I played around for a short time with SPDs before trying SPD-SL and for a bike I considered a road bike and that I was taking out on club rides or fast solo stuff I'd always use the SPD-SLs. IMHO they just work great. That said on my touring bike I have bare platforms and I'm coming to appreciate them too for other reasons. I am considering SPDs again for the touring bike just to be able to clip in with somewhat walkable shoes. That's the only issue with SPD-SLs, walking sucks.