Rather than hijack the 'do you ride clipless?' thread I thought I would start a new one, because what I read there was useful (like so much on this forum) but I had other questions. As a new rider (starting last summer) the whole question of what kind of pedals is new to me and I am trying to figure out what will work best for me: mostly recreational/fitness riding, but trying to build up some strength and be semi-serious about it. So far I have only tried the original pedals/clips/straps on my two vintage rides.

Actually only the Centurion came fully equipped that way, the Miyata had its original quill pedals, and I put plastic clips but no straps on. I like those and easily got the knack of flipping them up to insert my toes. Obviously they help a lot with the pedal stroke and are a breeze to pull out from.

The Turbo's original clips & straps I have more trouble with. The bike must have been stored for years, and the straps had apparently spent a lot of time folded in so they are now stiff (though almost unworn) and bent inward, making it very tough to get the toes in while pedalling slowly. Also these don't seem so easy to flip up as the 'top' of the pedal is much heavier. Is there a trick I am missing? Once my toes are in it's not bad---I have only had one really embarrassing dismount so far. I gather there's also a trick to pulling them tight/loose while riding, but I'm not to that point yet.

And I also can tell that fully strapped in, pedal stroke is considerably stronger, but my running shoes are the weak element, as they flex a lot. Are old style road shoes still made? Any recommendations there? Not too garish or expensive? Able to be walked in? (Part of the charm of these C&V bikes for me is how much of a bargain they are.)

And any strong suggestions on an inexpensive way to experiment with clipless? Sounds like SPD with mtn bike shoes might be the most easy/versatile way to go and still allow for reasonable walking.

I will be doing a sprint triathlon this summer, maybe more than one, and had been thinking I will bike in my running shoes so as to avoid changing during the transition. But I dunno...

Also...I always bear in my Mark Twain's injunction to beware of enterprises requiring new clothes.

Any suggestions or advice welcome. I suppose the road forum might be a good place to ask about this but my scanning of it suggests I will get a more helpful and friendly response, and one that doesn't require a mortgage on the house, here.