I'm surprised that hardcore bikers knew anything about bicycle pedals. Usually they are more into riding from bar to bar, pillaging and dealing/using methamphetamines. Also, the Rivendell joke was funny. On a serious note, be careful of those multi release cleats. The are great for just riding along if you aren't used to clipless, but if/when you get to the point where you are really hammering I'm not sure I would trust them 100%. It might be worth it to invest another $20 in a set of the standard release cleats when you get comfortable with the new pedals.