i bought some aliums about a year ago. it was my first forray into clipless fixed riding. so far so good and don't feel the need to try anything else. Had to get new cleats about a month ago, but I was wearing a pair of Chrome SPD shoes that I wore and walked in a lot. The brass is nice because it wears with the sole as Yamn said and doesn't constantly click when walking which is nice. Would highly recommend buying a used pair for cheaper and giving it a shot.