Tested: 2023 HT Clipless Pedal Range 1

The Taiwanese pedal company HT might not be as well-known as the other clipless pedal manufacturers out there, but a quick scroll through their website will reveal that their pedals are supporting the feet of some of the fastest bike riders in the world. With the likes of Amuary Pierron and N1no Schurter riding their pedals to the top of their respective disciplines, we’ve been sent three sets for different applications to check if whether what serves the best, can also serve us mere mortals. Clip in, we are about to spin it.

HT Clipless Pedal Range Highlights

• Three new models - X3, T2, M2 aimed at DH, enduro\trail and XC
• All models can be purchased separately with a gold TI axle
• Available colors: black, stealth black, grey, silver, red, orange, gold, apple green, marine blue, royal blue, purple, turquoise and oil-slick
• 4 different cleats to choose from: X1 with 4° of float // X1F with 8° of float // X1E with 4° of float and multidirectional release angles // X2 with 4.5° of float
• Wide range of spring tension via a hex bolt on both sides of the pedal

Initial Impressions

HT sent us their 3 new MTB pedal options, showcasing a big variety of platform sizes and colors to choose from. With the M2 bolted to our hardtail XC bike, the T2 on our trail-enduro bike and the X3 on the E-bike, we had a pedal to cover all the types of riding we do. The pedals looked good when pulling them from the box, with vivid colors and a distinct design for each use case. 

The pedals all share the same spring-loaded clip mechanism, with adjustable spring tension. The cages are different of course, from the minimalistic M2 to the wide and long X3. Each model also shares the same CroMo axle system which spins on a combination of bearings and IGUS bushings (a titanium axle version is available, which saves about 60 grams of weight for the pair of pedals).

Installation and Set-Up

Every model was supplied with two pairs of cleats for the shoes that HT sees as a good fit for the designated riding style. We installed the same cleats with 4 degrees of float as we have multiple shoes and bikes to use during the week. We tested the pedals with both Leatt and Specialized shoes, with the latter being used the most often. The cleats are supplied with extra shims and fitting bolts. We set the cleats without any shims and found their height inside the sole to be perfect.

On The Trail

Clipping in and out of the pedals is straightforward and resembles the SPD system click. The tension in the pedals can be altered, there is a broad range of adjustment available which should mean there’s a setting to everyone's liking. We found our preferred tension to be somewhere in the middle. We felt that HT hit the nail on its head with the sizes of all three pedals, with each supplying the right amount of support to the shoe that the pedal is designed to work with.

We used the three pedals with the shoes that were most appropriate for each riding type, for example the small, XC-oriented M2 works best with a shoe with a stiff sole (Bontrager XXX shoe), while the larger, enduro/DH X3 pedal was a good fit for Specialized’s 2FO line of shoes. The T2 model was also a good fit with our 2FO shoes. We also tested the X3 pedal with Leatt’s 6.0 clipless shoe for a short period of time, with the interface not working well.

We’ve been using the pedals in a variety of disciplines, from long gravel rides to E-bike shredding and some enduro races too. With most shoes and pedals, the connection feels solid and the float is distinct, which means that the limits of the float are solid too. This can be a good or a bad thing, it depends on what you personally prefer. We would describe the click-in and float characteristics of the HT line of pedals as somewhere in the middle between the stiff limits of an SPD mechanism and free feeling of Crankbrothers pedals.

Things That Could Be Improved

The  HT range of pedals is definitely solid, but there are some issues to report on:

1. We found the oil slick color to really be slicker than others and we had a hard time with our shoes clipping out in situations where our feet rotated against the bike without any intention to clip out. We haven't found this problem to occur on HT pedals with other colors. We also tried to play with the grip pins on the pedals, something that eliminated any float in the pedals and created an excessive amount of stability in the shoe-to-pedal interface.
2. The right hand X3 right pedal came with noticeable side-to-side play out of the box. We solved it just by tightening the 6 MM allen cap on the pedals, which was loose. Since that fix the problem did not occur again.
3. We found the pedals would clog up quicker than other options on the market on days spent riding in thick mud. Especially the X3 model with the built in cleat ramp.

Long Term Durability

After about four months on the trail, all three pedals still spin smoothly with no play to report on. The overall feel of the clip-in mechanism is still the same, and after some solid rock strikes we have no broken parts to report on. All in all, we are very happy with the longevity of the pedals so far.

What’s The Bottom Line?

The revamped line of HT pedals offers a wide range of platform sizes that will fit every rider’s needs and intentions. The clip-in mechanism is simple and straightforward, the bearings and seals are good, and the pedals present an overall solid feel. With several cleat and color options, there’s sure to be an HT pedal for everyone.

More information at: ht-components.com.

About The Reviewer

Yonatan Yatom - Age: 29 // Years Riding MTB: 17 // Height :6'0" (1.83m) // Weight: 180 pounds (82kg)

Yonatan is a born racer and a bike addict. As a true competitor the only thing on his mind when lining up in the start gate is the finish line. With a background in local enduro and DH races and even the occasional appearance in an Enduro World Series on his resume, Yonatan has more recently applied himself to building bigger legs and trying his luck racing XC as well. Throughout the week he’ll be manning the spanners at the bike shop, reading about new stuff on the internet, and thinking about how to improve everything he rides. Yonatan’s riding style is fully pinned, smooth, and quiet but he can be nasty to his bike when needed.

Photos by Johan Hjord