Fifty Plus (50+) - Another Clipless Thread

After years of saying I never would go clipless, I am seriously considering doing it this season. SPD's I think.
I have always resisted for a couple of reasons, the first of which is I'm Ascared:eek: ! The second of which, related to the first is, I don't wan't to join Club Tombay. Thirdly, I don't want to be walking around looking like a duck. And finally, as an avid recreational rider, I don't see much of a benefit from a little more efficiency.
Having said all that, people that I have ridden with claim that I will see a marked difference in riding performance and as much as a 20% increase in speed/efficiency.
Still not totally convinced but am leaning toward clipless, at least on one bike.

PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE, NEED SOME OPINIONS, INPUT.

The performance claims are greatly exaggerated, but clipless is a nice way to go. Sounds like SPD would be a good choice for you. My far and above top choice for a SPD pedal for road bikes is the A520. As close as you can get to the platform support of a true road pedal but compatible with recessed cleat shoes for normal(ish) walking ability.

I like the A324 dual sided (spd cleats on one side, platform on the other). I ride a lot in stop and go city traffic and like being able to switch to platforms at times. I have been clipless for three years now and have never fallen due to the clips. I think a big part of that is that I started out religiously anticipating stops, un-clipping one side and switching to the platform early. My wife took up the 324s last year and has had the same experience as me.

The performance claims are greatly exaggerated, but clipless is a nice way to go. Sounds like SPD would be a good choice for you. My far and above top choice for a SPD pedal for road bikes is the A520. As close as you can get to the platform support of a true road pedal but compatible with recessed cleat shoes for normal(ish) walking ability.

+1
I resisted switching to clipless for several years but decided to switch when I bought my first road bike at age 60+. I'm sorry I waited so many years:( As BD said, the performance claims are exaggerated but I feel more in control of the bike when I'm clipped in. Climbing hills became a little easier for me since I didn't have to worry about my foot slipping off the pedals.

The first thing I determined was which foot I would use to clip-in/start and clip-out/stop. It was natural to use the same feet I used on platform pedals. For the first few rides I found myself unclipping far in advance of where I would be stopping.....this probably avoided a few entries into Club Tombay. It didn't take long for the unclipping process to become a natural motion and done only when I was ready to stop.

I don't have any problems walking with the shoes for SPD pedals. I even have a pair of the Keen sandals I use with the pedals in the summer and love them.

Thirdly, I don't want to be walking around looking like a duck.
How much walking are you planning on doing???
Walking on the cleats IS NOT good for the cleats.

Timtruro, Yes, exaggerated performance gains even if you're using them as intended vs. platform pedals. SPDs with treaded mountain bike shoes will allow you to walk around near normally, great for charity/social rides.

If you use toe clips the performance advantage is nill, but there is no toe discomfort or strap loosening prior to a stop. Foot action when disengaging is different. Insted of a lift and rearward movement simply rotate the heel outwards.

Brad

I'm kinda scared of riding at a serious pace without being clipped in (into "clipless" pedals). I like the positive connection with the bike when hitting bumps etc.. You can certainly put in a much greater effort when standing too.

For me, coming from mounting bikes and using SPDs, I've found no reason not to use SPDs on road bikes. I find them to be easy in and out, positive retention, reasonably lightweight (~300gm for pedals and cleats) and they're walkable. In a similar vein, some friends use Eggbeaters on both mtn and road bikes.

I'm a noob cyclist with a mere 2800 miles under my wheels. As such, I try to make use of the wisdom gleaned on Bike Forums. I believe BluesDawg is right in that performance benefits can be exaggerated.

I've tried to maintain a higher cadence than initially felt comfortable. Now I pedal at 85 to 95 rpm. I found that at higher rpm, my feet tended to wander on the pedals and needed to constantly recenter them. Now I'm on SPD A520, as BD recommended on another thread, and no longer think about my feet. The shoes are normal to walk in and are comfortable. I suppose clipless is more efficient but at my level it is not a big difference. I do think clipless promotes a rounder pedal stroke so it may be the benefits will increase as fitness increases. Worth the expense - yep.

I was exactly like you a year ago. Wife and daughter got me clipless pedals for Christmas 2009 even though I didn't want them. They went to a lot of trouble to get them on eBay, and were excited to give them to me.

I just couldn't say "Thanks what a wonderful gift, but I want to stay with my toe clips." So I put them on the bike. I fell three times, once into a freeway lane. I took them off. Then I reconsidered and put them on again, and practiced unclipping literally hundreds of times.

