HT PA03A flat pedals review

HT’s PA03A might not have the catchiest name in mountain biking, but the nylon-reinforced composite body promises plenty of performance.

Its 106mm(W)x105mm(L) square-shaped platform is also impressively concave, with the central axle support bulging to 18mm at its edges from a skinny 12mm at its centre point.

Boosting concavity are the 19mm-deep leading and trailing edges and 10 pins. There are eight replaceable 4mm rear-loading steel pins, while there are two inboard in-moulded pins.

They spin on a CNC-machined CroMo axle using two sealed bearings and a single DU bushing, which are fully serviceable and replaceable using just common tools.

Available in 12 colours, there will be a pair to match your bike’s colour scheme.

My pair of test pedals weighed 355g.

HT PA03A flat pedals performance

Despite the appearance of the chunky axle bulge, the PA03A pedals have a concave shape.

This focuses grip away from the pedal’s body; it’s not possible to feel the pedal’s central portion through the sole of your foot.

Their shape concentrates your weight on the aggressive, hard-biting pins that provide incredible traction.

There’s almost no foot twist or walk across the pedal’s body, but that does mean care needs to be taken when you place your foot on them.

Once in place, it's stuck fast. To adjust your foot position, you’ll need to remove it totally from the pedal, highlighting the level of grip on offer.

The body’s size means stability is good, too. There’s little clawing, and even in softer-soled shoes there’s plenty of support.

Excessive foot or ankle pivoting is also mitigated compared to mountain bike pedals with smaller platforms.

Chamfered front, rear and side edges help them deflect rock and floor strikes. The light side taper boosts this further. The body and axle have both proven to be impressively robust.

The axles spin freely from new, but regular maintenance is recommended to keep them running smoothly.

Small left and right symbols speed up installation.

HT PA03A flat pedals bottom line

The PA03A is still one of the grippiest, most stable and affordable flat pedals on the market. The concave profile, long, sharp pins and well-sized body combine to offer impeccable traction.

For the cost, they’re irreproachable.