Much like TRP has managed to establish the DH-R EVO brakes as a competitive stopping power alongside the likes of SRAM and Shimano, the Taiwanese manufacturer has released an all-new drivetrain to become a viable third option. In a world where wireless technology and batteries seemingly find a way to every component possible, TRP’s attempt at providing polished, no-fuss mechanical components is a welcome sight. The all-new EVO 12 is a 12-speed cable-actuated drivetrain with a few hidden tricks that make it a contender against other manufacturers’ offerings.

Tech Specs

Cog Material: Aluminum/Steel

Speeds: 12

Mount: Shimano MicroSpline

Range: 10-52T (10-11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-44-52)

Warranty: 2 Years

TRP EVO 12 Review

 Shifter

 At the helm of the EVO 12 drivetrain, the shifter provides a light yet positive lever action with each shift. It utilizes a MatchMaker mounting style and tucks neatly under the handlebar when mounted up. The initial “wall” of the shift is firm, followed by a crisp sweep into the shift. The lower, paddle-like shifter is similar in feel to a SRAM GX, although the upper shifter is much more curved in profile.

 The most intriguing part of the TRP shifter is the Shift Mode Switch on its underside. With the flip of this switch, the Evo 12 shifter can toggle between providing up to five upshifts in a sweep and being locked to a single upshift at a time. While single-shift shifters have been on the market, TRP is the first to bring a toggle-able mechanical shifter to production. Rider’s can also adjust the positioning of the lower shift lever by 20-degrees in either direction.

Cassette

At the heart of the TRP EVO 12 drivetrain is its two piece, steel and aluminum cassette. The largest cogs are made of 7075 aluminum for increased weight savings, while the other ten cogs are steel ensuring high wear resistance and durability. The TRP EVO 12 cassette is Shimano Microspline compatible and weighs an impressive 368g. 

Derailleur

TRP’s extensive development of the EVO 12 drivetrain results in a refined derailleur sporting a carbon outer cage along with many features not seen on other manufacturers’ offerings. Named after Aaron Gwins’ longtime mechanic, John Hall, the “Hall Lock” is a switch that eliminates clockwise movement at the b-knuckle. When engaged, the Hall Lock limits movement solely to the derailleur’s cage, reducing noise and improving shift quality. Once its cover is removed, the clutch of the EVO 12 derailleur is adjustable via a 3mm allen allowing for riders to tune the system to their desired tension. The clever addition of a cage release makes for hassle-free wheel removals. 

Riding Impressions

Over the course of a couple of months, I relied on the TRP EVO 12 drivetrain to get myself and my Stumpjumper EVO to any mountain top I wished and back down again. The MatchMaker mount made integrating the TRP system to my SRAM brakes effortless. I adapted to the ergonomics of the shifter quickly, and after having spent a prolonged period on wireless shifting, I found myself rejoicing at the unmistakable feel of a high-quality cable-actuated system. The EVO 12 drivetrain delivers clean shifts that match its price point amongst its competitors. The ability to switch between a single shift or five shifts via the Shift Mode was as simple as flipping a switch on the shifter, a feature particularly beneficial for those who plan to run this drivetrain on an e-bike to eliminate any chain mangling miss-shifts. 

The most notable takeaway from my time aboard the EVO 12 drivetrain is how quiet it is descending. Largely in part due to the stability provided by the Hall Lock, there was a noticeable decrease in noise compared to the SRAM GX AXS drivetrain I had spent the previous few months aboard. On especially rough, braking bump and root-littered sections of trail, I experience perceivably less chain slap and derailleur “clatter,” putting the overall riding experience of the system up amongst the best of SRAM and Shimano’s 12-speed drivetrains. 

Durability

Between my co-worker Blake and myself, our test drivetrain has seen multiple months of abuse in the wet winter months of the Pacific Northwest. Despite our best efforts, the drivetrain is still going strong, delivering the same precise shifts it did on day one. While the climbing gears of the cassette are just starting to show some aesthetic wear, it will undoubtedly take hundreds, if not thousands, more miles for the wear to impact the shifting quality. 

Compared to SRAM

The overall quality and finish of the TRP EVO 12 components are comparable to SRAM’s classic X01 drivetrain. However, I would give the nod to SRAM’s shifter for its metallic shift lever and overall feel. The ability to shift between single and multi-shift modes with the TRP makes it enticing for those with an e-bike or wanting to experiment with a single-shift setup. 

The 368g TRP falls just between SRAM’s XX SL Transmission cassette (345g) and a traditional XX1 cassette (374g). The overall feel and shift quality of the TRP EVO 12 are in line with those of the SRAM X01 drivetrain, although it isn’t nearly as impervious to rough or ill-timed shifts as SRAM’s Transmission offerings. 

Verdict

There is no denying the quality of TRP’s final product, as the complete EVO 12 drivetrain is a well-manufactured piece of kit that delivers the performance to back up its good looks. The TRP EVO 12 drivetrain is a welcome addition to the market, providing another take on the traditional cable-actuated drivetrain. The Hall Lock noticeably decreases noise and slap from the drivetrain when descending, providing a pleasantly quiet ride quality. Refined aesthetics, immense durability, and precise shifting make for a drivetrain that stands out as a viable option among SRAM and Shimano.