I now use them all the time and like them. I don't think there's much performance gain, but they feel right.

They key is to replace your "pull back" automatic reaction to tilting over to a "twist out" reaction. And when you practice unclipping, do it for all different positions of the pedals.

Asking for opinions on going clipless could bring some interesting replies! I don't want to convince you one way or another. I can, however, share my experience. I ride with cleats almost on all rides. I've got good shoes for SPD cleats that make walking a breeze, but I really like riding in my road shoes with cleats better. The walking in these shoes, even with cleat covers is not cool. However, I'm fortunate that I haven't had to walk much. When I do have to walk, I take a bike with the SPD pedals on it. My commuter has SPD pedals. I sometimes get the urge to simply jump on one of my bikes and just go without wearing cycling specific shoes. This usually results in me taking off the pedals that require cleats and putting on platform pedals. I've probably done this six or seven time in that last four years. The platform pedals only last about three rides before I end up saying to myself "What was I thinking?" Then I put the other pedals back on. So, as you might gather at this point, I really like riding when I'm clipped in. I don't know if I'm more efficient, but my pedaling stroke is more consistent, and I just like the feeling.

I'd encourage you to get over the club Tombay fear. Should you make the decision to go clipless, practice clipping in and out while your bike is on a trainer. If you don't have a trainer, practice with you and your bike in a doorway where you can support yourself on either side with your hands. Once you get over the initial awkwardness, clipping in and out becomes second nature...like putting on and taking off your seatbelt in the car.

I like the Speedplay Zeros. fully adjustable and you can clip in at either side of the pedal. just saying.

I got Shimano PD-R540 and PD-M505s with my (used) Trek 2100. So far I've been using platform pedals while I get accustomed to this new-fangled technology like brifters. Would the M505's be reasonable, or are the A520's a better choice for clipless beginners?

I just bought my 3rd set of speedplay frogs. the mtb version of speedplay pedals. As will be pointed out, mtb shoes are easier to walk in having a recessed cleat. Performance issues are not something I worry about as I'm not into racing or fast riding as a rule. They are, once you get used to them, awfully sweet to use.

Asking for opinions on going clipless could bring some interesting replies! I don't want to convince you one way or another. I can, however, share my experience. I ride with cleats almost on all rides. I've got good shoes for SPD cleats that make walking a breeze, but I really like riding in my road shoes with cleats better. The walking in these shoes, even with cleat covers is not cool. However, I'm fortunate that I haven't had to walk much. When I do have to walk, I take a bike with the SPD pedals on it. My commuter has SPD pedals. I sometimes get the urge to simply jump on one of my bikes and just go without wearing cycling specific shoes. This usually results in me taking off the pedals that require cleats and putting on platform pedals. I've probably done this six or seven time in that last four years. The platform pedals only last about three rides before I end up saying to myself "What was I thinking?" Then I put the other pedals back on. So, as you might gather at this point, I really like riding when I'm clipped in. I don't know if I'm more efficient, but my pedaling stroke is more consistent, and I just like the feeling.

I'd encourage you to get over the club Tombay fear. Should you make the decision to go clipless, practice clipping in and out while your bike is on a trainer. If you don't have a trainer, practice with you and your bike in a doorway where you can support yourself on either side with your hands. Once you get over the initial awkwardness, clipping in and out becomes second nature...like putting on and taking off your seatbelt in the car.

I like this response in that it is not designed to convince but is a report from an owner user with impressions.

I cannot add a lot, if any, value to clipless discussions. One of the reasons is that I have been locked into the pedals since 1980 long before clipless pedals were available.

I used the metal cleats with grooves that were nailed into the bottom of cycling shoes. The groove matched the ridge on the pedal. I put my toe into a cage, secured the metal cleat onto the edge of the pedal and reached down to tighten the toe clip strap. Once secured, I could not get out unless I reached down and released the toe strap. There was no float. I fell over a few times at zero speed because I could not reach down to pull the strap loose fast enough.

When clipless became available, I could not wait until i could afford a pair. Compared to the old straps and cleats, the clipless pedals were a dream. No more reaching down to loosen the toe strap and no more pressure of the strap across the top of the foot. I vividly remember how nice it was to get the new setup.

So my feet have been secure on the pedals for 31 years. On occasion, I ride an exercise bike at the gym and my feet fly off of the pedals. I have to slow the cadence down and focus on pushing down. So I do not do that very much. IMO, it would be similar to intentionally swinging a golf club in a funny way after spending years perfecting your swing.

