After returning to BMX racing following a 40-year break, I spent a lot of time experimenting with different pedals. I started my comeback on DMR pedals and later switched to HT pedals. The HTs offered tremendous grip and initially felt like a great choice.
Over time, however, I noticed something was missing.
The issue was not a lack of grip. In fact, it was almost the opposite.
Like many BMX racers, I make subtle foot adjustments as I leave the gate and approach the first jump. If my feet are not positioned exactly where I want them, I naturally make a slight micro-adjustment. With the HT pedals, the grip was so aggressive that those adjustments became difficult. Rather than allowing my foot to move slightly into position, the pedal would resist that movement. When trying to make those adjustments under power, especially during the first few pedal strokes out of the gate, I would occasionally lose contact with the pedal.
After researching alternatives, I came across the Yoshimura Chilao SS pedals and decided to give them a try.
The difference was noticeable immediately. The pedals provided excellent grip while still allowing the small foot adjustments I needed. The bike felt more natural underneath me, and I felt more connected to it.
Toward the end of the season, I crashed and damaged one of the pedal bodies. Since the season was almost over, I switched back to my HT pedals and never got around to replacing it. When the 2026 season started, I simply continued riding the HTs.
As the season progressed, the pedal slip issue returned. After Nationals, I spent the drive home replaying everything in my head. I considered my gearing, technique, and bike setup. The more I thought about it, the more obvious the answer became.
It was the pedals.
The biggest change between when I was riding confidently and when I was experiencing foot slips was that I had switched back to the HTs.
Convinced I had found the issue, I immediately ordered a new set of Yoshimura Chilao SS pedals. After placing the order, I reached out to Colin at Yoshimura and explained what I had been experiencing. He confirmed that the pedal was intentionally designed to provide exceptional grip while still allowing the subtle foot adjustments often needed in BMX racing.
The explanation perfectly matched my experience.
The pedals arrived the next day. I installed them, entered a local race that evening, won every moto, and took first place overall. More importantly, the confidence and connection to the bike that I had been missing immediately returned.
What makes the Yoshimura Chilao SS unique is its ability to provide both security and freedom of movement. It allows subtle side-to-side foot adjustments when needed, yet once you stand up and drive the bike forward, your feet feel completely locked in. Under acceleration, the connection between shoe and pedal feels almost like riding clipped in.
The Yoshimura Chilao SS pedals have earned a permanent place on my race bike. They combine grip, control, adjustability, premium construction, and outstanding customer support. For BMX racers looking for a pedal that offers confidence out of the gate and security under power, I have yet to find anything better.
A huge thank you to Colin and the entire Yoshimura team for building an outstanding product and standing behind it with first-class customer service.
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