I used Power Grips (straps) on my pedals and became quite used to them. Recently a friend enthusiastically extolled the greatness of clip less pedals. I wasn't ready to fully commit so I purchased Shimano's PD-A530 hybrid pedal...half platform, half clip less. Bought some MTB shoes and a pedal wrench!

Today was my first ride with the new set-up....I went to the Jones Beach Greenway...18 miles from Cedar Creek Park to Tobay Beach. No crashes! I liked being locked into the pedal although I'm not too sure about the benefits of the upstroke.

Even though the cleat is "recessed", I still notice the cleat crunching the ground as I walk! Who knows, maybe I'll get a fully clip less set-up down the road.