Since I'm new to "modern" cycling and clipless seems to be popular topic I thought I'd post my experience.

Since I'm an impoverished grad student, and still don't know if I want to do clipless, I bought shoes on eBay and pedals on internet clearance. Which meant I had to set it up myself, since I wouldn't ask the LBS to install something I didn't buy there. It wasn't very hard to get it all put together.

I tried it out in my kitchen doorway, first one foot clipped in - and out - then the other - then both... and lost my balance at tipped right over. Bounced off the stove and onto the tile floor; luckily I broke the fall with my wrist.

Today I rode to the LBS (about 1.5 miles) and back with no problems. It didn't feel any different than without them, tomorrow I will be going on a longer ride. Anyway, now I'm thinking "gee, that wasn't so bad," although I'm still deathly afraid of tipping over onto San Mateo (busy street).

Gen