Wow, trying to keep this short:

Have used open clips with MKS touring pedals for close to 8 months.

Currently use speedplay pedals on my crabon fibre bike. (pedals my be for sale )

Wife bought a bike that was attached to a set of shimano m520 pedals.

Bought some Specialized Tahoe shoes to try out the pedals for my commute.

Did not enjoy the sound the SPD cleats made on concrete, and the used pedals may have had some problems. Never got comfortable with the right side as it felt too locked in and fatigued my lower leg trying to keep my foot "straight".

Bought some eggbeaters. They feel a lot better, but for some reason, I am so far terrible at clipping into them. I was fine with the SPD, but not so hot after a few parking lot runs today, but I did get better. Should get better with time. Cleats occasionally make the odd noise on concrete, but are much better.


Now the real meat: WOW. The shoes I was using with my clipped pedals were mainly chosen for the flat soles, but were pretty much as stiff as you converse chuck taylors. If I had properly stiff soles and real deal clips with straps, I doubt the difference would be as significant. But over my 7 mile commute, I've been consistently a mph or so faster each time. Hills and headwinds don't hurt me nearly as much.

While there is much debate over whether or not one truly "lifts up" using clipless pedals, I definitely notice the ability to pedal more efficiently through the stroke, especially past the bottom of the stroke. I noticed this was a real weakness of mine when riding, but had to really concentrate to keep from getting lazy in the clipped pedals. With the clipless pedals, it just feels a lot more natural to carry out the full stroke. Maybe it has to do with knowing I can pull "backwards" after the downstroke without my foot coming off of the pedal. Or maybe it's all in my head.