Originally Posted by
BluesDawg
The performance claims are greatly exaggerated, but clipless is a nice way to go. Sounds like SPD would be a good choice for you. My far and above top choice for a SPD pedal for road bikes is the A520. As close as you can get to the platform support of a true road pedal but compatible with recessed cleat shoes for normal(ish) walking ability.
+1
I resisted switching to clipless for several years but decided to switch when I bought my first road bike at age 60+. I'm sorry I waited so many years
As BD said, the performance claims are exaggerated but I feel more in control of the bike when I'm clipped in. Climbing hills became a little easier for me since I didn't have to worry about my foot slipping off the pedals.
The first thing I determined was which foot I would use to clip-in/start and clip-out/stop. It was natural to use the same feet I used on platform pedals. For the first few rides I found myself unclipping far in advance of where I would be stopping.....this probably avoided a few entries into Club Tombay. It didn't take long for the unclipping process to become a natural motion and done only when I was ready to stop.
I don't have any problems walking with the shoes for SPD pedals. I even have a pair of the Keen sandals I use with the pedals in the summer and love them.