Originally Posted by
zephyr
++1. Agree. I switched to platform pedals in 2004 on my commute bike, and found the same thing on my approximately 1 hour commute in each direction. I have done time comparisons also on a 34 mile recreational ride loop that has almost no stop signals and some rolling hills, and even on that my time difference between clipless attached pedals and platform unattached pedals is virtually nil.
Whether clipless pedals are more efficient depends a lot on individual biomechanics/pedaling style, ride intensity, and terrain. Experienced riders tend to ride more efficiently with clipless pedals when pushing themselves, particularly in hilly terrain. Most experienced riders use clipless pedals because they find them to be more efficient and/or comfortable. I say use the pedal that makes you happy. But all of these assertions that clipless pedals don't offer benefits are just ludicrous. Some riders do benefit from clipless pedals, while some do not... it's as simple as that.