I have three road bikes, one with SPD-SL, another with SPDs, and one with platform pedals. Platform pedals are great and I do a lot of riding with them, long rides, short rides, canyons, dirt trails, everything. Clipless isn't a requirement and platforms DONT hold you back, so do what you like. There are some great platform pedals out there with massive grip. I use the MKS Lambda pedals because they're big pedals and I have big feet.