TRP Slate Evo Brake Weight & Performance

TRP Slate Evo Brakes: A Comprehensive Review

Last summer, TRP significantly updated its brake lineup, integrating features initially developed for their e-bike specific DHR-EVO brakes into other models. The TRP DHR-EVOs, born from the demands of heavy-duty e-bike applications, eventually found their way onto the cockpits of TRP's downhill athletes. While undeniably potent, their premium price point of $260 per wheel made them a considerable investment for many riders.

The new TRP Slate EVOs aim to bridge this gap by incorporating some of the DHR-EVO's performance-enhancing features, such as thicker rotors, a wider and stiffer brake hose, and a more robust caliper. To achieve a more accessible price point, TRP opted to omit some of the more refined aesthetic touches, like polished surfaces. This strategic approach results in the Slate EVOs offering enhanced power over their predecessors, the Slate T4s, with only a modest price increase. Retailing at $140 per wheel, a mere $20 more than the T4s, the Slate EVOs present a compelling option for riders seeking a capable mid-level trail bike brake.

Key Features and Specifications of the TRP Slate Evo Brakes

The TRP Slate EVOs boast several noteworthy updates that contribute to their improved performance:

The lever blade has been meticulously reshaped to offer a more comfortable and intuitive feel. The master cylinder now incorporates a 10mm piston, translating to a more potent and direct lever actuation. Riders will appreciate the familiar adjustable lever reach, allowing for personalised comfort, and the hinged lever clamp, which, while potentially adding a slight complexity to some mounting scenarios, offers broader compatibility. TRP is also actively developing adapters to enhance the integration of their brakes with various shifter systems, further streamlining the setup process.

Internally, the caliper's fluid channels have been refined for optimal oil flow, ensuring consistent and responsive braking. Crucially, the Slate EVOs utilise the same high-performance pads and mineral oil as the DHR-EVO, renowned for their durability and stopping power. Furthermore, the caliper design is optimised to work seamlessly with the thicker 2.3mm rotors, a feature borrowed directly from the DHR-EVOs, which contributes significantly to heat dissipation and overall braking performance.

Aesthetic and Design Considerations

Visually, the TRP Slate EVOs bear a strong resemblance to the T4 models. Subtle differences are noticeable, with a slightly altered lever blade on the EVOs and a caliper that appears less bulky. However, the overall aesthetic remains largely consistent. The most significant piece of information for many riders asking about the TRP Slate Evo weight is that they tip the scales at a respectable 315g per set. This weight is comparable to the DHR EVO, indicating that TRP has managed to pack robust performance into a package that isn't overly burdensome.

Installation and Setup: The EZ-Plug System

TRP simplifies the installation process with their innovative EZ-Plug system. While the fundamental steps of brake installation remain consistent – precise measurement, cutting the hose, and inserting the barb and olive – the EZ-Plug aims to minimise the need for bleeding. The theory is that as long as the lever isn't accidentally squeezed during installation, the brake system should remain sealed and ready to go.

In practice, during testing, a minor snag was encountered. The EZ-Plug, or more specifically, the O-ring surrounding the barb, proved to be too wide to easily pass through the internal hose routing ports on the test bike's frame. This necessitated cutting the plug and carefully feeding brake fluid through the frame. Despite this minor hiccup, the installation process was otherwise straightforward, with no other unforeseen issues arising. For the test setup, the TRP Slate EVOs were paired with 180mm TRP rotors, a common choice for many trail bikes seeking a balanced approach to stopping power and weight.

Bedding In and Initial Performance

When compared to other brake pads on the market, TRP's resin pads demonstrate a commendable ability to bed in and establish a strong connection with the rotors relatively quickly. Following a few assertive sprints and stops on local streets, the brakes were deemed ready for the rigours of a proper trail descent. This quick bedding-in period is a significant advantage, allowing riders to experience the full performance of their new brakes without an extended break-in period.

