Originally Posted by cicadashell
angel, i would not try to sell you on toe clips or clipless by saying they "make you faster" - they don't. what they do is help you go the speed you already go, in a way that makes better use of your feet, ankles, legs and muscles, which in turn leads to a higher state of well-being and general enjoyment. at that point, you may become inspired to go faster. :-)
I beg to differ with you, I do not think that it is as philisophical or psychological as you put it, I think it is about simple physics... if you can pull up on the pedal AND push down on the pedal, then the pedal goes around FASTER as opposed to just pushing down and waiting for the pedal to come around again on its own. This along with good form will definitely make you go faster.