes otherwise (DHR-EVO’s) with best braking feel at lever that I have ever been on. Will definitely do what you did above on next bleed before pad in install. Once TRP corrects this (poor caliper bleed port screw) and sticky piston issues, I think they will be the top brakes out there
  • 2 0
 @jgusta: just warrantied a pair of calipers from the first EVO run (white letter) that had sticky pistons and working with their customer service couldn’t have been easier. They had me a pair of new calipers in the time it took to ship to me (~2 days). All dialed in! Tons of powa.
  • 2 0
 @Elkulp:
Great news! After last rear pad swap and getting the pistons moving just right, no rub for first time in a few months. Before, one side of pistons always retracted more than the other with constant caliper realignments after each ride due to bad rub. I think i was shoving the pistons in too deep before placing pads back in. Buddy suggested just squeezing the lever repetitively a bit until each piston moves and gently retract, but don’t push them all the way in before placing pads back in and resetting the caliper. It worked! Been totally quiet during and after each ride ever since
  • 11 0
 I love trp brakes installed dozens and dozens of sets and have yet to see any issues arise from them! By far the best QC in the industry!
  • 8 0
 Was sold on TRP's when I rode a weekend at Whistler with Slate T4's running stock semi metallic pads and 180mm rotors. The lever ergo is a bit odd since the levers are longer then other brands but they impressed the hell outta me, cannot say the same for the XT's that came on my new bike...
  • 2 0
 Long levers is deal breaker for me. Smaller hands, shorter fingers I find I like Shimano or Magura levers to have best feel for me. Have never been able to get along with the SRAM levers.
  • 7 0
 People who like the reach close to their bars beware! My dhr evos reach adjustment bottoms out before getting close at all, really the only downside of them, but if you have small hands or like the bite point right at the bar it’s impossible to get the lever close enough.
  • 1 0
 Have to with Sram. Not sure about TRP, but from the comments. it sounds like some of TRP is like that too
  • 1 0
 No way to change it while bleeding your brakes?
  • 1 0
 @fracasnoxteam: not really. I have same problem. I like a bite point as close to bar as possible but mechanic told me u can’t do it thru bleed cause it’s an open bath. I go thru a lot of pads and my bite point has gotten closer but not as close as I’d like. Other than these 2 issues they work great. Du to supply shortages I cannot get metal pads, which I would like to try and see if they last longer. I literally went thru a rear set in 4 days of park riding
  • 2 2
 Just use a couple zipties loosely round your grip and over the lever which keep the levers from extending too far out. You're welcome.
  • 4 0
 @enduro29erHack: Shimano saint pads are a perfect fit... Been running in my EVO Trails all spring and summer with no issues
  • 12 6
 The Trail EVOs are on my extremely short list to replace my Wandering Bite Point, er, Shimano brakes. It's between them and Formula Curas (yes the 2 pistons). The Curas won't be in stock for a couple more months and once they are I'll have to sh!t or get off the toilet.
  • 9 8
 Look up Jason Marsh's bleed technique for Shimano brakes and you'll find you don't need to spend a dollar on new brakes
  • 16 9
 @nigelnobrakes: Not my first rodeo bleeding brakes. It's not air in the system, it's a design issue and Shimano knows it.
  • 5 8
 @DBone95: So you’ve tried his technique and you still got wandering bite point? It maybe a design issue but you can fix it instead of buying a set of inferior brakes
  • 3 1
 Depending on what you have it could be worth trying to fit another lever to your current shimanos. I've been putting Shimano levers to TRP calipers to extract more power out of them but got annoyed with the wandering bite point so I reversed to TRP levers and had no problems since. Additionally I fitted some Slate T4 levers to a pair of Saint calipers and since then I haven't experienced any wondering bite point. So if by any chance you have some mineral oil levers lying around (Magura, TRP, Tektro, Formula, probably others) it might be worth a try for a cheap fix. Even the shimano levers that don't have the servo wave cam don't suffer from the wandering bite point and are cheap as chips. You will loose the very aggressive touch of the shimano servo wave with all these options but so will you with Curas, and other brakes that don't use a cam mechanism.
  • 3 0
 @Balgaroth: the bite points got nothing to do with the servowave
www.mbr.co.uk/how-to-2/wandering-bite-point-shimano-405883
  • 1 0
 @nigelnobrakes: you correct that it doesn’t, but those brakes still don’t seem to be affected for some reason
  • 1 0
 @DBone95: from my experience saints work good but can get hot and that produces air and bad oil. This gets worse over time as saints get older
  • 3 0
 @nigelnobrakes: I got wandering bite point with my XTs when they were brand spanking now, installed on a new bike, factory bleed untouched. Hit up Shimano and the mad lads warrantied the brakes for me, got a fresh set, and guess what, same exact thing.

