Due to some awesome stuff (getting signed by Giant), completing the review on the TRP Trail EVO is taking longer than expected. But the upshot is that I am really happy with them. Most people are wanting to get the DHR EVOs, but I'd say that the Trail EVOs are plenty of power and consistency for 95% of riders. I used the Trail EVOs throughout many days at the bike park, on long steep descents, etc. I've also banged them a fair bit, and they've been absolutely solid. I've loved the bigger and thicker rotors. They're also simple to maintain! A full trail review is still in the works but I'm not sure when that'll come out.
Your video couldn't have come at a more perfect timing for me. I also just bought a pair of TRP Evo's and was about to install them. First time installing brakes, so thanks for the tutorial!
My pleasure! Though I dunno if I'd consider this a good tutorial. 😆 Make sure and check TRP's UA-cam content. They got good specific info. Also, they're really easy to contact. Get it!
Soon to be installing the t4 slates to my partners bike, watched trp video then this one, they definitely made it look easier, was good to watch this as going to my first install.
It's actually pretty easy to install the TRPs. Did it on my 160e couple weeks back. Although I had to unbolt the motor (not expected at the start). One thing that made the process 100 times easier was having a extra length of 5mm broke hose (got some from the trash at my LBS) and I used that little baby red Sram hose joiner tool that comes with a Reverb but can be purchased separately (search: "Rockshox Reverb Stealth Barb Connector"). Love the DHRs on my eBike with the 223 rotors front and back - needed for the steep stuff in Laguna.
Hey Alan, Was really happy to find this video if only as encouragement. I think we probably have pretty similar comfort levels for working on bike stuff. I really like doing it on my own if I can, but boy is it stressful, especially when contaminating brake parts is a possibility. I've going to be doing my first frame up build because I hope to really make myself learn some bike mechanic stuff I've shied away from. The bike is going to have dhr evo brakes on it and the install of those is one of the things I'm most anxious about. I have tried to install brakes before (magura mt5) and those were a disaster even on a bike with fully external routing. I am honestly not sure if there was some sort of issue with them or it was only my bad install job, but I could not get a successful bleed for the life of me and I ended up getting contaminated pads and rotors. I think those were supposed to come pre bled, but they were pulling to the bar on install. I took it to a bike shop and they ended up recommending all new pads and rotors which were not cheap at all. So yeah, not looking forward to the trp install, but picked them partially because they are supposed to be easy to install/bleed. Went dhr over trail because it was an upgrade on a stock build and I had a choice between slate t4, dhr, and magura mt5/mt7. If the trail evo was an option I may have chose it, but the price between the two is so close anyway. I'm thinking if I can successfully build a bike, it will be the mechanic equivalent of clearing my first table.
Right on! Glad to provide some encouragement. I’m legit inexperienced at this stuff and couldn’t believe how easy the install was. I can’t speak for the ease of the hose routing though. That’ll be dependent on your bike. Re: Magura I’ve heard they can be finicky.
The block that ships with the brakes isn't a bleed block, its just to prevent the lever from being squeezed and the pucs/pistons popping out. Whenever your messing with oil, you should remove your brake pads so you don't contaminate them. Good job for getting it done, you could tell you were outside your comfort zone.
8:40 here there's a little oring missing on the barb. Hopefully that didn't screw too much with the feeling of the lever (unless you changed your barb because you shortened the hose). That was probably also the reason why you encountered resistance in the internal hose tube of the frame, the oring was most likely rubbing against the cornered section of the internal hose tube.
Have you seen the new SRAM Wireless setup. Runs like $2100 and derailleur mounts directly to cassette. Sickset and smoothest shifting was so surprised.
