That makes no sense at all. Why would pros use clipless then? If they can just as easily do the same work in platforms? What would be the benefit of the ugly shoes and expensive pedals?

As for bad for the knees, maybe, but not in my case. It is great for the knees. I have arthritis in my left knee, when I ride my clipless, I can easily pedal in circles, putting far less pressure on my knees. If I ride one of my bikes with platforms, I can only go a couple of miles and my knee will be hurting, especially the next day.

Since I now ride every day in clipless, my arthritic knee has not been bothering me. My cadence is about 110 to 120. I use a low gear and pedal fast. I can't do this on platform and must mash. I can't do this with clips, because I don't like to strap in and out. So, my foot wants to slip out when pulling back. I am testing Powergrips, but I seem to have the same problem of the foot wanting to slip out when pulling back.

To each their own, but for me, the only way to ride is clipless.