During this process I received detailed instructions from the Shimano techs at the Peterborough office on how to properly expel air from the caliper. I tried the process 5-6 times over the course of 3 months. No luck.

Great customer service from a great company, just something isn't right here. Could be the way the brakes are assembled, where a large number are not done properly, and depending on the factory that they come from, another batch could be dialed and not experience the issue. Although, there is no doubt that this is a pervasive issue that in most cases, cannot be remedied with proper bleed technique.

Re: Jason Marsh, who used to be Greg Minnaar's mechanic - I see Minnaar now runs Saint calipers with XTR levers. I wonder if the Saint calipers do not suffer from the issue to the same degree that the XT/XTR calipers do.
  • 3 2
 @nigelnobrakes: kinda sounds like a propaganda article to back-up one of their advertisers really ... If servowave isn't the root cause of the problem it exacerbates it so much that it may as well be the problem. Otherwise explain to me why my Tektro M745 got the WBP when I had the shimano lever which disappeared as soon as I put back the Tektro levers with no additional bleed ? Additionally I got the exact same result when fitting TRP Slate T4 levers to a set of Saint calipers. If air trapped in the caliper was the actual reason, changing the lever wouldn't make a difference. Also if I remember correctly, when the new Shimano lever was released last year or so it said somewhere that the new lever design should help with the WBP which is basically Shimano acknowledging that there is a problem and that their levers are causing the problem.
  • 2 0
 The issue with shimano wbp is that it’s not exactly clear what causes it. I’ve owned xt and xtr that don’t have it. The Mrs xt’s dont have it either, but other friends have it. One even has the same bike as my Mrs, bought within a couple of weeks of hers. I don’t do anything special for bleeding them, and went as far as bleeding my mates brakes for him recently. It didn’t make a difference.
  • 2 0
 Love my Trail SL brakes!!
  • 2 2
 @nigelnobrakes: THIS!!! Great video, and I will argue this point forever. It's a bleed issue!!!
  • 1 0
 @Afterschoolsports: That's sick that they work for you.

I find the WBP issue doesn't present itself until you really push the brakes on long or hard descents with heavy braking.
  • 3 1
 @mybaben: if it was just a bleed issue they wouldn’t just hand out warranty replacements like sweeties on Halloween. It might be air stuck in the system, but that just means there’s a weakness in the design somewhere that allows them to leave the factory in a poor state
  • 2 0
 @swenzowski: yep. I have experienced it before so am familiar with the feeling. The inconsistency unit to unit is what I find surprising about wbp. I have some four piston deores that I bought to go on my DJ bike but I will try them on my main bike first to see if they have wbp. I also just want to see how good they are.
  • 3 0
 @mashrv1: I have to agree. The shimano techs sent me a picture to describe an example where an air bubble gets trapped behind the caliper piston and can not be bled out. I believe this occurs in the assembly process.

imgur.com/a/ZoTOYpj

An interesting detail is that you cannot buy replacement pistons or service kits for shimano calipers, where as other brake manufacturers have no problem issuing rebuild kits. Shimano actually maintains that you cannot remove a piston and reinstall it without compromising brake performance.
  • 2 0
 @mashrv1: It's possible. I'm certainly in favor of them looking into design improvements. I just think that a lot of riders don't do a great job bleeding, and don't use the "3 angle pro bleed" at the lever that Marshy demonstrates. Also, I always go over every single screw and bolt on my new bikes to make sure they were assembled and torqued correctly and will check to see if either of the brakes need a bleed. New bikes need assembling which can often mean swapping brake cables and or cutting, so even new brakes "from the factory" can need bleeding.
  • 2 0
 @swenzowski: that’s an interesting image. As much as I love shimano stuff, I do wish it was more user friendly to service some of their stuff.
  • 2 0
 @mybaben: I’ve experienced the issue 2 ways. 1 was a new bike from Canyon, rear was fine, front was crap. A good bleed would work for a few rides then go back to wondering. The others were SLX and both were rubbish out of the box. No amount of bleeding (pre and post cutting) would fix it, a bleed would go back to wandering almost immediately. These were replaced without even needing to return them. The replacements were very slight better, but it was splitting hairs. Didn’t even bother trying to sell them in the end.
  • 1 0
 @mashrv1: That's a bummer. I guess I've just been lucky with my XTs.
  • 6 0
 I have the DHR-EVO with 2.3mm rotors and boy are they powerful and do not suffer from any wandering bite point...