Yo! Sorry for the delay on this. I got signed by Giant shortly after this vid and things got a little complex. But the upshot is that the TRP Trail EVOs are solid! I think they have plenty of power and consistency for 90% of riders. I used them on lots of long descents, on steep stuff, and for big runs at the bike park. I also banged them around quite a bit and they were bullet proof. They're also easy to maintain, as easy as maintaining Shimano...and the brake pads don't rattle like the Shimanos sometimes do. I'm gonna be running these on as many bikes as I can.
I just installed a set of these on my Ripmo AF and I did not see a difference in between ends on the olive. They looked symmetrical to me no matter how I looked at it. I even used 2 side-by-side changing the orientation and still looked the same.
@@mtb_alan Thanks. I was stressing for a bit looking at every olive in both boxes. Went I went online and was looking at the olives from TRP they looked different. Saddest part was the instructions included in both boxes were mentions the chamfer edge. Gonna test them on Sunday at a downhill park.
Man this is so funny dude I just did the same thing this weekend and it was my first time I installed a hose and brakes too. The lever purge I call a bubble bleed. I use the Magura MT7 but man they have been nothing but trouble. TRP is solid dude. This video reminded me of myself. You did a great job man.🙌🙌🙏😀
Finally finished my own install today. Was very surprised at how loud and abnoxious the stock brake pads that come with the TRP DH-R EVO. The levers though burped, still aren't grabbing has hard as I expected. I really got to torque on that lever, & it has a lot more modulation built in then I expected. So it was quick arm pump. I may need to do a full bleed after install I did only lever purge. Seemed hard but after a few pulls on it and listening to my front brake screem. I wished I had waited for the MTX pads to come. I used shrink wrap hose for electrical to attach hoses together and pull it through my Luna X2 V2 Ludi. Had to drop the engine but it was pretty simple and allowed me to clean up some of their wiring work. lol. But yeah these levers seem long enough. But 1-finger braking is just not there quite yes. I will do a bleed and reupdate when I can. Also Need to make a few more miles on the MTX pads before i can say much more. The rear brake on my 203 rotor stops on a dime and I can do all sorts of easy carving with the back. Front needs a little work. I think the Rotor may be warped, because on one little section I can hear it rub & I used Topeak DX Torque wrench on eveything. the +23mm post was a little off and I had to use a flat metal sand bar to take off a millmeter or two to make it fit perfectly, but that could of partially been because of the frame I have thats unfinished carbon. But that fixed it. It was a pain in the but, & Compared to the G2 R's I was running, so far I am not impressed for the money. But I need more time. Anyone who wants color don't go with Gold if you have blacked out bike, unless you plan to add more gold. I should of bought the black levers and calipers. I would def Trade my TRP DH-R in GOLD for Black if I could. Make sure you have Black or colored bolts to use in place of TRP's if you buy gold or Black. Because all the mounting screws are only Silver, & It looks weird. They are a quirky look I rather regret. But I will give them some more time, & see how they sound with the MTX PADS this coming week. Before I give my final word on them. I've tried all the top end Brakes, & I really didn't try the TRP's before I bought them. Considering the reviews I read basically described them as the perfect combo between CODE RSC, & Magura MT7. But I don't have any huge DH tracks to do extensive braking on where i live. So I have to wait till I can take it out to the woods, or PA. Update later. I should of tried harder to find a place to try these brakes. Right now I am liking the MT7's more.
Guys, HELP! I cant seem to distinguish between the sides of the olive! They seem symmetrical to me. I recently installed the DHR Evos, and the rear break keeps introducing air to the system. I have a strong suspicion that it may be the olive. (Laso, mine came with a “gold” olive, not black. Also, the instructions show a very different olive than the one in this video and the one i got in the box.
@@mtb_alan so, seems like there is no direction to the olive. the instructions are for the 5.5mm width, while the new DHR EVOs run 5mm. so olives will fit either way. the issue that i was having was resolved after changing the bleed kit, probably worn our seals or something. :) good breaks
I'm not sure. Gotta say though, so far the Trail EVOs have been enough power for the steep stuff and high speed runs at the bike park. Not sure if I actually need the DH-Rs.