It seems like I have a clipless fall about once every couple of years. They are not great and not funny. However, I do not worry about it and it seems to happen at times I am doing weird things or trying to be cute. So I try not to do that.

I have observed many clipless falls by others and none have been serious but that does not mean that they could not be.

IMO, clipless pedals are the equivalent of spikes in baseball. I wore spikes and did not have a problem. Some guys did and twisted their knee. The same is true in track and field and football.

However, people play baseball, softball, golf, run track and etc with sneakers and do quite well. Personally, I use athletic shoes designed for the sport. Just as I choose to use cycling shoes with cleats.

I cannot add a lot, if any, value to clipless discussions. One of the reasons is that I have been locked into the pedals since 1980 long before clipless pedals were available.

I used the metal cleats with grooves that were nailed into the bottom of cycling shoes. The groove matched the ridge on the pedal. I put my toe into a cage, secured the metal cleat onto the edge of the pedal and reached down to tighten the toe clip strap. Once secured, I could not get out unless I reached down and released the toe strap.

I still have mine on the older bikes, and I'd use them in a flash if I could find shoes to fit. Sadly my 1976 Detto Pietro's size 42 are about 2 sizes too small now.

For me it's the fear of the unseen and unknown that keeps me from trying clipless. At least with clips and straps I could see the working mechanism and it was easy to understand.

I have the Nashbar platform pedals with SPD-like mechanism on the flip side. Based on some suggestions here about walkability, I think I'll try some MTB shoes for my local and charity rides. With the MTB tread and flippable pedals I could unclip REALLY early and still pedal effectively up to a stop, until I get comfy enough with the unclipping process.

Toe clips, no cleats, can walk around, harder to join club tombay(not impossible) work good (for me),shoes are cheaper also,,,
Bud

Club Tombay is not difficult to join- and not all of us here are members.

Just prepare yourself for it- Plenty of Banaid and a camera to show the blood.

4 years on road bikes with A520 pedals. Only fall was due to not being clipped in when I put pressure on the pedals.

And Cycling efficiency gains do exist. You can put pressure on the pedals for more of the crank stroke and that is beside the "Full"Pedalling in circles.

I got Shimano PD-R540 and PD-M505s with my (used) Trek 2100. So far I've been using platform pedals while I get accustomed to this new-fangled technology like brifters. Would the M505's be reasonable, or are the A520's a better choice for clipless beginners?
The M505s would be easier to learn on as they are double-sided. The advantage of the A520s is that there is some support outside the cleat which, when using MTB shoes that tend to be less stiff, helps to prevent hot spots. The down side is you have to get the right side up to clip in. Just lube the M505s up and set the tension to its lowest setting and go for it.

Club Tombay is not difficult to join- and not all of us here are members.

Just prepare yourself for it.

From one who is..

I still ride SPD clipped
I fell and broke my leg - spiral fracture due to the leg not being free to rotate, as it was clipped
Walking speed, slippy road
Most advice is 'leave the clips loose'. In my case, the loose clips meant that I inadvertently re-engaged when I gave about half a pedal rotation to complete a U turn on a skiddy road
I now have the pedals blxxxy tight, so clipping and releasing is a definitely conscious decision

Just me!

My OCD kicks in when doing my bike walkaround and pre-ride check. ALWAYS check your cleats! Sure enough, the one time I didn't was soon after installing new cleats on my shoes. While I thought I had tightened them to spec, they had worked slightly loose. Clipped in, rode a bit, went to stop and the clips were too loose and I couldn't get them twisted enough to get out. Luckily I wasn't in high traffic and could get the other foot unclipped and rode to the side and took my foot out of my unclippable shoe. Got it off and tightened the screws with my ever-handy multitool. Lesson learned.

While I would probably seriously consider SPD's now, I used Look Delta cleats when they first came out and switched to Keo's a few years ago. I feel funny riding without them (I have a hybrid that sometime has its Keo's changed for platforms if I lend it to someone).

Will you join Club Tombay eventually? Probably. But I wouldn't dwell on it. I've only fallen (basically from a dead stop) when I was having trouble clicking out of my old Looks due to wear. Since I've changed to the Keo's - no problems.

If you read through the forums you'd think its a critical controversey in cycling. Its really no big deal. If you want to try it, just do it. Practice a bit on a trainer and you'll be fine.