... my only quarrel is I can't get the lever reach adjust close enough to the bars! I tried bleeding them several times as per instructions, and have reached out to TRP twice but they have not responded Frown

The weird thing is that the rear brake lever I can adjust nice and close no worries, while the front is too far from the bars, with the adjuster bottomed out. Tried resetting the pistons etc with no luck! Going to slap a regular 1.8mm thick rotor on there and see if that helps.
  • 2 0
 Bigger rotor on the front?
  • 6 0
 Changing rotor thickness does not help. The brake automaticly compensates rotor and pad wear, while keeping the feel the same, so a thinner rotor wont make a difference.
  • 10 0
 Swenzowski, I would just invest in some longer fingers
  • 2 0
 @Sombom: Nah both rotors are the same 200mmx2.3mm right now. I'm considering putting a 1.8mm just to experiment.

@endoplasmicreticulum ah poo

@TannerValhouli I hadn't thought of that cheers lol
  • 5 0
 Front brakes always feel firmer than rear brakes because of the shorter hose. Hydraulic brake hose has a tiny bit of expansion when the lever is pulled, and the added length of the rear hose amplifies this feeling at the lever.
  • 1 0
 I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Magura’s post-sale service. They’ve bent over backwards to help me and friends out on a couple occasions.
  • 4 0
 @mnorris122: I had a master cylinder fail, I emailed the US office, they asked for my address, I had a new master cylinder in two days. They let me keep all my old parts, I was able to gut another master cylinder when I tore a lever pivot off during a crash, install the guts into the failed master cylinder and was back riding the next day.
I've found their customer care to be top notch.
  • 2 0
 This has to do with the rate of pad wear. If you measure the pad thickness, you are probably wearing the rear twice as much as the front. Therfore the lever moves toward the bar.
  • 1 0
 @2wls4ever: nah, the brakes are brand new, ridden once for 2 hours. Broke my arm so haven't ridden them. Plus pistons reset themselves when pads wear.
  • 2 0
 @BikesBoatsNJeeps: DUDE SAME. My master was leaking, I emailed them on Thursday, they got back to me on Friday, and on Monday the new one showed up, shipped over the weekend from the US. Incredible.

Oh yeah and a brand new bleed kit was included in the package.
  • 6 0
 I've been on TRPs for 2 years now. Don't think I will ever be going back to the big S's. They offer such a great mix of power and modulation. Also if you're a bigger person you'll love how the 2.3 mm rotors don't fade as fast.
  • 8 1
 If you've watched any films or edits with Remi Metailler and tested them yourself you will know that hayes gets the praise! DA4 is money
  • 3 0
 Yes, Remi recommends a sponsor, i guess it is expected right
  • 5 0
 After Warrantying 3 sets of shimanos and 3 sets of srams once a year, I bought the TRP quadium's (non g-spec).

Ran them for 2+ years hard with one bleed, 2 sets of pads and not a single hiccup.

I repurchased another set for my current built.

I have referred tons of people and received positive feedback

Cody from TRP (shoutout boi!) has been a help to me and a rockstar.

