Thankyou for all of your inputs. I did not realize that one could adjust the float on the SPDs. That is very good information to know.

Now that it has been mentioned on the platform issue, I can understand not having one. It would not be fun to be riding along and some twig became stuck in the cleat and ends up putting you on the ground.

Is there really any difference on the models and cost? Such as an SPD for $50.00 vs $70.00. Is the more expensive one lighter like everything else in cycling? Is it better to have a lighter pedal which leads to a lighter bike, I guess.

Shoes-Irulan, what shoes did you actually end up going with? I have debated this issue a bit myself, that is the hike n' bike situation. We have a lot of slick rock around here and I could see falling on that would not be fun!!

Thankyou,
Red Rock