I'll toss in my .02. MTB shoes are the way to go on a commuter. You can walk in them without too much trouble. As for the egg beaters, many people like them. I've not used them, but I don't think the long term reliablility can touch a pair of shimano SPD's. The advantage of the shimano design is that it has 2 sets of ball bearings, instead of one bearing and one bushing. They are also very well sealed I have a 3 year old set with many miles on them, and I've only had to adjust the bearings once, and repack them. They function as new.