I have clipless pedal for all my riding thus far. I am in the transation of going back to flats. My biggest concern though, bunny hopping without being clipped in. My BF, (who does all that jumping crazy stuff on flats) is great at it, but you need to have shoes that are flexi and grab the pedals. For the benefit of what you are riding (and hoping to attain) gvachone, try the clipless. they help me!