These look an interesting option. It'll be several weeks before I get my new bike and in the meantime, with me using my current bike more and more, my confidence (and handling of the bike) is growing all the time. I'm now able to change gear (old-fashioned friction shift) and hand-signal much easier now - I think I'm getting better LOL

It's something I'll discuss with the bike shop before I collect my bike. I have thought on putting straps on my current bike to get used to the feel of it but last time I was in my local Halfords (not where my new bike is coming from), they didn't have any straps as they were sold out.

I don't know if you have a Halfords in the USA but over here they are a large store that sells mostly motoring things but also have a bike section. They tend to be lower end, i.e. they sell the run-of-the-mill cheaper bikes like you buy the kids for Christmas. They have expanded a little and do stock a slightly better range too, but don't stock the upper ranges like Trek or Specialized etc. They have a very limited stock of cycle clothing. I'll be popping into the bike shop where my bike is tomorrow to pay something more towards it and will speak to them about pedals while I'm there.

The shoes I like for cycling have a sole which is just under 1/4 inch thick but they are comfy and grip the pedals really well and don't tend to slip off like some of my other shoes do.