Returning to road cycling after 19 years...Yikes!

[Dianyla]

I agree that sooner or later you'll probably be converted to clipless, esp. if you are going to compete. But if you plan on buying a new bike in the future, I'd wait and go clipless then. You'll have a regular shoe bike and a bike shoe bike. That's what I did.

Or you can get a two-sided pedal that has a clip-in side and a plain platform side like these: Shimano PD-M324

[SouthernBelle]

Or you can get a two-sided pedal that has a clip-in side and a plain platform side like these: Shimano PD-M324

True that, though they drive me nuts. You can also get little platforms that clip into the pedal. Mine came with.

[Fredwina]

True that, though they drive me nuts. You can also get little platforms that clip into the pedal. Mine came with.

Another option is the M545. It has platforms and clips on both sides. I have the M324s on my Bike Friday, and I almost always wind up on the "wrong" side of the pedals

[Orions.Star]

Well, I will have to do a lot more research and ask a lot more questions. When I go to the duathlon next month I will check out everyone's gear there and actaully get to see what's out there. Then I will come back to TE and ask more questions! Yay for TE!

[SouthernBelle]

For the most part you can wear either type of shoe as long long as the clip for your pedal fits. I have both.

Best bet, esp on your first pair is to go try several brands on. The sizing on them is not always consistent from brand to brand.

Glad you are having fun!