Originally Posted by sers
off the top of my head for mountain clipless there's ATAC, Eggbeater, Frog, SPD, SPD clones (wellgo, ritchey, nashbar...). Now I can understand the argument against clipless and brakeless for all of the above, except ATAC. The reason being, is that ATAC's have positive feedback at the end of the float, whereas Eggbeaters and Frogs don't. Based on heresay, SPD's are notorious for releasing at inopportune times.
I recently gave clips and straps another shot recently - setup was MKS Sylvans, MKS Aluminum clips, and nylon straps. Even with the straps tight, I found that the middle of my foot felt like it was bending over the rear cage, there was uncomfortable pressure on my toes, and that I lost the feeling of control that I had with clipless from 9 to 3 'o clock - essentially the motion of pulling back on the pedal. I'll probably give it another go with a different pair of sneakers, but I have doubts that something like a MKS Royal Nuevo with double straps, and steel clips would afford me the same control, comfort, and efficency that I get with my Sidi Dominators and Time ATAC XS carbons. That said, I honestly don't know if unclipping accidentally, due to a cleat wearing down or whatever would be more likely than breaking a strap (that tends to rub against the crank arm).
If anyone wants to lend me a nice clip & strap setup for a week so I can give it a fair evaluation feel free to pm me.
I've been using Time ATAC's since 1997, I just put a set on my Pista too, I have never in that time had one disengage accidently, as stated above, you can feel when you reach the end of the float range, there is tension before they disengage. They also make a pop sound (you feel this too) when your cleat engages the pedal, there is no guessing if you are really in or not, they still work well even when your shoes are caked with mud.
If it matters, I'm using Shimano shoes and weigh 225lbs.