Hi bro i have trp brakes gold its the same but i want swap lines cause im braking in th front with my left side so you think if swap the lines i just pull of and the put in back in the rigth position ?
I know exactly what you are talking about with it taking so long when recording, For me it takes about 2x as long lol, My brake install went well besides that I had to do a full bleed. Love the videos man!
Not yet. Got the Giant bike sponsor and haven’t fitted the TRPs yet to continue the assessment. But the upshot is that they’re solid. I think most people would be fine either the Trail and your only really need the DH if you’re doing huge descents l the time or some serious DH racing.
@MTB ALAN everything, complete rebleeds, cleaning & lubing pistons... centralized caliper and evenly advanced pistons but after some running one side always pushes out more and causes it to rub
@MTB ALAN the shop i bought them from(commencal) have no idea whats wrong so they going to talk to trp an see what could be causing it. Super frustrating as they ride so good for the first trail or two until one side advances more
@@MrSupermugen I have the Evo slate evo and feo t has minor rubbing. Did everything too and do see that one piston is sticking so that seems to make the opposite piston extend more?
I can see doing it by hand. It's convenient to have the press included in the hose cutter. I think it might be particularly useful for bike mechanics who would be working on bikes all day.
@@mtb_alan yes, and different brakes, so some will definitely need a tool. with Shimano you have to use a tool like this, or the provided clamping blocks and clamp using pliers and hammer it in. But on Formula a kid or person with weak fingers could press it in.
Due to some awesome stuff (getting signed by Giant), completing the review on the TRP Trail EVO is taking longer than expected. But the upshot is that I am really happy with them.
Most people are wanting to get the DHR EVOs, but I'd say that the Trail EVOs are plenty of power and consistency for 95% of riders. I used the Trail EVOs throughout many days at the bike park, on long steep descents, etc. I've also banged them a fair bit, and they've been absolutely solid. I've loved the bigger and thicker rotors.
They're also simple to maintain!
A full trail review is still in the works but I'm not sure when that'll come out.
Your video couldn't have come at a more perfect timing for me.
I also just bought a pair of TRP Evo's and was about to install them.
First time installing brakes, so thanks for the tutorial!
My pleasure!
Though I dunno if I'd consider this a good tutorial. 😆
Make sure and check TRP's UA-cam content. They got good specific info.
Also, they're really easy to contact. Get it!
If you attach the new hose to the old hose you can pull the new hose through while pulling the old hose out.
Soon to be installing the t4 slates to my partners bike, watched trp video then this one, they definitely made it look easier, was good to watch this as going to my first install.
Noob Tip (not a mechanic either): if you were happy with the length of your hoses on your old brakes, just use that as a general guide for new brakes!
Ah! That's smart! 🙏🏾
It's actually pretty easy to install the TRPs. Did it on my 160e couple weeks back. Although I had to unbolt the motor (not expected at the start). One thing that made the process 100 times easier was having a extra length of 5mm broke hose (got some from the trash at my LBS) and I used that little baby red Sram hose joiner tool that comes with a Reverb but can be purchased separately (search: "Rockshox Reverb Stealth Barb Connector"). Love the DHRs on my eBike with the 223 rotors front and back - needed for the steep stuff in Laguna.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s a noob when it comes to this stuff! Awesome video 🤙🏾
Thanks Matty! What you may lack in the garage, you make up for with those manuals! 🤘🏾
Hey Alan,
Was really happy to find this video if only as encouragement. I think we probably have pretty similar comfort levels for working on bike stuff. I really like doing it on my own if I can, but boy is it stressful, especially when contaminating brake parts is a possibility.