Comparative Performance: T4 vs. Slate EVO vs. DHR EVO

To gauge the performance of the TRP Slate EVOs, a direct comparison was made against previous experiences with the DHR-EVOs and the Slate T4s. The Slate T4s, while a competent brake on a test bike, were noted for not being the most powerful option available. Their bite point was somewhat subtle, but they offered reliable and consistent performance throughout a summer of testing.

Stepping up to the Slate EVOs, a noticeable improvement in lever actuation was immediately apparent. There's a more defined and powerful bite as the pads engage with the rotors. The ergonomics are also reminiscent of the DHR-EVOs, providing a comfortable and confidence-inspiring feel, even for riders with smaller to medium-sized hands. The availability of ample lever reach adjustment further enhances this customisation, allowing riders to fine-tune the lever position for optimal comfort and control.

The reviewer found that with their preferred lever position, a light, one-finger pull was sufficient to access the full stopping power of the Slate EVOs. This translates to significantly less rider fatigue, particularly on extended downhill sections, compared to the T4s. While the Slate EVOs offer a substantial upgrade, it's important to note that they still fall short of the formidable stopping power and heat resistance of the DHR-EVOs, which seem to maintain their composure even on the longest and most demanding descents.

Rotor Size and Heat Management

In the initial trail bike setup, the TRP Slate EVOs were paired with 180mm rotors. While this configuration offered a lighter overall feel, it was observed that on longer descents, the brakes experienced a slight reduction in stopping power. This suggests that for riders who frequently encounter extended downhill sections or ride in warmer climates, upgrading to a larger rotor, such as a 200mm rotor up front, would be a prudent choice to enhance heat dissipation and maintain consistent braking performance.

Maintenance and Bleeding: A Closer Look

The feel of the Slate EVOs has remained consistent since their installation, a positive indicator of their reliability. For context, the DHR-EVOs also maintained their performance for approximately a year before requiring a bleed. The reviewer experienced a recurring contamination issue with the DHR-EVOs, which they suspected might be linked to the absence of a rubber O-ring on the bleed screw, a common feature on most other calipers. While the Slate EVO calipers, like the DHR-EVOs, tend to attract dirt around the bleed port area, no contamination issues or performance inconsistencies have been reported with the Slates to date.

TRP specifies a torque of 6Nm for the bleed ports on the calipers to ensure a proper seal, which is achieved by driving the screw into the base of the port. Failure to adhere to this torque specification could potentially lead to oil weeping. For the master cylinder, a torque of 1Nm is recommended, and this connection features a rubber O-ring for a secure seal.

Pros and Cons of the TRP Slate Evo 4-Piston Brakes

Pros:

• Excellent value for money, offering a strong performance-to-price ratio.
• Commendable stopping power suitable for a wide range of trail riding scenarios.
• Improved aesthetics compared to the previous Slate T4 models.
• Consistent and reliable power delivery, providing confidence on the trail.

Cons:

• Weight is comparable to some more powerful, albeit more expensive, brake options.
• More powerful brake systems are available for a relatively small additional cost.

Concluding Thoughts on the TRP Slate EVOs

Overall, the experience with the TRP Slate EVOs has been overwhelmingly positive. While they may not possess the absolute highest stopping power on the market, their reliability and consistent performance, especially considering their price point, make them a highly attractive option. For an incremental $20 increase over the Slate T4s, the performance gains are substantial and well worth the investment. At $140 per wheel, the Slate EVOs position themselves as strong competitors against offerings like the Magura MT5s and SRAM's G2 R brakes. The choice between the Maguras and TRPs can be a difficult one, but compared to SRAM, the TRPs offer a more compelling value proposition, and they remain approximately $50 cheaper per brake than Shimano's SLX 4-piston brakes.

It's worth noting the step up to the next tier, the TRP Trail EVO, which comes in at $210 per brake. This represents a further $70 increase and appears to incorporate many of the DHR-EVO's attributes in a more understated package. For a 130mm trail bike, where the DHR-EVOs often provided more power than was necessary, the stopping power of the Slate EVOs feels perfectly calibrated. They strike an excellent balance between adequate power for most trail riding situations and a manageable price point, making them a standout choice in the mid-level brake market.

MSRP: $140 each

This post has been updated with additional information from TRP.

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