Methinks you're right. :)

I've seen a few "hard to clip out" comments in this thread and just wanted to reiterate the benefit of reading the instructions that came with your pedals and reducing the retention spring tension to the lightest setting that prevents accidental clip outs. I've seen riders new to clipless have to jerk their foot off of the pedal to unclip, that isn't a fault of the SPD system, its a sign of too much spring tension. Extremely powerful and aggressive riders may need more tension depending on the type of riding they are doing, but the majority of riders will find fairly light settings perfectly adequate. It's also helpful to occasionally clean out and lubricate the mechanism and check the tightness on the cleats (I'm a fan of SPD multi-release cleats).

I hate them. I tried using them for a year, then went back to Power Grips.

I guess they are OK if you are just going to sit in the saddle and pedal for extended times, without having to dismount, but in my opinion, at least, riding with them while touring, or in town, where you will be stopping and even dismounting often, is a Royal Pain. Plus, you have to wear special cleated bike shoes, and carry an extra set of regular shoes to wear off the bike. I do a lot of touring, and vehicular riding, and I usually wear my hiking shoes, or tennis shoes. Sometimes I even wear my combat boots, depending on the weather and terrain.

It is probably just a matter of what kind of riding you do, and your personal preferences. Clipless pedals just aren't for me.......

I hear ya - I've gone from SPD to SPD-SL and back to SPD (with dual-purpose clipless/platform pedals) for exactly the reasons you mention. I really liked the SPD-SL setup, but they're good ONLY when you're on the bike and moving. Otherwise they suck! :) I'll routinely clip out and go to the platform side anytime I'm approaching a busy intersection, congestion, or any other low-speed situation (like coming up on a family with small children/animals out for a stroll on the MUP!)

By the way, I used Power Grips too for several years when I transitioned back from recumbent to DF. They work really well. Not as good as clipless for me, but for those not happy with clipless I think they're a better option than toe clips.

This is correct - just a learning curve.
I just clipped in yesterday for the first time ever - I'm lucky, everything feels really good. Good Luck

Third day out with them today. Feeling better already about them. Take note of my post where I said "rotate toe in" and the heel just follows to clip out. Seems to work for me.

I don't find it hard to clip in or out. I ride SPD's in heavy traffic. Half the time, I plunk my foot down in just the right spot and clip in right away. I set mine loose to make it easy to get in and out. Since I've ridden with toe clips or cleats most of my life, I feel more secure with them than without them. I have fear of my feet slipping unexpectedly. To each his own. Use them if you like them. Don't use them if you don't.

I have SPD-SL's on my track bike for extra security. They are hard to get into. Before I clip in both feet, I ride very slowly and gently. The shoe is slippery on the bottom, so riding without being clipped in is precarious. Clipping out requires me to twist my foot hard, but I am able to bear this in mind, so I can clip out quickly if I need to. I don't ride my track bike on the street much anyway.

Any thoughts I had have already been expressed in this thread, albeit without the eloquence. For this reason I shall refrain from posting anything.

When you don't reply, we'll know it's you.

Hey, what's with this trash-talk?? (I thought I was being eloquent!!) :roflmao2:

I may have a unique perspective.

I rode a great deal in the 70s and 80s. By the earlier 80s I was using toe clips. Left one tight, right one just loose enough to slip out.

Then came marriage, three kids, divorce and a few extra pounds later (ok more than a few). Two years back bought a hybrid, MTB style pedals. It was ok, but I knew if I wanted to be smoother and ride longer, I'd want clipless.

Bought a road bike this year, first long ride and on platform pedals. Hated it. Foot kept slipping when I was trying to find the right position. My shins didn't get hit, but I did lose some momentum a few times, especially when I was tired near the end.

Bought clipless pedals and MTB shoes with SPD cleats. Adjusted them before mounting to the bike. Took a really long ride, got out of clips at every stop sign. Now it feels natural. Haven't fallen yet (had fallen in toe clips before though),

And as to why have them at all, I find high cadence spinning smoother and easier when firmly attached, and I feel it works better when climbing.

Well said; my sentiments exactly.

Comfort? Maybe. Safety? Never!!!

While your personal experience with clipless has been positive the intristic danger of clipless is still there.

Only for those without the skill to adjust and the coordination to use...

Fixed it for you.

I posted this on an earlier thread:

I've been riding clipless pedals since they first came out, and thought they were a godsend compared to what I had been using for the previous 20 years: cleated shoes, toeclips and straps. Clipless pedals provide consistency in release of the shoe from the pedal.

The only serious accident caused by any kind of pedal restraint system was the first day I used clipless pedals. A friend loaned me his pedals and shoes to try them out. I was so used to being really secure to the pedal with toe straps that I twisted my body to my left looking for traffic as I entered an intersection, and inadvertently unclipped my right foot and went over the bars. If I would have stopped for the stop sign it would not have been a problem Those new-fangled clipless pedal just didn't hold my foot securely enough; they were too easy to get out of.

I first started mountain biking years ago with single release SPD cleats. I just couldn't get out of them fast enough at the top of hills and would frequently go down. Switched to multi-release and what a difference. I could easily disengage and never accidentally disengaged. I have never fallen since. Now I user multi-release SPD cleats with M540 pedals on my cyclo-cross for commuting and pleasure. I have never fallen or disengaged when I didn't want to since switching to multi-release many years ago. My advice is if you are going with SPD, get the multi-release.

I also always dismount/stop/mount with one foot still clipped in and have never fallen.

It just seems natural to me and really helps me with my 30+ mi commute - I can't imagine riding any other way now .My wife, on the other hand, just never could get the hang of it and gave up after numerous falls (I still have her pedals for back ups / trainer :) ).

I prefer not to use clipless pedals. I don't want to risk falling over into traffic or onto a curb. I've been told they frequently need adjusting. I don't want my feet locked into one position - can't be good for the joints. Another thing - you'll probably need a padded shoe liner with road shoes because of discomfort on longer trips.

I've had no falls with toe clips and I usually just ride MKS touring pedals. They are wide, elegant and grip the sole of mtn bike shoe adequately. I use toe clips when its raining or on longer trips when I will feel more tired. Though I seldom ride dirt, I prefer mountain shoes so if my bike does break down, I can walk more comfortably.

Once I got the proper tension set on my pedals, they have never needed adjusting. My feet also aren't locked into one position...they can float left or right. And as far as a padded liner, nope. Never felt the need for 'em...even on long rides.