Originally Posted by The Fixer
You should be able to click out of your SPD's just as quickly, if not faster, than pulling your foot out of a clipped pedal. I learned to trackstand originally using Speedplay road pedals.
this is certainly true, and after years and years of riding road with spd pedals i figured that they were the sensible way to go on my fixed bike. however after a few weeks and a couple of hairy rides where i had to dab rather than just trackstand i realized i wanted the easier access and exit of clips. i bought a pair of mks gr-9s and keep the straps slightly loose and i love them. just as much push/pull control but without the slightly unnerving (to me) locked-in feel of the clipless shoes. it's weird, but the tiny psychological difference makes riding a lot more relaxed, ie i don't retain any consciousness about my shoes/pedals when i ride, whereas before i did. it's kind of like having the front brake. i ride easier with it, even though i don't use it hardly at all.
maybe it's cause i'm gettin old and skeert!!!