From one who is..

I now have the pedals blxxxy tight, so clipping and releasing is a definitely conscious decisionJust me!

The only way to go. Without the pedals being really tight- I keep pulling out of the cleat on the upstroke.

Just a warning--I got to the stage where I could not tighten the pedals enough. Got used to it

Then I bought some new shoes and fitted a pair of new cleats. All the pedals were at their tightest setting. Had to trackstand till I could get a foot released. 9 year old cleats need changing.

I've ridden in toe clips/straps for many many years, but am playing around with clipless. I still haven't done any real riding with them. With the clips/straps, I used to use cleated shoes with straps tightened down, but for the past number years, I just use my Avocet M30 touring shoes and don't tighten the straps completely, just snug enough. I've never come out of them unless I intended to.

Clipless disturbs me a bit as I've had both hips done and really don't need to join Club Tombay. To try out clipless, I bought a pair of mountain shoes (diadora) and am trying Eggbeaters and Time ATACs currently. Neither seems safe if you aren't clipped in; maybe I would be better off with some SPDs and more platform type pedals. So far I don't see any improvement over the clips/straps in terms of efficiency either. All are lightyears ahead of no retention system however.

Thanks for all of the input, I think I will go for spd's this spring on my Roubaix. Meanwhile for the next month I plan to do some riding on the Sirrus in Florida, build up a little mileage and get ready for the good weather in New England when I get back.

Still a bit apprehensive but since I have been procrastinating for so long, I believe it is time to make the jump. If I like the clipless on the Roubaix, I'll do the Sirrus next since those are the two that I ride most often.

Club Tombay here I come.

Just make sure you spend the time and get shoes that fit well. Try on different shoes from different manufacturers if you can. Try different sizes too. The same size from different manufacturers will feel and fit different. Then get some pedals, have the put on the bike, and the cleats on the shoes, and have at it. After the first one of two in-and-outs, it's really no big deal. Just remember to twist to get out, it becomes natural, after a while, you won't notice your doing it.

I still have mine on the older bikes, and I'd use them in a flash if I could find shoes to fit. Sadly my 1976 Detto Pietro's size 42 are about 2 sizes too small now...

Look for the Shimano mountain bike shoes with laces (mine are too worn for a model number), seriously. The tread pattern is cut so that the triangular cleat on the pedal fits perfectly!

Brad

Without the pedals being really tight- I keep pulling out of the cleat on the upstroke.

There are several types of Shimano SPD cleats. Among them are "single release" and "multiple release". The single release only comes out by twisting the heel. The multiple release will come out in any direction with overload. I use single release cleats and the only time I come out unintentionally is when I twist my foot inadvertently. Check the second page of the following Shimano instruction sheet for details on the two types:

http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/Pedals/PDM505/SI-45C0B_EN_v1_m56577569830617303.pdf

If you're concerned about falling while you are new to clipless, here's a suggestion. Find a nice flat grassy area and ride on that clipping in and out and starting and stopping. I tried that and within 10 minutes I realized how easy it was and moved to asphalt.

I'm a little hesitant to go clipless because of the additional strain on my hip flexors. I have had trouble with tendonitis there in the past so it concerns me a little.

Just make sure you spend the time and get shoes that fit well. Try on different shoes from different manufacturers if you can. Try different sizes too. The same size from different manufacturers will feel and fit different.

Also keep in mind that as stiff as these shoes will be, there is little to no "break-in" that will happen like on a pair of street shoes. You want to get something that fits and feels good RIGHT NOW, and don't think "eh, that'll loosen up in time" or "that rub will go away"

Just make sure you spend the time and get shoes that fit well. Try on different shoes from different manufacturers if you can. Try different sizes too. The same size from different manufacturers will feel and fit different. Then get some pedals, have the put on the bike, and the cleats on the shoes, and have at it. After the first one of two in-and-outs, it's really no big deal. Just remember to twist to get out, it becomes natural, after a while, you won't notice your doing it.

Pedals and you can probably get cheaper online than at your LBS--But shoes-- Find a shop with good stock and plenty of manufacturers. I have problems with exposed laces catching in the chain rings so think about shoes that have a flap covering them.

And unless you can afford them-----Do not even try the Sidi shoes. Once you have worn a pair- nothing else will be good enough.

