Thanks for all the input! Mcmoose, I really appreciate the suggestions! I'm not so sure about those toe straps, tho
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It looks like it took people a bit of time deciding if clipping in was something you wanted/needed to do. I enjoyed reading about your experiences and watching the vid. RetroGrouch, I fell back in Nov. and was too stubborn (or hair-brained) to get the elbow checked in time to do anything. I just iced it, did ROM and took anti-inflammatories. Turns out it was a displacement fracture of the radial head. I got back on the bike in a couple of days, then spent the next several weeks overthinking every mount and dismount. One day I just hopped on and went, and it seemed easier again.
As far as "why bother if they scare me"? Good point, actually. If I were just doing in-town riding, frequently off and on the bike, I wouldn't. But I really enjoy getting out on the road. I hear about efficiency, improved speed, easier climbing and so on. My rides all have climbs, the ones out on the road have 11-15 mile ones. I'd like to do some club rides. I can average 10-12 mph, most casual easy club rides want 13-14 mph average. These are social rides, not races, and are fun. I went on a teaching/recovery ride with a group and had a great time. I have no interest in their "challenge" or training rides, just the ones which finish at the frozen yogurt shop
I'd like to get over the fear, and it's not easy to just
try clipping in. I'm seriously looking at road bikes- if I were to get one, I'd like to be able to efficiently use my meager power resources (grin) to best advantage. These pedals seem to be a way to find out if I can HTFU (lol) without going in the deep end- give it a serious try without a big cash outlay. If it doesn't work for me, then at least I'll know.
Overall, it looks like the M324 is favored. I like the idea of having the non-clip side in town, and working into the clip side. Having to flip the pedals over might be annoying, but for this bike and learning I think it's a reasonable trade off. Grass isn't easy to find here in the desert, but there is a nice flat parking lot across the street at the college. 24 Hour Fitness has free trials (ahem) so a spin class may be in order
Anyway, thanks again for all the responses!
Dana