I always thought the main road system was Speedplay. Ask several different people, you always seem to get several different answers I suppose!

I agree that Shimano SPD's seem to be a good beginner pedal as well. I'd definitely prefer the "mountain" style pedal as you can walk around in them normally. They're very popular, and they let you adjust the release tension.

I'm not a big fan of the Crankbrothers, whether Eggbeaters or anything else. They're ok, but they have a reputation for being unreliable (though they just came out with new versions that are supposed to be more reliable). I found personally that they leaked grease all over the spindle...seemed to be a regular thing with the pedals, not a manufacturing defect, and it's something that didn't really happen with my other pedals.

I like my Time (ATAC) Control Z's. All the "ATAC"'s are compatible with each other. No weird oil leaking out of them (yet at least), they seem sturdy, good float...like them.

When people ask me which pedals to get, I recommend either the Shimano SPD's or one of the Time ATAC's.