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review
TRP R920 Ti Calliper£119.99
VERDICT:
Sexy stoppers with a moderate price tag
Weight:
127g
Contact:
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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TRP stands for Tektro Racing Products and is basically the firm’s elite component range. I'd definitely recommend the 920s for those seeking topflight performance on a mid price budget. The lack of increments on the quick release might annoy puncture prone racers who regularly perform roadside wheel swaps, but other than that it's all good news.
Made from shapely, forged T6 aluminium accompanied by titanium hardware, their obvious target group are racers and time trialists. I was surprised by their 60g weight advantage over Dura Ace and markedly lower asking price. There's a choice of black or high lustre silver; both look classy and with basic care they should retain their beauty for many seasons. 49mm stirrups combine sharp styling with sufficient clearance for Salmon type guards, broadening appeal to Audax and more expensive training mounts.
While you’d be hoping to pair them with comparable quality levers, I’m pleased to report modulation and feel has proven superb with eighteen year old Campagnolo Athena, mid-price reverse action carbon TT levers and Shimano’s venerable Tiagra thanks to the combination of calliper rigidity and supple Kool Stop cartridge pads.
Screaming down winding descents their dependability encourages late braking without fear of locking a wheel or over shooting a corner-even in the wet. They’re just as dependable chasing through town, stopping on the proverbial sixpence and allowing split second changes of course.
The only minor downside is the quick release: it doesn't open in increments so you can't use it to adjust the brake position on the fly, which is useful if you're swapping wheels. It might put off some racers but for most people it won't be an issue.
Having championed the lower end of the component market, Tektro are looking for a bigger slice of the action and judging by the performance of 920s, more prestigious brands should definitely be worried.
Verdict
Sexy stoppers with a moderate price tag, a revised quick release would make them better still.
road.cc test report
Make and model: TRP R920 Ti Road Calliper
Size tested: n/a
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The 920 is a lightweight, high performance dual pivot calliper aimed at performance riders-racers and time trialists, although moderate pricing and sufficient clearance for Salmon type guards might extend the appeal to Audax and posh trainers.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Forged T6 49mm aluminium arms, titanium hardware, Kool stop cartridge pads. 127g each.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Superb stoppers but then I am comparatively light at 70 kilos.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
Silver test pair with some basic care should perform well and look pretty for many a season.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
9/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Not cheap but very, very good value relative to features and performance.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
"stop on a sixpence" braking that inspires confidence whether carving into corners or chasing through the high st. Performs superbly and offers excellent modulation even paired with more modestly priced levers.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
High lustre finish, excellent power and modulation, keen pricing.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
quick release could be refined.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 35 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)
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