Like a couple of you, I started with Detto Pete's, nailing on the cleats, using Binda Extra straps (remember those?) and Campagnolo Record or Super Record pedals. That was back in '68.

I saw the "first" clipless pedals, by Cinelli, sometime in the 70's but didn't buy them. Got a pair of Aero-Lite pedals free in '85 (for being one of the top UMCA riders that year), and practiced getting in and out of them on my trainer before moving to the road. Those were my first "clipless" pedals.

Had some problems with Simpson pedals in the early 90's, and they're the only ones I fallen with.

Now have bikes with Shimano SPD, SPD-R and SPD-L, plus Look and absolutely no problem getting in or out. Modern clipless pedals work very well, and the learning curve is really not that sharp! Stick with it Metric Man; you can do it!

Rick / OCRR