This thread isn't about whether I should or not but more about which type would be best for me if I decide to do so.

First - Most of my riding is a short 2 mile commute in heavy rush hour city traffic to work. A fall could be fatal so easily unclippable is my highest priority. However, I do plan on doing longer rides and it can be very hilly around here.

I am not worried about having to walk around in the riding shoes - for work I change immediately upon arrival and I don't commute other places. Any other riding I do is for pleasure.

My LBS recommends these to start with since I would also have a platform for if I didn't want to clip in:


Downside I see to it - might be harder to clip into than a pure clipless pedal since the pedal might not rest in the natural position needed to clip into it.

The pedal I am considering:



Downside - no platform to use in heavy traffic until I get used to unclipping although it looks like you could use regular shoes if you really needed to. If I had to use platforms due to insecurity in traffic I'd probably swap back to my platform pedals.

Other pedals to consider:


^ I don't know anything about how easy it is to unclip from these but they look very easy to clip into although I don't really know. Downside - always have to use riding shoes.



^ my well-to-do hardcore bicycle friend uses these. I don't know anything about them other than they seem to be expensive. another downside - always need riding shoes.


Anyway, looking for thoughts as to plus's and minuses of the different types I've shown. Also for what you might recommend for someone who has never used clipless pedals before.