at first i started out with clips/straps, but then i started going to the track and got some LOOK pedals and sidis and it was the best thing ever. i felt that i had more "control" of the bike and climbing up hills was soo much easier (i live in a hilly area and my only way out into san fran is up and down some hills.) i tried switching back to clips/straps because of the ease of not having to carry shoes. rode fore 10 minutes and i felt i had no "control" of the bike and my shoes kept slipping out.