First pair of Look pedals: 1991 (OEM on a Trek 2300). Currently use Campy ProFit (2 pr) & Speedplay Frogs (8 pr).

My Opinion: We are consumers in a consumer-driven industry that creates products designed to meet our needs and expectations. As consumers we fall into different demograhics:

Note: The following descriptions are provided primarily for entertainment and amusement, noting that it's a touch of reality that makes satire work.

a. If you have needs that legacy products don't meet, a new product is developed that responds to your suggestions, and you have the means to acquire it, you are not a drone.

b. If legacy products meet your needs, an improved product comes along that you believe will be of benefit, and you have the means to acquire it, you are not a drone.

c. If legacy products meet your needs but you enjoy staying up on the latest and greatest technology for the sake of your interest in new technology and also have the means to acquire it, you're probably a "bike geek" which could be confused with a drone.

d. If you have no idea what your needs are but have to have the latest and greatest technology and also have the means to acquire it, you're what some might call a "poser" which could also be confused with a drone.

e. If you have no idea what your needs are but go into hock to snag the latest and greatest technology, then you're a drone.

f. If legacy products meet your needs and it bothers you that people acquire new technology for any of the aforementioned reasons, then you're probably a "retro-grouch" or "curmudgeon".


Food for Thought: The example of clipless pedals being "the latest technology" probably isn't the best example, as the first primative clipless pedal was patented in 1895. The toe strap came along in 1900 and the self-tensioning strap / buckle that many of us grew up using wasn't invented until 1947. As for the contemporary clipless pedal technology, you may recall that Look introduced it's clipless pedals to the consumer market in 1986, after Hinault & then Lemond won the TdF on prototypes in '85 and '86. Shimano's recessed SPD cleat was introduced in 1990.

As for being "dangerous in a crash"; I'm at a loss here. Clipless are absolutely no worse and arguably far better at self-releasing than clips and straps (been there done that with both more times that I care to recall).

Inconvenient to walk in? Only if you select the wrong shoe / pedal system for the type of riding that you pursue. If you do a lot of walking and aren't racing, lug-soled "mountain bike" shoes with recessed cleats are the way to go.