Originally Posted by
mshred
-how much more efficient will i be with clipless vs. the platforms?
I don't know, but I personally think this is the wrong question to ask. You'll be more efficient, for sure, but the more important thing (unless you're racing) is how it
feels. The first thought that went through my head when I got clipless pedals (I was a very new rider) was, "wow, I feel really strong".
Originally Posted by
mshred
-how terrible of an idea is it to buy my first set of clipless shoes online without being able to try them on? (there seem to be more less expensive options online versus in the LBSs in my area)
Personally, I like trying shoes on. Whether they're bike shoes, dress shoes, or running shoes, I don't like not knowing what it's going to feel like. I'd be inclined to split the difference and get your pedals online and get the shoes at the LBS.
Originally Posted by
mshred
is getting "road bike" specific shoes ideal if all i plan on doing is road biking for fitness/recreation? does it depend entirely on how much walking i plan on doing in the shoes?
You might want to consider MTB pedals/shoes if you're trying to walk around in them a fair bit. I have tri specific shoes (easy on/off) that are perfectly fine for the small amount of walking I do in them, but the cleats would get shredded in short order if I was doing a lot.