Mountain Biking - Clipless platforms on a budget?

I have a 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc 29er and was wondering if it would be possible to upgrade to a set of clipless platforms for under $70? Should I even bother at that price range? I have to admit that the stock pedals leave a lot to be desired, so even just a decent set of platforms would be an upgrade. I don't do a lot of "Technical" biking, mostly easy to moderate trails and even flat ground so I figured clipless would help improve my stroke and speed. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

sounds reasonable, did you look at any online retailers? or stores?

pick out some and ask what we like better. I am sure 70 will get you some nice ones

I'd never spend more than $70 on pedals.

shimano pd m647??

http://wheelworld.com/product/shimano-pd-m647-pedal-23596-1.htm

SteveDave,
I've got an old pair of Shimano 747's that are in great shape and you can have them for free if you pay the shipping. I'm out of town right now so not sure if i have cleats for them, but I'm pretty certain you can use standard shimano cleats if I don't have them.

Shoot me a pm with a price to zip code 17225. :D

I switched to clipless for just about 60 bucks. I bought Nashbar SPD pedals ($40) and a pair of Diadora mountain shoes for $20; on top of all that Nashbar always has a 10 or 20% discount code going around. I received my package within 7 days and installed everything at the local bike project on the next day. I'm still getting the hang of them but I'm definitely happy with my purchase.

Is it best to go with a stiffer style shoe or would a shoe like the Pearl X-alp seek be ok to use? When I go on rides my buddy typically likes to get off and walk around so I figured a more casual shoe would be ok. Then again I could always just carry an extra pair in my backpack if I would benefit from a stiffer shoe.

http://www.rei.com/product/765129

FWIW Treefort bikes has the Crank Brothers Candy SL pedal at a price match of $65.97. Heard they are good pedals.

Shimano M520's are what I started out with. I realize they're not clipless/platform like you stated, but... I do XC / AM and have no problems with 'em. They have a screw on them that allows you to control tension. Great for newbies to clipless. They're durable too - I've never had any problems with them.

50$ for a set off of price point. I think I paid 60$ at the shop for 'em.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16422-240_SHI527-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Mountain/Shimano-M520-MTB-SPD-Pedals.htm

Shimano M520's are what I started out with. I realize they're not clipless/platform like you stated, but... I do XC / AM and have no problems with 'em. They have a screw on them that allows you to control tension. Great for newbies to clipless. They're durable too - I've never had any problems with them.

50$ for a set off of price point. I think I paid 60$ at the shop for 'em.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16422-240_SHI527-3-Parts-65-Pedals/Mountain/Shimano-M520-MTB-SPD-Pedals.htm

Best pedal ever.

i got really lucky and landed some gently used crank brothers mallets (from the looks of it the previous owner never clipped in) on ebay for 25 bucks total. Theyre a bit heavy though but nice. I also use crank brothers candy's that can usually be had for 20-30 bucks if you look on chainlove, bonktown or ebay. good luck.