Originally Posted by
Darth_Firebolt
if there was no power benefit from clipless, why are the pros still using them?
Because the primary goal is, and always was,
foot retention -- keeping the feet on the pedals when spinning fast or sprinting/climbing out of the saddle. That's why they're important for fixed-gear riders as well -- oftentimes, the feet are handling braking duties, so it's critical that they never leave the pedals.
- Scott