So it looks like most of the concerns expressed thus far are for city riding/commuting, which is NOT the intended purpose for this bike (randonneuring/touring). The use I have planned for this setup is something like, "ok...strap in....ride for 20 miles without stopping". My daily commuter has track pedals with half clips that really help orient the otherwise single-sided pedals so I can do fast and easy start-stops. Critiques about no-float capability for cleat shoes seem moot to me since these are no longer made, and stories about being locked into one's tightened down straps are reported (accurately, I can attest from personal experience) to be exaggerated. I've strapped down plenty of times, (which really WOULD suck for city riding), and never had a problem just popping my foot out the back. On the other hand, I distinctly remember falling over once or twice when I first got my SPDs.

Does anybody have any studies or numerical data on this issue?