I still have toe clips and the girl at my lbs said I am wasting energy with them. She also said that I am not using all of my leg muscles and missing out on some great toning.

I ride a road bike, 10 miles on weekends, some long organized rides but I am still a newbie.

She said that Crank Brothers Candy pedals are good.

Shoes, do I want a carbon sole or not? She thought it too stiff but I read it is better to have carbon.

I would pick the closest shoe to my furry Crocs but that won't work!

She thought that the sandals and less stiff bike looking clip shoes were better but my husband thought that Keen's etc were too heavy.

Thank you!