Hello guys, so at the end of this month I'm going to buy my first clipless pedals and shoes and I'm very wary about the experience, so I'm looking for advice on what shoes/pedals combo would be the most ideal for someone new to the sport. I've read that mountain bike shoes (Shimano SPD) are very user friendly... What do you think?

Buy what you want to use in the long term, don't get mtn bike shoes if that's not what you want to use in the long run.

I started out on Look KEO 2 Max pedals and never had much trouble with learning how to use them.

I started out with Look Keo Classic. Reasonably priced, adjustable tension and easy to clip in and out.

All the systems are good, see if your LBS will let you try clipping in/out on a trainer. I think you will be ok with whatever you pick.

I went with Shimano Ultegra 6800 pedals, when I got them I was a noob and backed the tension screw all the way loose which makes for an easy in and out. They have worked flawlessly and I have yet to increase the tension. On a budget, the 105's are supposed to be just as good only slightly heavier.

I have Shimano mountain bike shoes and pedals with clips on one side and platform on the other. I'm more of a casual cyclist and don't plan on upgrading to the full roadie shoes/pedals. Anyways they work fantastic, you can adjust the tension of the springs to where you'll pop out if you slightly twist your ankle in any direction and they will hold while pedalling. Compared to non-bicycle specific shoes, I also like the heavy ventilation, hard soles, and keeping your feet in the proper location on the pedals.

The best shoes to get are the ones that are comfortable, and you can afford. Don't get sucked into too much marketing hype at the expense of comfort.

Depending on what you use the bike for, spd-sl pedals are easy to learn and use if you're only going to ride in biking shoes. If you like to run to the store/gym/anything else on your bike, you can also do clipless/platform pedals that are spd. I like them as well on a bike I do double duty with because I can ride 5 miles to the gym without bike shoes.

Did you mean that as far as looks? If so, got it! But I meant it more as that, supposedly, mountain bikes shoes and pedals are easier to get used to than actual road bike shoes and pedals

Thanks for the advice so far guys, and Homebrew thanks for bringing that up, my budget will be $125 for shoes and pedals.

It depends on what you mean by 'user friendly.'
For walking around, mountain bike shoes are more friendly since the cleats are recessed and thus easier to walk in. I use my MTB shoes just for spin class now.

In terms of clipping in and out, I don't think there's much if any difference between the two I've used.

For my road shoes I got cleat covers that makes it a bit easier to walk around with plus protects the cleats while doing so.

Right on man, this the type of advice I'm looking for.

That's because mtn bike shoes have the pedals recessed, because they are supposed to be "walkable." However, you aren't buying cycling shoes to walk in them, you're buying them to cycle with them. Road shoes generally are lighter as well as looking better with road bikes.

I second the look Keo classics to start. But first question is: why do you want to go clipless? I've gone back to 'flat' pedals and can't notice any change in my performance.

"User friendly" = I don't want to fall down, lol... Or at least minimize the possibilities.

...so you'll wind up getting the Shinano Spd mountain bike clips and in a few months you'll want the Spd-SL Road version. Just skip the redundant products and go buy some SPD-SL Ultegra pedals and be happy for years.

Seriously? You must live where there's no change in elevation.

I've been riding for 4 years, this past winter I took a spin class 5 times a week. I used sneakers since my road shoes had Look Keo cleats. In March I purchased a MTB and shoes with SPD cleats. I was amazed how much better my efficiency was in spin with the correct shoes.

I see, thanks for clearing that up. To be honest I'd trade off looks for comfort and not falling down any time of the day.

I want to go clipless because it's the best thing since sliced bread... No? j/k well, it's supposedly more efficient, nah?

Mtn bike shoes and road shoes are not going to make any difference for falling off your bike. Walking is another matter, but not anything to really worry about. You'll see, I think you're just overreacting a bit.

I like the Shimano A530, one side clips and the other is platform so you can ride through crowds on the MUP etc. or you can pedal in regular shoes to the store etc. Walk wherever you want in the shoes too.

Shimano A530 SPD Sport Road Pedals - REI.com

Look Keo.

I have them on my Trek Dual sport. Great for MTB and casual but not for a road bike.

Another vote for the 6800's. Have them and love them.

Right on man, thanks. It's just that I googled clipless pedals fails and saw some crazy stuff. Lol

Thanks man.

Will do.

Thanks for the advice guys, I really appreciate it.

Thanks.

I see that what you are worried about is clipping in/out. I say don't. None of them is easier. I mean, some might be slightly easier (haven't tested every type of cleat out there to tell) but truth is, once you get it, and it doesn't take long to get it, you will be just fine with any of them. Remember, these things are made for you to clip in and out of them. Accidents usually come when you forget to unclip or have to stop unexpectedly and don't think about uncliping until it is too late.

I understand, I guess I might be overreacting a little. Thanks.