Originally Posted by
Ogsarg
I just purchased my first road bike, a 2010 specialized roubaix elite which isn't great cosmetically but mechanically in great shape. Have never ridden with clips and the number of pedals, shoes, etc. is somewhat overwhelming.
I would like the clips for longer rides and to develop some technique but would also like to be able to ride in regular shoes if I'm just going down to the store or wherever.
Any recommendations for a newbie?
You could consider something like Shimano's PD-M324. The pedals are platforms on one side and SPD clipless on the other. Note that these are 2-bolt "MTB" cleats, and you'd probably want to get MTB shoes with them, so that the cleat is inset in the shoe's sole. Makes them extremely walkable.
If you really want to go with road shoes and road pedals/cleats, maybe SPD-SL. They're not all that awful to just ride as if they were platforms.