I've going to be doing my first frame up build because I hope to really make myself learn some bike mechanic stuff I've shied away from. The bike is going to have dhr evo brakes on it and the install of those is one of the things I'm most anxious about. I have tried to install brakes before (magura mt5) and those were a disaster even on a bike with fully external routing. I am honestly not sure if there was some sort of issue with them or it was only my bad install job, but I could not get a successful bleed for the life of me and I ended up getting contaminated pads and rotors. I think those were supposed to come pre bled, but they were pulling to the bar on install. I took it to a bike shop and they ended up recommending all new pads and rotors which were not cheap at all.
So yeah, not looking forward to the trp install, but picked them partially because they are supposed to be easy to install/bleed. Went dhr over trail because it was an upgrade on a stock build and I had a choice between slate t4, dhr, and magura mt5/mt7. If the trail evo was an option I may have chose it, but the price between the two is so close anyway. I'm thinking if I can successfully build a bike, it will be the mechanic equivalent of clearing my first table.
Right on! Glad to provide some encouragement. I’m legit inexperienced at this stuff and couldn’t believe how easy the install was. I can’t speak for the ease of the hose routing though. That’ll be dependent on your bike.
Re: Magura
I’ve heard they can be finicky.
The block that ships with the brakes isn't a bleed block, its just to prevent the lever from being squeezed and the pucs/pistons popping out. Whenever your messing with oil, you should remove your brake pads so you don't contaminate them. Good job for getting it done, you could tell you were outside your comfort zone.
👊🏾
yeah it pretty straightforward and the clamping power is just another level! enjoy it Alan!
Agreed! Awesome brakes!
8:40 here there's a little oring missing on the barb. Hopefully that didn't screw too much with the feeling of the lever (unless you changed your barb because you shortened the hose). That was probably also the reason why you encountered resistance in the internal hose tube of the frame, the oring was most likely rubbing against the cornered section of the internal hose tube.
Have you seen the new SRAM Wireless setup. Runs like $2100 and derailleur mounts directly to cassette. Sickset and smoothest shifting was so surprised.
you are doign great cousin. I go slow now too. way too many mistakes in the past. cheers from Nova Scotia !
🤘🏾
ive wanted these brakes so bad for there looks mainly so nice to hear how they are b4 i go a pull the trigger!! Cheers brotha!!
No worries! Glad to help.
I've missed seeing your Santa Cruz. Excited to see your upcoming review.
😃🤘🏾
Was looking for an update on how you liked the brakes but can't find a video of you on the Green Santa Cruz.
Yo! Sorry for the delay on this. I got signed by Giant shortly after this vid and things got a little complex.
But the upshot is that the TRP Trail EVOs are solid! I think they have plenty of power and consistency for 90% of riders. I used them on lots of long descents, on steep stuff, and for big runs at the bike park. I also banged them around quite a bit and they were bullet proof.
They're also easy to maintain, as easy as maintaining Shimano...and the brake pads don't rattle like the Shimanos sometimes do.
I'm gonna be running these on as many bikes as I can.
I just installed a set of these on my Ripmo AF and I did not see a difference in between ends on the olive. They looked symmetrical to me no matter how I looked at it. I even used 2 side-by-side changing the orientation and still looked the same.
Yeah...I think they changed it so that it's symmetrical.
@@mtb_alan Thanks. I was stressing for a bit looking at every olive in both boxes. Went I went online and was looking at the olives from TRP they looked different. Saddest part was the instructions included in both boxes were mentions the chamfer edge. Gonna test them on Sunday at a downhill park.
@netposerx 😆 I feel you. Have fun!
Would it be hard to push the thing down the cable without the push tool? I have hose cutters but I can't get that TRP one quickly where I live.
TBH, I'm not sure. Best to talk to your local bike shop.
Looking forward to the review, i have been wanting to switch out my SRAM Guides to the Trail EVO's.
Right on.
Working on the review, but the upshot is that I'm stoked on 'em!
Man this is so funny dude I just did the same thing this weekend and it was my first time I installed a hose and brakes too. The lever purge I call a bubble bleed. I use the Magura MT7 but man they have been nothing but trouble. TRP is solid dude. This video reminded me of myself. You did a great job man.🙌🙌🙏😀
Thanks! Sorry to hear about the trouble with the Maguras. I hear they’re great but fiddly.
