I just read through a bunch of threads about going clipless after a long chat with my LBS owner about putting them on my bike while its in the shop being tuned up this week. I trained and rode my first century in the summer of 2008 all in my running sneakers with cages on my pedals. I didn't ride last summer but I'm back on my bike now and excited for it. I don't have huge problems with my sneakers other than the awkwardness of the size and the cages fitting around the sneakers and some pain in my feet at the end of a 15+ mile ride.

But of course I know that if I keep riding this is something I'm going to want to do. But I'm s-c-a-r-e-d ... I've only fallen once on my bike and after reading everyone's posts - I'm intimidated. I can't imagine being totally clipped in. I also have a bum ankle and I'm worried I won't be able to act quickly enough to get it out of the clip. And I have to clip my strong/good leg in first because I don't have the power in my bad leg to push off.

So ... the benefits of spending the money and the dealing with the danger? Power, speed (I'm SLOW), comfort? And anyone out there learn it quick and not wipe out? Is that possible?