The X1’s have been bolted to Pete Scullion’s Saracen Ariel for the last 3 months. They’ve been hammered everywhere from the steep woods of Aberfoyle, to the trail centers of The 7 Stanes to the tallest peaks in the UK.
Pete may not be the biggest dude on the planet but his Herculean mileage and the grim Scottish weather is plenty to hammer any issues out of the HT Components X1.
Looking for an alternative to the usual clipless mountain bike pedal? Read on…
These pedals have continued to grow on me over the course of the test period. Initially, the lack of float (4.5 degrees compared to a Shimano DX’s 12) took a lot of getting used to. Low float combined with sole-grabbing pins almost saw them swapped out.
After a quick chat with Ison’s Pat Campbell-Jenner though, I delved back into the box and sifted out the flat plastic washers that are designed to sit the cleat proud of the sole for more movement. This combined with the cleat and engagement wearing-in from use really made these pedals shine.
“A stiff, positive engagement means your feet are safe as houses”
A stiff, positive engagement means your feet are safe as houses, while the pins ensure that if you need to keep a foot out when it’s getting hairy, your feet aren’t going anywhere. These have been well and truly clattered of some of the Highlands’ sturdiest volcanic rock and the only complaint was a lack of anodising and one missing pin. Noticeably lighter than the Shimano DX, which, in my eyes are the benchmark for a heavy-hitting clip pedal, they do not suffer lack of strength as a result.
Cheap they are not, but they should last you a lifetime.
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