Ok I have hammered out over 2000 miles on platform pedals the last 9 months. I have no idea what else is out there and wonder if I am missing something? Does anyone have a link or info that will help me understand what different pedal types styles are out there and what is the best?

I ride mountain bikes 15-20 miles everyday on hardpack flat terrain. Any help would be appreciated.

http://www.his.com/~aidsridedc/LK-pedals.html
http://www.caree.org/bike101cliplesspedals.htm

just get some cages

NO CAGES!...those are what i refer to death pedals, they are the most dangerous thing i have EVER EVER EVER used! go with clipless they are ALOT easier to get in and out of than cages

I've been using clips and straps for fifteen years, and fail to see how they can be 'the most dangerous thing you've ever used'. You're aware that the strap can be both tightened and loosened, right?

I agree...ive used platform pedals, clips, and clipless pedals and i would say that clipless are more dangerous than clips and straps....mind you i like clipless more :)

I've had the opposite experience... especially riding offroad. Clips and straps are single-sided. Most offroad clipless pedals and some road clipless pedals are double sided. I've hooked toeclips and straps on rocks and trail junk before while trying to spin up and attempting to get the pedals right-side up. Think banging a platform or clipless pedal on a rock is bad, see what happens when your straps catch a jagged edge and the bike gets ripped out from underneath you. Also, once engaged, riding with clipless pedals, I've never had a crash where I was stuck on the bike. My feet automagically disengage themselves out of second nature. OTOH, I have however in the past ended up on my back with the bike's wheels facing skyward and my feet still attached to toe clips.

Ever used a gun before?

I like toe-clips, never been a problem for me, but I ride 99% of the time on roads and don't worry about rocks and stuff catching a strap while riding.

What does using a gun have to do with pedals? Most any person with a minute amount of common sense knos where the buisness end of a gun is. However I have never seen anyone running through the wods bouncing one off rocks while cocked and locked.

I guess its just me. Like khuon said i had problems with them while off-roading. And yes, i know that you can loosen the strap, im not a complete ****** :), but i still feel that clipless are A LOT safer. It seems like your body wants to push your foot out to the side when coming off the pedal, and with clipless you unclip, but with toeclips you have to pull back and then put your foot down. Too much time when you wrecking

Of course you don't see people doing that, it would be really dangerous, perhaps say, even more dangerous than riding with toe clips :eek:. I was making light of his statement: "the most dangerous thing i have EVER EVER EVER used". But I don't think I ever read in the news about kids who find their parents toe-clips accidentally shooting someone. Besides, your speech about common sense and running through the woods actually illustrates the dangers of firearms, hence the need to be so careful whilst operating or carrying one.

Well back to pedals. Clips and toe straps are fine especially on road bikes.

But for mountain biking, which is what your are doing, I think SPD pedals are the way to go. The nice thing about SPD pedals is they are pretty cheap and easy to click out of. Also you can walk in SPD compatable shoes pretty well.

The problem with platform pedals is your foot contact with the pedal is really not good. So you want something that will attach your foot to the pedal to increase your pedalling efficiency and be reasonably easy and reliable to get out of.

The advanatge of clipless over toe clips is really for hard athletic riding. If you poush hard, they will be more efficient.
Ive done lots of off-road riding in toe clips and have never had a problem. Ive been able to get my feet out of the (loose) straps during a slide down a wet grassy bank, and on ice. Even during a surprise wipe-out, my feet can get to the ground and control the situation. This is not the same thing as your feet coming unclipped during an uncontrolled crash.

I think both clipless and toe clips have there advantages and disadvantages. Toe clips are nice that you can wear regular shoes so its easier to walk around when your off the bike. I like clipless better overall.
Toe clips always hang upside down and you have to flip them over with your toe, then wiggle your foot into the strap. I find the straps to be uncomfortable on long rides.
Clipless road pedals always seem to hang upside down also. I found them to be a pain to flip over then click-in to such a small pedal.
I like double-sided mountainbike clipless pedals,even on my roadbike. Just clip-in and go!
I've never tried them but the EggBeaters look like the best to click-in.
Best thing about clipless; The looks on peoples faces as you tap,tap,tap walking through convenience stores :D