SNEAK PEEK - TRP's New EVO Mechanical Drivetrains 17

For many riders, TRP is still a relatively new brand in the brake and drivetrain segments. While true, TRP's roots go much deeper. In 2006, Tektro, one of the largest bicycle brake manufacturers in the world, was looking to expand its OEM and aftermarket presence to higher-performance bikes. When they decided that forming a new brand would be the best strategy to gain relevancy in the competitive marketplace, Tektro Racing Products (TRP) was born. Initially focused on road and cyclocross, TRP joined forces with Aaron Gwin in 2016 to commence brake testing on the UCI World Cup Downhill circuit. Since then, TRP has rolled out numerous critically acclaimed brakes and delved into the drivetrain segment with its DH7 and DH12 drivetrains. While they didn't receive as much praise as their brakes, the first drivetrains showed signs of promise that TRP could morph into a serious drivetrain contender against the two big brands that control that space. 

Fast forward to earlier this week, and the family-owned company invited us to their Taiwan headquarters and factory for a sneak peek at their latest project — their entirely new EVO drivetrains. EVO is the culmination of what TRP has learned since releasing DH7 and TR12 and was designed to withstand the demands of today's high-end bikes and aggressive riders. From derailleur to cranksets, TRP's complete drivetrain is intended to compete directly against SRAM's X01 and Shimano's XTR mechanical systems. 

EVO12 Derailleur 

 

• Integrated Hall Lock Lever stabilizes the rear derailleur to eliminate unwanted drivetrain noise. Has On/Off feature to facilitate easy wheel removal/service and an adjustable clamping force for breakaway optimization
• Horizontal Parallelogram stabilizes the rear derailleur while riding over rough terrain 
• Instant, silent clutch prevents unwanted chain slap and noise
• Cage Release: releases cage spring tension and facilitates easy wheel removal and maintenance
• Carbon fiber outer cage
• 12T/14T sealed bearing pulleys
• Weight: 301g
• MSRP: $239.99 USD

EVO12 Shifter

• Light lever action for easy shifting
• MatchMaker compatible mounting style 
• Adjustable Advance Lever with wide range of adjustments to meet rider preference 
• Cable exit shifter and run parallel to the handlebar for a clean appearance
• Shift Mode Switch: Switch between 5 upshifts in a sweep or a single upshift
• Weight: 139g
• MSRP: $109.99 USD

EVO12 Cassette

• Miscrospline Compatible 
• 10-52T Gear Range (10-11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-44-52)
• The two largest aluminum alloy cogs are heat treated with 7075 aluminum alloy for high strength and low weight 
• Monoblock Steel Cogs - High wear resistance for longevity
• Weight: 372g
• MSRP: $398.92 USD

EVO7 Derailleur

• Integrated Hall Lock Lever stabilizes the rear derailleur to eliminate unwanted drivetrain noise. Has On/Off feature to facilitate easy wheel removal/service and an adjustable clamping force for breakaway optimization
• Horizontal Parallelogram stabilizes the rear derailleur while riding over rough terrain 
• Instant, silent clutch prevents unwanted chain slap and noise
• MSRP: $229.99 USD

EVO7 Shifter

• Improved ergonomics with light lever action for easy shifting
• MatchMaker compatible mounting style 
• Adjustable Advance Lever with a wide range of adjustments to meet rider preference 
• Cable exit shifter and run parallel to the handlebar for a clean appearance
• Shift Mode Switch: Switch between 5 upshifts in a sweep or a single upshift
• MSRP: $109.99 USD

EVO7 DH Cassette

• Hyperglide Compatible 
• 11-24T Gear Range (11-13-15-17-19-21-24)
• Durable steel cogs are high wear resistance for longevity 
• Integrated CNC alloy spoke protector
• MSRP: $99.99 USD

Carbon Crankset

• High-performance carbon layup
• Lightweight and strong for efficiency
• 30mm Spindle Diameter
• Torsionally rigid for exceptional power transfer 
• 165mm and 170mm Lengths
• Weight: 585g with 32t chainring 
• MSRP: $349.99 USD

Aluminum Crankset

• Forged aluminum for durable and robust
• 30mm Spindle Diameter
• Torsionally rigid for exceptional power transfer 
• 165mm, 170mm, and 175mm Lengths 
• MSRP: $149.99

Chainrings

• CNC 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy
• 30T / 32T / 34T Options
• Wave Technology: Proven chain retention in extreme conditions 
• Proven chain retention in extreme conditions 
• Downhill (6mm) and Boost (3mm) offsets
• Weight: 81g (3mm, 32t)
• MSRP: $74.99 (CR-M8050) / $79.99 (CR-M9050)

Bottom Bracket

• BSA 68/73
• PF92 
• PF3
• MSRP: $41.99 USD

One Lap Impressions

Following an awe-inspiring tour of their factory (full story to come in the future!), TRP provided us with the opportunity to conduct a very short test ride on the new EVO 12-speed drivetrain on the local trails. Our test bike was outfitted with the EVO carbon crankset, Wave technology chainring, EVO12 derailleur, shifter, and cassette, optimized to work with a KMC chain. 

TRP's objective was to offer a package that prioritized stability and robustness. Shifting performance was smooth and crisp while smashing on the pedals, with a definitive "thunk" corresponding with each gear change. The stability of the derailleur was obvious and impressive, and we experienced no excess noise or chain slap. Our test loop consisted of numerous abrupt, punchy climbs that allowed us to test the Shift Mode Switch, a unique feature that, with the flip of a small switch, provides the option of instantly switching up to 5 gears in one push of the lever. The lever ergonomics felt natural and comfortable, and being able to dump a bunch of gears instantly was interesting. It's hard to say how often we might use this feature, and we will need more time to play around with how best to apply it on the trail.

With only an hour and change ride-time under our belts on the EVO12 drivetrain, we barely got a taste of what the system is all about. But, the shifting quality, near-silent derailleur, and overall quality of each component hinted at a drivetrain packed with performance. Both drivetrains will become available in conjunction with the public launch at Sea Otter Classic in late April, and we look forward to conducting a proper long-term review in the future.