Well, I finally took the plunge and bought a set of clipless (SPD) pedals and shoes over at Performance yesterday, and I can't believe the difference these things make when riding -- it's like I just gained another 30% of leg-muscle mass. Hills I was sluggish on I can just power through...wow.

Total cost was slightly under US $100, and that's including a set of streetable shoes.

Remembering to un-clip is important! My second crash for the month happened yesterday, on my way home from the bike shop, when I unclipped the right foot only at a stop sign. Came to a halt, looked around, and tried to get up on my left leg, which was at the bottom of the pedal travel. Felt the bike tilting, and couldn't really do much as I was clipped in on that side. I just toppled over like a deformed dredel. Only skinned a knee, and landed squarely on my pride.

Gave some peds a good laugh...