TRP M-860 DH7 Rear Derailleur and Shift Lever Box Set [Rider Review]

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While the big dogs SRAM and Shimano rule the bike world, there are a few other brands out there producing extremely quality and durable components. If you're in the market for new drivetrain parts, consider TRP for your next upgrade. Fellow rider, Ethan, gives us his review on his new DH derailleur and shifter combo. Check it out! 

Introduction

The TRP DH7 derailleur and shifter are not for everybody. I will admit it is the best derailleur I have ever had in terms of chain retention and quietness, but in many ways, it's a bit overkill. Do you smash through rock gardens, bomb through technical sections, but still want a quiet ride? Read no further, this setup is for you. If you're the type that rides more flow trails or maybe is putting this derailleur and shifter on something other than a go-getting DH rig it probably isn't the best choice.

Performance and Quality

First of all the cost. $300 is not cheap, especially when you look at a perfectly capable Shimano Saint or Zee derailleur and shifter that you may be able to find for under $100. Yes, the TRP maybe a little lighter but if you're putting a 7 speed on anyways then I don't think weight would be your main concern. My other main complaint is the shifter. It feels great and has tons of adjustability but it's clunky. It looks like a glorified rectangle that someone glued black popsicle sticks to. That may be a little harsh but if you're spending $300 on a product you want it to look good.

Functionally, I wouldn't want any other shifter. It has a satisfying click for each gear and it just has that solid feel that you appreciate when you're going warp speed in and out of trees. I also really like the rubber pads on the lever, it's so nice that for once I can get a shifter and don't have to get out the grip tape.

Moving on from the shifter the shift cable that comes with the kit is nice. It's nothing super fancy but it works, nuff said. The crowning jewel of this kit has to be the derailleur. It is a piece of engineering perfection. The hall lock is fantastic, I don't know why other derailleurs don't have something like it. It is so good I am debating on putting a DH groupset on all of my bikes. The body is some carbon composite material, so essentially fancy plastic. It's durable so no complaints here no matter what it really is. The jockey wheels are just run of the mill, same as any other high-end derailleur. The clutch however is something special. First off it's adjustable which is really nice, Sram needs to get on the ball and put in adjustable clutches on their derailleurs. If you want your chain to be floppy like a fish or only move during an earthquake, it can do it. The on/off switch is easy to use and it stays low profile so I'm not worried about accidentally smashing it off. Another nifty feature is the chain length indicator on the cage. I always have to fiddle with my chain a couple of times before I get the chain length just right and the little indicator makes it dead simple. Some people may complain about the ratcheting noise the derailleur can make but I've never heard it on the trail.

Conclusion

If you're still on the fence and want something to tip you over the edge here it is: Aaron Gwin rides it. It works for one of the pickiest DH riders around so it will probably work for you. At the end of the day, I think you would be hard-pressed to find a better DH derailleur and shifter. I would take my TRP over a SRAM or Shimano any day of the week.

Your resident destroyer of back wheels,
Ethan Pendelberry

Tired of the same SRAM and Shimano options? Want to make your entire drivetrain TRP? Check out their latest brake, the DH-R Evo. Their incredibly powerful, feel similar to a Shimano with a little more modulation, and set you apart from everyone else on the trail. Definitely worth a closer look if you're in the market for new brakes.