Interesting to see all the advocates and convertees to clipless I went the other way this past summer, putting toe clips back on my bikes. I found that the ease of walking in running shoes, which is what I wear when I cycle now, is much more convenient than walking in bicycle shoes with cleats, even shoes with recessed cleats. I also find it easier to get out of toe clips. As for pedaling efficiency, I'm sure that it is negligible. That said, it's always fun to get some new gear and use it for a while. Try them for a while and see how you like them. You can always go back to your old system.

I found that the ease of walking in running shoes, which is what I wear when I cycle now, is much more convenient than walking in bicycle shoes with cleats

That makes sense if you do a lot of walking when you ride your bike, and sometimes I do. Other rides involve a fair amount of walking. Others involve very little if any walking. I have a bike set up with plain pedals, one with SPD pedals and one with SPD-SL pedals. I also have a mountain bike with Crank Brothers Candy pedals.
Whatever works best. :thumb:

I have used Shimano PD-R540 after trying several others. I like them because the adjustment is simple and consistent. As other posters have mentioned it is best to practice before going out on the road.
I negelected to make sure the first set of cleats I had were adjusted properly and fell the first time out. I always make sure that I have a multi tool that I can make adjustments with, what feels right initally make change slightly in a longer ride. For me it's that feeling of security when I am climbing that makes it worth it for me.

I don't think anyone mentioned the new shimano PD-A600 Ultegra SPD-SL Road pedals. These are new and I think you can get them from Amazon for about $86.00 they weigh about 285 grams per pair and have a true Road pedal type of platform which makes it very comfortable. They are a step up from the 520's and they are a very good pedal and still allow you walk around normally when its time to get off the bike.

I have used spds in the past, but now just platforms without toe clips. It just wasn't worth all the extra fuss, for me.

I don't think anyone mentioned the new shimano PD-A600 Ultegra SPD-SL Road pedals. These are new and I think you can get them from Amazon for about $86.00 they weigh about 285 grams per pair and have a true Road pedal type of platform which makes it very comfortable. They are a step up from the 520's and they are a very good pedal and still allow you walk around normally when its time to get off the bike.

Nice. Does look like a fancier version of the A520. Someone made a mistake in the copy for the Amazon listing and it is now spreading across the internets. Those are clearly SPD pedals, not SPD-SL. I can't find them on the Shimano site.

After years of saying I never would go clipless, I am seriously considering doing it this season. SPD's I think.
I have always resisted for a couple of reasons, the first of which is I'm Ascared:eek: ! The second of which, related to the first is, I don't wan't to join Club Tombay. Thirdly, I don't want to be walking around looking like a duck. And finally, as an avid recreational rider, I don't see much of a benefit from a little more efficiency.
... snip....

PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE, NEED SOME OPINIONS, INPUT.

As I said in another similar thread.... If all the 100s of doofuses here can all ride clipless, how darn hard can it be?

Nice. Does look like a fancier version of the A520. Someone made a mistake in the copy for the Amazon listing and it is now spreading across the internets. Those are clearly SPD pedals, not SPD-SL. I can't find them on the Shimano site.
Here ya go.
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/road/ultegra_6700/product.-code-PD-6700.-type-.html

Here ya go.
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/us/index/products/road/ultegra_6700/product.-code-PD-6700.-type-.html

Nope. That is the PD-6700-SL, not the PD-A600. Completely different animal.

I went clipless as soon as Look made that first generation white pedal available to the public back in the '80s. I'd been riding with cleats, clips and straps for several years and liked the security of being attached to the bike, but hated having to reach down to tighten and loosen the straps. Plus the straps cut across the outside edge of my feet where I tended to have some recurring plantar warts, which was major league painful.

In all the years I've ridden with cleats, clipped or not, I've never fallen because I couldn't get a foot out. I've come close (and I've fallen for other reasons), but so far my tombay record's clean.

I can't stand the feeling of riding without that connection to the bike.

Nice. Does look like a fancier version of the A520. Someone made a mistake in the copy for the Amazon listing and it is now spreading across the internets. Those are clearly SPD pedals, not SPD-SL. I can't find them on the Shimano site.

Thanks for pointing that out. They are an SPD pedal, made for Road bikes, I love mine and I can't understand why some posts have said that they do not want to hassle with clipless. They are not a hassle they work wonderfully are comfortable, functional and you can walk in them if these are your goals this pedal works for that. I have used toe clips in the past and will would never consider going back.

Nope. That is the PD-6700-SL, not the PD-A600. Completely different animal.
Doh! Right you are.

