I have been using clipless pedals for over ten years, but I am not certain they make a difference. I enjoy the sensation of "at-one-ness" with the pedals, and that's the reason I continue to use them. But I cannot tell whether they make it easier to climb long hills, increase my all-day comfort, or reduce knee problems.

When I need to make a quick getaway -- for example, when a car is approaching from the rear and coming too close for my comfort -- I am fairly certain clipless pedals help me accelerate more quickly. But I am not convinced I can sustain the extra power output longer than a few seconds. Maybe a 20-something racer can do this, but I am an almost 60 cycletourist!

I often unclip when I am descending hills. At those moments, I don't appreciate the sense of at-one-ness with the pedals, and feel "locked in" to the bike in a way that makes me nervous.

Because of this nervousness, I can foresee ditching clipless pedals in the coming years. it's been a long time since I fell or wiped out due to my inability to unclip in time. If it were to happen again, it would not take much to consider giving up on them. For now, though, my riding motto continues to be, "Don't panic. Unclip!"