I rode with SPDs for a few years. Honestly, for me they made no noticable difference over toe clips. I'm sure that's because I "wasn't doing it right" but honestly, I don't care. I just like to ride my bike, I don't want to make a friggin' science of it. I found when I was trying to concentrate on form, I wasn't having fun anymore. Eventually I put the platforms and toe clips back on the bike.