HT vs. Crankbrothers | Why I Switched to HT Pedals…

I got rid of my Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals and replaced them with HT T2 pedals! I've been riding Crankbros for a few years now and while they've done the job, there a few things that just started to drive me crazy and it even became dangerous too. Finding the right clipless pedal for your mtb is important!

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[HobbyB]

I recommend anytime using clipped pedals that you wear as tight as shirt as possible. I really think you could have worn a tighter shirt, thus restricting circulation to your feet, thus giving you a better pedal feel.

[paradox]

I made the same move several years ago, the crank brothers both engagement and disengagement became very vague, where with the HT pedals there is a definitive click when you're in and a very defined point before release, I went with HT over Shimano for the tighter engagement and the fact they don't randomly fall apart like every pair of XTR's I've ever seen. As for float, you really don't want zero float, it's very hard on your knees as the motion of pedaling naturally imparts some movement in your foot.

[flintscott]

I agree I did the same switch last year and I love the stiffness of the HT especially when your sprinting for the finish. And bro why don't yall have more subscribers yall put out some fire vids! keep it up boys!!

[jymtb]

I’ve only ridden Time when clipped in. Huge fan of their pedals. Adjustable tension and fair amount of float. Been bombproof for me so far.

[portermcmichael]

I’ve had shimano, crank bros, and ht’s and the ht’ are definitely my fave. The minimal float means that despite the stronger retention they’re also quicker to get out of in a pinch. I’ve been knocked out of them when I’ve clipped pedals and such but definitely less frequent than with previous pedals. Big fan of them!

[stevenmurphree]

I bought some ht m2s after sorting through the noise and seeing this review. After years on shimano I dont plan to go back.

[Shauny]

What happened with the magnetic pedals you were trying? No good?

[stewarthowe]

I switched to the HT X2 DH pedals after having my Crank Bros release at the worst possible moment, for no good reason, too many times. That kind of thrill I can do without. SPD's are great, but when not clipped in (after a dab, or on a sketchy tech section), it was like standing on steel lolly pops. Not good. The HTs have a VERY secure engagement and release feel, and when not clipped in, they have some of the support of pinned flat pedals. Perfect. I've had them for one season and love 'em. Thanks for the great video.

[mrvwbug]

I tried learning clipless on CBs, basically discovered that if you pronate you can't ride clipless on MTB, period, you'll never be able to unclip quickly due to limited range of motion. Rode Mallet Es for about 6 weeks, and then went back to flats after crashing about every other ride due to not being able to get out.

[mikeyp]

Great review and always up for experimenting. HTs sound interesting. As far as comments on Shimanos lack of durability....I think that is a tough point to make. Hundreds of blogs out there on Shimanos time tested bomb proofness. I have multiple pairs of Shimano pedals that I've done zero maintenance to and beat to crap and they work perfectly. Some are 15+ years old. I'm hopeful the HTs can live up to that resiliency bar.

[blakeallen]

I love your product review type of videos, because your so honest and you buds don’t lie about anything on any of the products. 👍🏻

[DrShredder]

Thanks for the info! What shoes do you wear with them, and do you recommend them?

[JamesLG]

I took a long hiatus from MTB, when I came back I used CB pedals also and it didn’t take long to go back to SPDs. My favorite combo is the CB shoes with the “DH zone” or Giro Chamber 2 shoes and Shimano Saint SPDs with pins removed. Cleat as far back on the shoe as it will go. I have those Shimano XT Trail pedals on my ebike but I would really like try these HTs on the ebike.

[sterling]

i thought you guys preferred the magnet pedals as it was close to best of both worlds

[andrewjohnson]

Any tips for making the transition to clipless? Been on flats since I started but everyone I know says that I need to get on the clipless train

[huntrails]

How are the seals holding up? Can dirt penetrate? An HT X2 user had bad experience with seals. Is that an issue with the T2?

[Paulklampeeps]

Also the springs in the cb pedals digs into the bottom of the shoes. Especially if you didn't put the plastic spacers

[crikmtb]

I run the DH X2’s and I can’t get enough of them

[anthonywalters]

I was considering going for HT’s but then I found a set of Mallet E’s for $80. They’re better than SPD’s so I’m happy.

[MarcNeyer]

I tried schimano for a long time, tried crankbrothers for a long time and despaired. When freeriding it really sucks when your foot slips out on the fly. Thanks for showing the HT pedals, I hope that helps me. I hardly dared to do tricks anymore because I always had the clicking out in the back of my mind! I never understood the floating in the crankbrothers either, it just added to the bad feeling :(
Thank you thank you thank you!