Should I start rightoff with clipless or start with cages??

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I use PowerGrip straps. I love them.
They go diagonally over the foot, so it's the same motion getting in and out as clipless (turn heel out to get in or out, then straighten foot and it snugs up and holds your foot). I don't feel much "trapped" a difficult situation like stopping on a steep hill or a sudden stop. I started with them rather loose and felt safer that way, but now I have them quite snug so I can pull up on the pedals if I choose.
DH uses cages and he loves those.

Just to cause trouble and present a totally different point of view:
http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/the_shoes_ruse

[mimitabby]

Lisa, although i agree with a lot of what mr Riv. says; here's where I seriously disagree. If you regularly go on rides of over 50 miles, the unnatural pressure on the middle part of your foot is going to take its toll. if you have a stiff sole on the shoe, it is protecting your foot from that.
I wore regular running shoes for my first day of spinning class. I was able to move my feet around on the pedals; but when pedalling you really don;t move much and my feet were sore when i was done. Switched back to the bike shoes... tons better.

But to the original poster and the rest of you; i'm not saying she should start riding with cages for a few months; i just meant the first few rides on the bike. If she's courageous and coordinated like many of you are; starting clipless should be fine for her. But for some of us, that would really be impossible.
Good luck, you know who you are.