The new HT Components X1 was developed with Aaron Gwin and Neko Mulally to be a clipless DH pedal that has the ability to tighten the retention very firm, almost locked. That, combined with two different cleats, allows for a wide range of foot rotation and retention strength when pummeling the World Cup courses.
The clips open from both sides, front and rear, sort of like Crank Brothers, but with retention adjustment. Two different spindle options are available, along with a new concave flat pedal, below…
Note how the front and rear retention mechanisms both pivot against the spring tension, which should mean easier ingress when simply stomping on the pedal. That should make for quicker clip in during the furious pace of a DH run since there’s no finessing a forward step-in to catch the front of the cleat.
The X1 will come in at a claimed 416g with titanium spindle, 470g with steel. Retail is $165 for steel, pricing for the ti is TBD.
AEO5/MEO5 (right) is a new version of the super thin AEO3 pedals, but it gets a slight concave to the shape and a bit thicker outer edge.
They’ll be available with alloy or magnesium bodies and steel or titanium axles. Weights range from 240g up to 360g per pair depending on the materials. $150 to $260.
HT’s Racing road pedals have been offered overseas but never in the U.S. Now, thanks to BikeFettish, they’re here in limited quantities. They’re Look compatible and from $70 to $150 to $300. They’re fully rebuildable and have adjustable spring tension. Look for broader availability in North America early next year.
Their aim, per BikeFettish’s rep, is to come in at similar price points as Look and Shimano with similar performance, but be lighter weight. The top of the line model pairs a carbon/nylon body with titanium spindle to come in at just 164g/pair! Next down is the carbon/nylon body with chromoly spindle at 199g. The $70 model is just 218g/pair and has a reinforced composite body with cro-mo spindle.