Been stoked on the TRPs!
@@mtb_alan 🤘🤘🤘🔥
Finally finished my own install today. Was very surprised at how loud and abnoxious the stock brake pads that come with the TRP DH-R EVO. The levers though burped, still aren't grabbing has hard as I expected. I really got to torque on that lever, & it has a lot more modulation built in then I expected. So it was quick arm pump. I may need to do a full bleed after install I did only lever purge. Seemed hard but after a few pulls on it and listening to my front brake screem. I wished I had waited for the MTX pads to come. I used shrink wrap hose for electrical to attach hoses together and pull it through my Luna X2 V2 Ludi. Had to drop the engine but it was pretty simple and allowed me to clean up some of their wiring work. lol. But yeah these levers seem long enough. But 1-finger braking is just not there quite yes. I will do a bleed and reupdate when I can. Also Need to make a few more miles on the MTX pads before i can say much more. The rear brake on my 203 rotor stops on a dime and I can do all sorts of easy carving with the back. Front needs a little work. I think the Rotor may be warped, because on one little section I can hear it rub & I used Topeak DX Torque wrench on eveything. the +23mm post was a little off and I had to use a flat metal sand bar to take off a millmeter or two to make it fit perfectly, but that could of partially been because of the frame I have thats unfinished carbon. But that fixed it. It was a pain in the but, & Compared to the G2 R's I was running, so far I am not impressed for the money. But I need more time. Anyone who wants color don't go with Gold if you have blacked out bike, unless you plan to add more gold. I should of bought the black levers and calipers. I would def Trade my TRP DH-R in GOLD for Black if I could. Make sure you have Black or colored bolts to use in place of TRP's if you buy gold or Black. Because all the mounting screws are only Silver, & It looks weird. They are a quirky look I rather regret. But I will give them some more time, & see how they sound with the MTX PADS this coming week. Before I give my final word on them. I've tried all the top end Brakes, & I really didn't try the TRP's before I bought them. Considering the reviews I read basically described them as the perfect combo between CODE RSC, & Magura MT7. But I don't have any huge DH tracks to do extensive braking on where i live. So I have to wait till I can take it out to the woods, or PA. Update later. I should of tried harder to find a place to try these brakes. Right now I am liking the MT7's more.
Buddy... who is reading all of that?
Hi man - do you like the TRP better already?
Guys, HELP! I cant seem to distinguish between the sides of the olive! They seem symmetrical to me.
I recently installed the DHR Evos, and the rear break keeps introducing air to the system. I have a strong suspicion that it may be the olive. (Laso, mine came with a “gold” olive, not black.
Also, the instructions show a very different olive than the one in this video and the one i got in the box.
I couldn't tell the difference between the sides on the olive either. Maybe I got lucky, but I haven't had issues.
Maybe take it into the shop?
@@mtb_alan so, seems like there is no direction to the olive. the instructions are for the 5.5mm width, while the new DHR EVOs run 5mm. so olives will fit either way. the issue that i was having was resolved after changing the bleed kit, probably worn our seals or something. :) good breaks
Ah...thanks for the update. I'm glad that I wasn't the only one confused about that olive. 😆
Did you have a bleed block, or the 2.3mm spacer it comes with in the caliper when doing the lever purge?
I had a bleed block.
How could you tell what side was tapered on the olive? they look the same!
😆 I think the new tapered nuts are the same on both sides. Reach out to TRP if you want a professional to confirm though.
Once I did my first bike maintenance thingy, I found myself buying a lot of bike tools. I look at bike tools the same as I look at MTB components.
Oh yah! Totally.
After doing everything with a multitool for a while, I finally sprung for some nice Wera allen keys.
This was immensely helpful. Thank you!
Sweet!
