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overrated! unless you are racing... or touring.

everyone will disagree with me, but that is ok, at least there will be some discussion.

You can always try something like Powergrips first, as an inexpensive way to see if you like foot retention; if they work, use 'em, or try an upgrade to clipless.

Personally, I like clipless. I use dual-sided SPD pedals, so I can clip in or ride unclipped comfortably.

You can get a pair for around US$30.

I your just riding around town they are not needed. If you plan on regularly riding +50miles I would say buy it.

I use toe clips because I like walking around in normal shoes when I am at certain places.

The only time I really used clipless was for the dirty dozen (and training for it).

i think for every day riding or commuting they kinda suck. then you have to walk around with them on. even some of the ones that are meant for walking are uncomfortable. i found them useful for winter riding cause you can get a winter-proof shoe and still not slip off the pedals. as for touring, i'm not a fan either. just means you need to take another pair of shoes with you. and if a bolt drops out (this happened to me in ohio), you're up shit creek. the bolt fell out of the pedal itself, an extra something i didn't think to take with me.

but for going on long rides and racing, they rule

I've got dual-sided SPDs right now.

ka_jun: days of searching would disagree with that price, whereabouts did you see them that cheap?

What Erok said. For everyday riding, I have sipped the Rivendell Kool-Aid and it tastes great. I've even done some longer distance rides (80 miles or so) with regular shoes and pedals, and it was fine. I certainly wasn't fast, but that wasn't the goal.

I've pretty well made the switch to a good set of conventional clips and straps and Adidas Sambas. For racing, "serious" riding or mountain biking I'll still slip the clipless shoes on, but otherwise even for all day rides it's pretty much clips and straps.

i got a pair of clipless shoes for 10 bucks. used, but still functional, and good enough for me to use for now. i've realized that i do like them, but i do agree that for around town trips it's a bit too much, i've already had a close call or two almost falling down in the street because my dumb self forgot to unclip.

on my fixed gear bike that i'm currently repainting i'll throw on some clips and straps.

my geared bike (which is junk but what i'm using for triathlon training and until i finish the bike redo) i run the clippless pedals and shoes.

what size do you where, robjdlc?

Days? Both Pricepoint & Nashbar have several choices within US$30.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14199-285_SETEX5-1-Clothing-133-Shoes/Mountain/Sette-Excel-MTB-Shoes.htm

http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10053_10052_217521_-1_201355_10000_201359

Ka_Jun: Neither of those are available in my size. I've been through most of what nashbar offers, lots of great prices, but only in a handful of sizes.

erok: going by the shimano chart I'm a 45 (shoe size 10.5) http://wheelworld.com/images/library/features/shimano_szchart_07b_f.gif

when you legs are tired and a big hill is comming it is nice to have clipless.

I ride clip-less around the city and enjoy them a lot but keep going back and fourth on wether or not I need them. In the snow and rain they are really awesome and they help me get up the couple of hills I have on my commute.

I have a pair of Keen SPD sandals that I picked up at the REI garage sale and I wear a pair of mountain bike shoes with a recessed cleat the other days.

If you wear a size 41 and want a bling pair of shoes for cheap email. I tried to post but couldn't make it happen.

chris at jbvcoaching dot com