Test: Although clipless pedals have long since made their way into downhill racing and hobby riders, the number of corresponding pedals is still quite manageable. In addition to the classics such as Crankbrothers Mallet and Shimano DX, the HT pedals have also become increasingly popular in recent years, which may also be due to the success of Aaron Gwin, Troy Brosnan and other pro riders, who have been able to climb many a podium on exactly this pedal. For this reason we have screwed the current HT X2 DH Race clipless pedal to the bike this season and put it through its paces.
Testing the HT X2 DH Race pedals:
The HT X2 DH Race pedal with a large platform of 85 x 94 mm is relatively thin at only 14 mm. The open construction should offer dirt as little contact surface as possible and thus ensure self-cleaning in muddy conditions. In addition to the in-house click system, 5 pins per side provide additional support. The click mechanism is adjustable on both sides, allowing you to determine the tension of the springs yourself. The HT X2 DH with steel axle weighs just 460 g per pair. If that is still too heavy for you, there is also the HT X2T model with a titanium axle for a not inconsiderable surcharge.
HT also offers a selection of different variants for the cleats. The supplied standard X1 cleats offer 4° lateral freedom of movement. If you want to move a little more freely, the X1F 8° is available. The release angle is 13° regardless of the cleats. In order to be able to optically adapt the pedal to your bike, there are five noble anodized colors to choose from. You are spoiled for choice between black, grey, red, apple green and blue.
After the technical prelude, things are now getting serious and the pedals are on the bike. The HT click system works very precisely and works well even in muddy conditions. The cleats are convincing, the material is extremely stable and has hardly any wear. The adjustment range of the click mechanism is very large and offers beginners, who are not yet very experienced with clicking, the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the system. The sealing of the axle is of high quality and to date there has been no bearing play to complain about. As you can see from the photos, countless stone contacts could not make the pedal at all. Only the pins had to put up with it so far and either sheared off or got lost. However, interchangeable pins are included and can be easily replaced.
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