I installed the slate trails on sunday for a friend and they are REAL nice, but not enough feedback from him yet.
  • 6 0
 If these are as reliable as my TRP Quadiems have been (flawless), then they're for sure on my shortlist of brakes to try for my next build.
  • 4 0
 Love my trp Dh evo’s, outta the box set up was so easy, never have trouble with bite point or rotors hitting one side of the brake pad and takes ages to find the centre.
With the 220 up front, makes easy one finger braking for my tried old hands.. never had a brake set that you set up and for forget, coming from sram code ultimates the TRPs wins on power, ease of use, control, feel. Beats magura mt7s too
  • 4 0
 In my experience brake are hugely down to personal preference. I love the slate t4s, I have been running them for a few years now and they are certainly the most reliable brake I’ve had that suits the ergonomics of bigger hands. SRAMs have just never felt right to me and I do not like the close to the bar bite point that they tend to deliver, Shimano's felt great but I was forever having to adjust and bleed them to keep them on form. TRPs have ticked all the boxes for me so far - so I look forward to these appearing soon!
  • 1 0
 Yep, love my Trail SL's! Been an XT guy forever, and still love them. Tried TRP for fun on a recent build up and really like them!!
  • 6 3
 '270c boiling point' is the boiling point of DOT4, but Tektro normally uses proprietary mineral oil, don't they? I have the TRP Quadiems but never need to bleed - they just keep working great. Why not just come out and say what type of fluid?

Also, not a good look for the TRP brake page to throw a 404 error.....
  • 5 1
 Because it always has to be more complicated than it should be, duh
  • 3 1
 Your point being ? LHM+ is a mineral oil, boiling point of 280°c for some brands offering it but it mainly depends on the manufacturer own mix. Been using LHM+ in all my shimanos for over a decade for this reason.
  • 6 0
 My new Sentinel is coming spec'd with the DH-R evo's. I'm curious to try a new brand. Been on Srams forever!
  • 3 0
 Been riding TRP brakes for years, muni, tandem, MTB. No complaints. Got first gen Quadiem on one bike and second gen Quadiem on the other, tore lines out, crashed so many times, wore out more pads than I can count, they just keep on ticking.
  • 6 1
 2.3 millimeters, not good, not bad.
  • 7 0
 I've never had any complaints...................
  • 2 0
 proman.rs/storage/blog-posts-images/not-great-not-terrible/cover-photo-2.jpg
  • 5 2
 Formula cura 4 , more powerful , lighter, reliable enough said
  • 1 0
 Have magic connector and cheaper
  • 3 0
 300g for a 2.3 mm caliper, are they made of dark matter?
  • 3 0
 'EVO', the 'GTS' of the mountain bike world.
  • 1 0
 I had a couple sets of these, their performance was indistinguishable from Shimano brakes. They work great! but I prefer SRAM.
  • 1 0
 Quadiems on my Patrol for the last 2 years. Fantastic brakes. Maintenance free, no wondering bite point, plenty of modulation, loads of power and no SRAM brake warble.
  • 3 1
 Resin Pads! What are they going to say!?
  • 1 0
 What is with that brake position on that transition? Some four finger braking about to go down.
  • 3 1
 Still waiting for the EVOO version.
  • 3 0
 Heard the EVOO version only comes with organic pads
  • 2 1
 braking is over estimate!!!
  • 1 1
 Why is everything EVO now? Does it mean something but I don't know because I'm old and out of touch?
  • 1 0
 It's the EVOlution of their brake lineup! All of TRP's new brakes are getting the updates found in the DHR EVO that has been out for about year and a half (better pads, smaller hoses, Oil, leverblade update, etc.)
  • 3 6
 I resent them forcing a new standard of 2.3 rotors on everyone. How dare they!

All the curmudgeons must still be busy commenting on Henry’s article and haven’t made it over here yet.
  • 8 1
 2 and 2.3 are interchangeable believe it or not.
  • 1 0
 @makripper: I was being sarcastic. Slightly thicker rotors make all the sense in the world and I would expect you could get away with mixing.
  • 4 5
 Nice work TRP. If I want to go as slow as Gwin does now I'll call you, lover.
  • 2 1
 Hahahaha
  • 1 0
 Needz moar EVO
  • 1 2
 I buy the crappiest brakes I can get get my hands on because I like to go faster. Ride smart folks Wink
  • 1 2
 DH or e-ebike only for the 2.3mm discs lol
  • 2 2
 Hope v4
  • 7 8
 Asphinctersayswhat?
  • 7 1
 What?
  • 4 0
 @srsiri23w: asphinctersayswhat?
  • 3 4
 Hope Tech 3 v4 ...
  • 2 0
 These guys get it! Hope Tech 3 V4's all day for sure
Below threshold threads are hidden





Copyright © 2000 - 2023. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.038045
Mobile Version of Website