The monocoque is stronger I believe and is less likely to crack around the seatpost clamp than the older version
afaik.
I recomemd mks or wellgo detachable folding pedals. It's possible to get the wellgo for 25 pounds and you can also use the qr to swop between the standard or clippin versions.
If you get the mks it has its own cleat system. Shimano spd cleats don't work with mks but mks cleats work with both pedal systems.