Thanks everyone, super answers and gave me a lot of insight on what everyone thinks. Seemed to get some mixed reviews. A lot of cyclers really do love clipless. And with good reason, I can see why since I bought a pair and gave them a shot for a couple of days.

I found it great to have your foot attached to the pedals, seems like I was wasting a lot less energy not trying to keep my feet in place. Not to mention I did notice a difference on hills and sprints like most of you said.

However, aside from hills and sprints, I didn't feel a significant advantage performance wise when just riding on flat road (most of my road is relatively flat), aside from feeling more connected to the bike and not having to position my feet properly. But I absolutely understand how clipless pedals are needed when doing performance based or long rides.

So at the end of the day, since I am currently not riding super far yet, I bought a pair of toe clips and installed them. And for the type of riding I'm doing currently, I found toe clips to be just enough, they keep my feet placed and I can leave them sort of lose and still sort of get the benefit of the pull effect. Also they cost me 5 bucks vs 150 for clipless. But it was never the money that was an issue, I just felt I needed to justify the expense.

But I know the day will come when I will feel the need to but out some hard core carbon roadie shoes, with super cool cleats and pedals! Maybe once I can do 80km+.......in one go..........