Originally Posted by FarHorizon

Clipless are superior to clips in that the release is more positive. With straps, if you have the straps tightened, you'll have to reach down and release tension if you want to get your foot out - not a good thing to need in an emergency stop. Even if your straps are loose, the bottom of your shoe (particularly if you're wearing rubber soled shoes with texture) may hang on the pedal - again, not a good thing in an emergency stop.

With clipless pedals, you merely rotate your foot and the spring-loaded clip will release the metal cleat on the shoe. This makes it easier to get your foot out fast.

Now back to your original question: Are clipless pedals and shoes worth the price? In my opinion, no. If you are racing or if you live in mountainous areas where you climb frequently, the attachment to the cranks allows you to "ankle," which is a euphamistic way of saying that you can pull up as well as push down. It also allows you to spin the cranks very fast without your feet coming off the pedals.

The actual efficiency gained, however, is relatively small (seconds, not minutes on an hour's riding). I don't have any authority for the previous sentence but claims by Rivendell Bicycle Works, who don't seem to be keen on clipless pedals. My personal experience agrees with Rivendell, though. The efficiency gained is minimum.

The disadvantages of clipless pedals and shoes, though are anything but minimum.. You are physically attached to the bike which is not a good thing in the event of emergency stops. Clipless pedal users also frequently (at least while learning) forget to clip out or try to do so unsuccessfully, leading to falls. A single such fall in traffic or at an unfortunate point in the ride can lead to anything from a bruised ego to death.

Given the high severity but low probability negatives (injury, death), and the small (if any) benefits in efficiency, it seems that most riders would be better off without being physically locked to their pedals at all.

Platform pedals with no clips or straps are safer in emergencies, allow you to ride in any shoes, and are cheaper. I vote platforms (but you'll find that I'm a minority of one on this topic in these forums). If you do decide to experiment with clipless, buy used. Then if the system isn't for you, you can resell it with minimal loss.

Good luck!