Where is everyone getting their TRP DHRs? Seems like most places are sold out. Some places still have front only but can’t seem to find a full set
I'm not sure. Gotta say though, so far the Trail EVOs have been enough power for the steep stuff and high speed runs at the bike park. Not sure if I actually need the DH-Rs.
what part of olive is the conic? or its a joke?
Hi bro i have trp brakes gold its the same but i want swap lines cause im braking in th front with my left side so you think if swap the lines i just pull of and the put in back in the rigth position ?
Maybe? I would check with your local bike shop.
Darn I thought u were installing DH-R EVO's which I am installing tomorrow.
I know exactly what you are talking about with it taking so long when recording, For me it takes about 2x as long lol, My brake install went well besides that I had to do a full bleed. Love the videos man!
That filmer life. 😆
Thanks!
@@mtb_alan Heck ya! lol
Do you need to fit the plastic collar under the lever
???
Was a follow-up video uploaded?
Not yet. Got the Giant bike sponsor and haven’t fitted the TRPs yet to continue the assessment.
But the upshot is that they’re solid. I think most people would be fine either the Trail and your only really need the DH if you’re doing huge descents l the time or some serious DH racing.
Hey Alan, reach out to Formula to send you Cura 4 brakes and try them out.
Right on Alan
Must be fun for Right hand drive countries to get off their MTB, Leap on to their Motor bike.. and grab a handful of clutch on in an emergency!
hey, did you have any issues with rubbing? i love my brakes but ive been through 3 sets and they all rub. frustrating as
I didn't. What have you done to try and fix it?
@MTB ALAN everything, complete rebleeds, cleaning & lubing pistons... centralized caliper and evenly advanced pistons but after some running one side always pushes out more and causes it to rub
Wow. I don’t know. I’ve never had issues. Have you talked to TRP? You can email them. Or maybe see what your LBS says?
@MTB ALAN the shop i bought them from(commencal) have no idea whats wrong so they going to talk to trp an see what could be causing it. Super frustrating as they ride so good for the first trail or two until one side advances more
@@MrSupermugen I have the Evo slate evo and feo t has minor rubbing. Did everything too and do see that one piston is sticking so that seems to make the opposite piston extend more?
This was helpful. Thank you!
Awesome buddy! How are you liking your spank grips? I love mine btw! 😆🍻
Thanks!
I dig 'em. Though it seems like the area facing me and close to the lever has worn out pretty quickly.
Yes you need to Burp the brake or LEVER Purge lol. I like calling it burp the brake.
I'm debating between TRP Evo and Sram Code.
How are you liking these and what did you have before?
I prefer the TRPs. And I think unless you’re doing legit DH racing, the Trail EVOs are enough power.
Before these, I had SRAM and Shimano.
@@mtb_alan thanks for the response! I've read in a few places the TRP are like the in between from Sram and Shimano.
Yah...and they're easier to maintain than SRAM since they have that quick lever bleed like Shimano.
Nice, now I know I need a tool to press the barb in on Trp, I have Formula, I can do it by hand. 👌
🤘🏾
@@mtb_alan No DOT brakes for me.
You don't need a tool, But it would be nice. I got mine in by hand.
I can see doing it by hand. It's convenient to have the press included in the hose cutter.
I think it might be particularly useful for bike mechanics who would be working on bikes all day.
@@mtb_alan yes, and different brakes, so some will definitely need a tool. with Shimano you have to use a tool like this, or the provided clamping blocks and clamp using pliers and hammer it in. But on Formula a kid or person with weak fingers could press it in.
Great job! Keep it up😄
Thanks!
It socks cause I was in school when this video uploaded
Ha! No worries. It was here when you got out. 😆
And the bike feels great
Heck yeah!
✌🏼❤️🍻
🤘🏾
3:08 😂
😆
a beginner LMAO yahh OK Alan LOL
😆 well, a beginner at installing brakes.