I have Speedplay LA's for 2 yrs and I live them. I just put a little wax lub every other month or so. Easy in, easy out. I never have to look down to clip in, unlike most of the others I ride with.

I chose the LA's after reading a lot. I don't race, but I do sprint uphill and put some pretty good upward pressure in some powerstrokes and they work fine for me. I liked that they had some float. At my age I don't need unnecessary aches and pains.

I have an SPD style platforms on our tandem. I like them but they are not as easy as the Speedplays. I have to look down once in a while. On the tandem I don't get to put the "pull out" pressure that I can on my solo bike.

IMHO, unless you are in competition, go with the LAs.