Review: The Four-Piston TRP Quadiem Brakes | by Lance Morris
The Quadiems are designed to cope with the kind of destruction that big trail gravity Senders serve for breakfast. So we gave the job to Jonkershoek’s fastest* shredder, Lance Morris.
ABOUT THE QUADIEMS
The TRP Quadiem brakes are a four-piston caliper brake designed for big mountains and fast riding. Whilst these particular TRP brakes do not carry the Aaron Gwin G-Spec stamp, they do feature the engineering refinements from his feedback and work with the brand. The levers, which are larger than most brakes on the market, are made from cast aluminum with drilled and dimpled detailing for a better feel. The calipers are CNC’d from forged aluminum, feature a series of cooling fins and pistons which are made from a hybrid composite of steel with ceramic inserts which is said to optimize heat dissipation.
DETAILS
- Four hybrid piston caliper (Composite/Stainless)
- CNC cooling fins on the caliper
- Split hinged handlebar clamp
- I-Spec b, I-Spec ll (XT and XTR only) or matchmaker compatible with correct TRP adapter to match shifter
- Ergonomic dimpled and drilled alloy lever designed by Aaron Gwin
- Mineral oil
- Weight: 323g (front)
- Estimated Retail: R3 500
- Available: Independent Bike Shops across SA
INSTALLATION
The bleeding process was fairly simple as the Quadiems run on mineral oil which is easy to work with, easier on the planet and readily available. The syringe kit connects easily to the bleed nipples and master cylinder. There is no contact point adjust on these brakes so when bleeding them you want to pay particular attention to match the bleed and bite points on front and rear, to your preference.
ON THE TRAIL
“I’ve been riding the TRP Quadiem brakes for about three months. Initially, the lever felt a little chunky, but once I got them set up the way I like them and did a few rides that issue vanishes. Straight after my first ride which was on the Fire Hut Trail in Jonkershoek, I knew these brakes were no joke! It didn’t take long for them to “bed-in” but admittedly the rotors I used were not new so that might have sped up the process a little.
On my second test ride, on the Status Quo Trail in Jonkershoek, I was blown away by the consistency, modulation and overall bite. The lever shape is comfortable and the external tool-free reach adjust helps dial things in when on the trail. To be fair, they don’t have as many adjustments as some of the other brakes I have used but I am really enjoying these TRP’s. If you want a super solid, powerful, hassle-free and “gangster” looking set of brakes, then consider these. They are really powerful!” – Lance Morris
| IMAGES: Gary Perkin | TEST RIDER: Lance Morris |LOCATION: Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch |
[*Those who know, know.]