Road Cycling - Choosing Clipless Pedals - 1st time

I've always used conventional pedals w/ toe straps on my MTB and now my new lemond also came equipped with them. That said, I'd loike to look at trying clipless on the roadbike for the 1st time, but not sure where to start. Looking through the catalogs there are so many different types of pedal shapes and designs I'm not sure what should and shouldnt work. FOr example, the LOOK pedals look like a solid stable platform for your foot, but then there are the eggbeater types where the pedal looks like nothing more than a narrow spindle...is this supposed to be comfortable?

Float? Some pedals have them, some ahave adjustable settings, some have none at all. I imagine "float" allows some moivement within the pedals?

Is it possible to get a good set w/o spending too much $$? For example, Nashbar has some cheap sets ffrom $20-$40. Ebay? etc?

I'd appreciate all recommendations.

Thanks

I bought Look 396s (NIB) on ebay a year and a half ago for $89 (including shipment). I have been very happy with them. You will get recommendations about every major brand of pedal out there. I've not seen much on the forums about 'privately branded' pedals from Nashbar or Performance which would indicate there isn't much interest in them. As far as clipless though I'm glad I changed. My rides are usually in semi rural areas where there's little need to stop. If I were in a city having lots of traffic lights I'd probably think differently.

The Look type pedal is good but does limit your ability to walk , so for touring etc you might be better to try the mtb SPD ttype that allows the cleat to be recessed into the shoe .
Try and borrow a a-frame cycle trainer and use it to get used to clipping in a and out : that´s always the the biggest hurdle to overcome - years of instincts .

You get what you pay for. I've had my LOOK PP196 for years without any problems. It's worth spending the extra money for something that will last.

Similar to the SPD is the eggbeater pedals. I use them, and like them a lot. They do need a shoe with a really stiff sole.Each pedal type has strengths and weaknesses. Some have more float (which some like, some need, and some don't care about....depends on you and your knees). Some are easier to get in and out. Some have more support. I need to walk occasionally so I need MTb shoes which are made to walk in. If you don't need to walk the bike up steep hills that may not be an issue for you. I have heard good things about the Ultegra pedal. But most pedals have their adherents and detractors. I would avoid the really cheap pedals except Shimano.

Look or "Look style" is a good place to start - mainly because there are so many options in a lot of price ranges, especially on the lower end.

I'd recommend you get pedals that have some degree of float or at the least the option to adjust it. Pedals without float need to be fit exactly right or you could cause strain on your knees. Those with float are more forgiving.

55/Rad