Originally Posted by
noglider
When I'm tired or climbing hills, sometimes, rather than pressing down on my forward foot at the 2 o'clock position, I pull back with my bottom foot (at the 6 o'clock position) and simultaneously push forward with my top foot at the 12 o'clock position. I'm not saying this makes me faster, but the ability to use different muscles reduces fatigue and when you do the math just might be more efficient.
I like the SPD kind of cleat best because the cleats are recessed, which allows for safe walking.
Another thing I like about SPD is that I can adjust them loose to minimize the effort to disengage. I've had a few panic stops where rather than twisting out as intended, I just pulled straight up and out. This is good for me. If you are racing, you'll want to adjust your pedals tighter than that, because you can't afford for your foot to come out until you intend it.
Bingo! This is my case exactly. I ride multi-surface, roads, trails, paved, unpaved, urban, rural....a real mix-mash of conditions. I have the SPDs adjusted so that I can get out of them more easily, but can still "pull up" the pedal as needed. As stated above, being able to use different muscles, especially those last few miles, last few hills is a good thing.
I use Shimano A530 pedals which allow use of the flat side with a standard shoe, usually a low top hiking shoe for a quick ride after making an adjustment, or when I know I will be stopping and walking around a good bit.
Keep the SPDs clean, then a drop of oil on the contact points (pedal and shoe) once in a while for a smooth entry and exit from the pedal.
***Glad to hear, you made a good choice, and that they feel "right" on your test ride.