Originally Posted by
Burton
The notion that clipless pedals let you put more power to the pedal is just that - a notion. Basically they keep you from falling off the pedal. And since road bikes are all about light weight for increased speed, road bike pedals and shoes tend to be lighter (and more expensive than any other option).
If you've already used studded BMX pedals you already know they're also designed to do the same thing and do it very effectively too. They just tend to weigh more. They also let you use a much wider variety of shoes.
After that its really just a personal decision. Some people think red bikes are faster too.
Incorrect. The notion isn't that crete more power, it's that you create more accurate consistent power as you can only achieve power in the up stroke while clipped/strapped in. Any quark, powertap, power meter can clarify and show this to you with real numbers. Creating power on surges as you would with platforms is not nearly as efficient (Entire pedal stroke) as being clipped in.