I have SPDs on my mountain bike and SPD-SLs on my road ones. I wouldn't use SPDs (mountain bike cleats) for a raod. The surface area is small (like a walnut) and feels uncomfortable for long rides. The larger surface/contact areas of the SPD-SLs is much better suited for road bikes - that's why Shimano makes the two types.

As far as keeping the tension loose, I also wouldn't do that. I've come unclipped twice - once when sprinting and another tile climbing a steep hill. You need enough tension to keep that from happening.

Despite all the posts about being afraid of using them, it's easy to get it down. If necessary, put your bike on a trainer and practice clipping and unclipping. Then go to a parking lot and practice. After a short time, it all becomes second nature.

I like having a platform underfoot, even if it's a small one, so I've gone Crank Bros. across the board (Candys or the now-defunct Quattros). And the new Specialized Elite Touring shoes (http://www.specialized.com/cl/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=57998&gold_ses=) are very nice; the two-bolt cleats recess into the walking sole. I tried Speedplays and liked the float, but having to deal with the cleat covers was a pain.

My experiences.

I started out with clips and staps and rode a lot with them, including from Perth to Adelaide in Australia. I fell over at traffic lights and other spots several times when I first fitted them. I thought a dent in my patella (knee cap) was never going to disappear. I wore basic adidas tennis shoes. I had no significant pain issues with my feet.

I bought a "proper" touring bike, a Fuji Touring, and remained with clips-and-straps.

Then I bought a "proper" road bike (Merida 900 Extreme) which just had to have clipless pedals. After some research, I veered away from using Shimano clipless pedals, and opted for Time Atacs. I have stuck with them since, getting on to nine years, in three iterations -- standard Atacs, platform Atacs, and XS Carbon Atacs.

Why the Atacs? For the float they offer. At the time, SPDs offered no float in either MTB or road. The Atacs also are dead simple. Just two springs. Nothing else, no bolts to drop out, no mechanism to clog and jam, and no need to adjust tension. The springs will eventually wear flats on top of them, but it takes a lot of riding to do that.

They have performed beautifully for me whether on commutes, 24 hour TTs, randonnees, MTBing in mud... in fact, in almost every form of my cycling.

Because I toured and commuted and then rode randonnees, and then got a full-time job in cycling advocacy, my shoes were mutli-purpose. My first ones were a pair of blue Shimano MTB shoes. I wore them into the ground -- the sole wore down so much, I was walking on the cleat, and tried to get some new soles, but the cobbler I went to wouldn't be in it. Since then, I have had quite a few pairs of MTB shoes -- Shimano, Diadora and Specialized. They've all been comfortable on an off the bike.

I have one pair of Shimano SPD road pedals and a pair of Shimano road shoes. I used them only for some training rides, and I wouldn't consider them for any of the other cycling I do. Oh, and the damage done to the platform cleats walking the bike back home less than a kilometre after a puncture was very surprising.

The one drawback with the Atac system is that the cleats are made of brass and do wear more than the steel Shimano MTB cleats.

Some advice:

For your type of cycling, MTB pedals, clips and pedals are probably the way to go, not road pedals and platform cleats/shoes..

Irrespective of the system you choose, spend some time to find the right cleat position. Some people ride toe-in/ankle-out, others ride toe-out/ankle-in, and yet others in a neutral position. The cleat rotation is different for each, and if you don't get it right, you will have knee problems.

I'd also suggest that you start out with the cleat set as far back as it will go... it's a position favoured by long-distance riders to avoid problems with Morton's neuroma (hot foot).

If you choose MTB, you may have to pare away some of the soles of the shoes where the cleat depression is to ensure there is enough clearance around the pedal mechanism.

Spend time with the bike between a door frame with your sitting on it, and leaning against one jamb, and practice clipping in and out, in and out, in and out with the foot you currently favour to unclip first. It will help you get used to the feel and routine.

If you do get on the road with clipless, concentrate on your riding. You should be concetrating anyway, but you might be like so many who say "I lose myself when I cycle". Well, if you lose yourself, you lose your concentration, and that's not helpful. And even if you think you have clipping out down pat, you will fall over.

Going clipless doesn't mean you can't go back to platform, or clips. For several years, I commuted in work boots too big for straps, so I just went platform. But all my other riding was with the Atacs. A 20% increase in performance is an exaggeration -- I can't quantify it, but on the hills I used to ride, there was a significant difference in feel, comfort and probably performance.

If you've made it this far... I hope it has helped.