HT components is a brand that has a long history, but has recently been gaining a lot of steam with their pedals under the likes of Aaron Gwin and other big names on the DH and gravity circuit. Created in 2005 as the high end brand of a company that has been around since 1954, HT has continued to create new pedals and still offers the original spokes and nipples they were first founded on.
Following in their tradition of actively using their sponsored riders for product development, HT has a new clipless pedal that is perfect for DH or any type of riding where a bigger platform is a plus. Starting with their X1 clipless DH pedal, the new X2 uses the same clipless mechanism but opts for a new platform that is tuned to Gwin’s liking. While they didn’t have it on display, HT is also working on a smaller trail version that you should see sometime soon…
On the X2, HT really focused on making the pedal easier to clip in and out wifht different shoes. That means a thinner platform that is also shaped differently to allow it to proper engage with the foot. Measuring 14mm thick at the center, the extruded aluminum body is then CNC machined to create an 85x94mm platform. The pedals continue the use of dual tension adjustments that can be dialed in to offer more security than most clipless pedals. The scm435 Chromoly spindle is CNC machined and rolls on a new EVO needle bearing system with a single DU bushing per side.
The platform uses 5 traction pins per side and is compatible with the X1, X1F, or X2 cleats which offer different levels of float (4, 8, or 13º). Claimed weight is 460g per pair with pricing set at $165.
Under the same roof as HT’s U.S. distributor Bikefettish, is SManie saddles which is short for Sport Manie. The brand has been around for 7-8 years, but is regrouping to focus on the U.S. market with a new line of saddles in multiple widths and a focus on comfort, fit, and an environmentally friendly process.
BikeFettish was showing off the new GT and GP lines which uses a similar shape but with more or less padding. The Grand Touring saddle on the left includes increased padding and a more pronounced scoop to the rear for better support when climbing and is available in 137, 142, and 147mm widths. The Grand Prix includes multiple builds including a 95g full carbon saddle to a 220g chromoly railed saddle and are available in 131, 137, and 142mm widths. The saddles join the rest of Smanie’s line which includes unique saddles like the Vanity which uses exposed EVA foam for added comfort.
