Originally Posted by
CACycling
I've had Wellgo pedals and, if they would have been my first clipless pedals, I probably would have given up on clipless. You are right in thinking they won't work with your new shoes. Personally, I'd dump the Wellgo pedals and get some nicer pedals. I use SPD-SLs (you can get the entry level ones at Pro Bike Kit for $55 w/ shipping) or you can go with one of the other 3 holes cleat styles. As noted above, many choose to start with MTB style pedals (I started with Shimano M520 SPDs) but that would require different shoes (and, I would suggest, different pedals).
What issues did you have with the Wellgo pedals? I have many thousands of miles on Performance and Nashbar branded SPD pedals (relabled Wellgo pedals as far as I can tell) and they've worked quite well for me. As long as you have them adjusted properly, entry and exit are a breeze and you don't come unclipped. I've been commuting on two different sets (two different bikes) of Performance Forte SPDs for 5 years now.
For a new rider, I would hesistate to recommend SPD-SLs or any other single sided road pedal because they do require a considerable amount of extra attention for clipping in and you better be prepared to unclip when the time comes. SPDs or Crank Bros. pedals are much eaiser enter and exit and cheap enough that upgrading after a short time won't break the bank (you can always move them to a different bike so that they don't go unused).