Quote Originally Posted by DMB View Post
Thanks so much for all the great suggestions and quick replies. I spent the better part of the morning reading the horror stories of going clipless from men and women, and now I'm not sure I should do this at all! I ride about 20 miles a day, 6x a week - by myself. On path, off a path, down a bumpy street, on dirt, wherever I want to go.......now I'm wondering if clipless is even something I should consider. I'm not going to race, don't really enjoy riding with groups - and if I do anything it's a Randonneur ride where the only one you're racing against is....yourself. I use toe clips now - and like them very much. I also have to tell you that I'm no spring chicken (55) and an injury now would probably take forever to heal and I would be soooooo depressed. So - I guess my question is - what's the reason for going clipless? any real benefit if you're not racing. The toe clips I use now hold my foot in the perfect spot - and that in itself was a challenge - especially locating the correct pedal to go along with it. Small feet are cute and all but ......geesh! thanks again
Just throwing one other opinion in here....
I ride more like you- I'm 54, not into group fast rides at all, no competing. I ride in the country and on highways and back roads, mostly either by myself or with my husband, sometimes with a friend or two.
Lots of hills, cold winters.
I use PowerGrip straps, in a way similar to toe clips i guess. Just the right amount of keeping my feet in place securely without being actually locked in.
Here's a picture of me in semi-cold weather biking (40F) with hiking boots, heavy wool socks, and my straps:

I am totally happy with this setup, especially since it allows me to wear comfy sneakers in the summer and warm insulated hiking boots in the winter- I just adjust the straps bigger or smaller seasonally with my change of shoes.
Sure, I wouldn't mind instantly getting 2mph faster....but not if it means I have to wear expensive tight plastic shoes that make my feet go numb, avoid walking on dirt, ice, or mud, have freezing toes in the winter, and lock my feet in and out at every intersection. YUK, no thanks.
Many riders like clipless, many don't. Do what's right for you and what makes you comfortable.