As I slowly get away from using my clipless peddles (more down-hill and trials stuff is better on platforms, in my opinion) I am reminded that they really helped me out on my rides. I love the fact that you are using your whole pedal stroke, which not only gets you up (and over ) things faster, but you are using a bigger set of muscles too. I found that instead of "pushing" myself up a climb, I now pull and push, by using the whole stroke. Makes riding alot more efficient, and the clip is a lot more sturdy than the cage.