My 2cents: I just switched over to clipless (Time ATAC XS, as well). It's great. I love it. It's only been two days and I'm already very comfortable. With that said, if you're just starting out, get clips and straps. If anything so that you can learn how to trackstand properly without keeling over all the time. The set-up I was using cost like $20 at the LBS. It's worth it. I might be riding in an alleycat today, and I'm going to throw the cages back on if I do, because I'm not 100% confident in my abilities to clip out quickly yet.