The Review | HT Components T1 Enduro Race Pedals
For most of us, Shimano’s SPD concept or the Crank Brothers’ offering represent the best click pedal by far. But more and more new manufacturers are elbowing their way into the market, trying to usurp the market leaders with innovative or lighter systems. One of these is HT Components, whose new T1 pedals we tested over the last few weeks.
On paper
We were able to inspect the pedals at this year’s EUROBIKE and present them in an article. The HT T1 pedal reminds us of a mixture of the well-known Shimano SPD system and a Crank Brothers pedal with a firm entry and moving spring. The pedals weigh 368g and two pins on each side are designed to offer extra grip. The pedal’s release tension can also be fine-tuned using HT’s own click mechanism. Two different types of cleat give you the choice of either 4° (X1) or 8° (X1F) of side-to-side play on the pedal.
On the trail
Much more important than the theory is the actual performance outside on the trail. But how can the pedal grip be described best? Compared to the competition, the feeling of the HT pedal is more like that of the Crank Brothers’ system. The most noticeable thing, and the biggest difference to the SPD system, is that the resistance you feel when you twist your foot to the outside gets bigger and bigger until the shoe clips out. There isn’t really any free movement and just a small “hard edge” marking the point where the cleat breaks free, as with the Shimano pedal.
This is noticeable while riding but it doesn’t really have any negative effect on the ride feel after a short period of readjustment. The HT pedals provide a stable platform in any situation. Even when clipped out they offer just as much grip as similar clipless pedals, despite their small pedal body. It is not as easy to get clipped in on technical trail sections as it is with the Crank Brothers’ equivalent because the spring cannot turn. However, the pedal never got clogged up even in the worst conditions.
The needle bearings still run smoothly and without play even after several hard days on the trail and numerous rock strikes. The cleats are made of durable steel and show almost no wear. Their durability should be quite a bit greater than that of the Crank Brothers pedal.
Conclusion
HT Components skillfully combine the advantages of different click pedal systems. Details like the readable tension scale and the perfectly finished, machined pedal body are impressive. Because of this and their presumably high durability, the relatively hefty price of 135€ is completely justified.
More information: ht-components.com
Words: Daniel Schlicke Photos: Daniel Schlicke/Ross Bell
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