I've tried clipless in the past....but they were only test rides around the block or for less than a mile. I used to think, meh, they are okay but I don't really need them.

So this past week, I thought, maybe I ought to try them for a longer ride and see if I like them. The short answer is yes, very much so.

I've been thinking clipless because I'm building a new bike and wanted to try some things out on my old bike first. I have a Giant Escape and had been riding it with pinned flats. Changing out pedals/shoes can get expensive so I went the used route for the pedals. I got Speedplay Frogs because that's the only ones I'd ever tried and clipping in and out seemed really easy and I like the float. I got a set on ebay with cleats for $20 and a pair of Shimano MT33 shoes from Nashbar for $45...all set.

This morning I went out on a 15 mile ride, lots of uphill, and quite a bit of stop and go.

First up, the clipping in and out experience. I read quite a bit about people crashing while clipped in. With these pedals, I'm not sure how anyone could do that. Stepping into the pedals is so easy and coming out is equally as easy. It just takes an easy twist and you're out. I'm not sure how easy SPD pedals are to clip into but these are a breeze and the double sided pedal makes it a no look proposition. I will say though that I was very aware of this and was thinking about it when coming to the numerous stops along the way...so perhaps it was because I was paying attention. Since these are used cleats and pedals I think the cleats need some adjustment. There are some set screws that allow some forward/backward play and I noticed some play on one of the pedals.

Riding on flat terrain. I would say my experience here is neutral.. It seemed the same to me. But with these pedals I can pedal on corners and turns because I'm not scraping the pedal. So that is a plus. Putting down power seemed a little easier because the platform I'm pedaling is easier. I was riding 5.10 free riders.

Riding uphill. This is where I noticed the most difference. Going uphill seemed quite a bit easier. It's easier for me to spin clipped in. I'm not sure if I noticed any benefit because of the upstroke, but I'm sure It made me mash down on the pedal less. So at the top of some hills that I normally ride, my legs aren't as tired. And overall, I'm not breathing as hard.

My average speed didn't increase. On this route, with 1 cat 5 climb, I normally average between 13 - 15 MPH...hey, I'm a 40 y/o smoker that is just getting back into riding (yeah, I know I need to quit). I think I'm doing fine. And clipped in, my average speed was the same.

Overall, I liked it. Call me a convert. Riding clipped in makes me feel more connected to my bike and with the added benefit of easier spinning, I'm sold.