Originally Posted by
daredevil
Clips or straps are the same thing to me. Your feet are attached to the pedal. I guess when someone says platform, I just assume it's a pedal with no attachments.
That's what I assume, too. I think it's been getting silly, what with people saying that they ride track with platforms -- but they're still using foot retention, sometimes even with cleats that help the shoe stay extra-secure to the pedal.
The REAL question, IMO, is whether a rider thinks it's worthwhile to have a pair of shoes specifically for the pedals they have on the bike.
As always, that ends up dependent on an individual's scenario. Personally, I can wear darn near whatever I want on the bike, because I change into a uniform at work, shoes and all. If I had to work in the same clothes I was wearing as I left the house, then I might do things differently.