Originally Posted by Stucky

Six of one, half a dozen of another.

They both have little pluses and minuses- but all in all, there's not a huge difference- in the end, they both do the same thing, and the learning curve for either is about the same.

I started with straps; then, when a bike which I bought came with some SPD pedals, I got a pair of shoes, and tried that. I didn't mind the clipless, but I've recently gone back to the straps, as I like the ability to ride in different shoes, and to be able to move my feet a little fore or aft as desired (Especially when climbing).

I guess they're something everyone has to try- but personally, I don't have a strong opinion either way. I wouldn't spend a lot of money to go clipless.

Originally Posted by JohnDThompson

Unless you use slotted cleats with your toe clips/straps, you'll likely find clipless pedals offer better performance. But if you want to be able to use regular street shoes occasionally without having to swap out pedals, you may prefer toe clips and straps.