OakLeaf, thank you for the perspective. Maybe I read it differently than how it was meant from SK. As far as pedal types, my personal opinion is that new riders should really start with the basics and just get comfy first with toe clips first then upgrade to the clip less. I have heard and seen plenty of new riders bit the dust if they haven't really spent a lot of time practicing getting in and out. For me, the platforms obviously weren't cutting it, so i had my LBS add some strapless toe clips and it had been a great improvement. meanwhile i was practicing with my friend's clip less (we are the same size) and lets just say, after a while i just realized that for my own safety, toe clips were the to go. Plus Little Lyon, what kind of distances are you planning on going? Clip less are really great for those long rides, but most of my friends changing shoes for those shorter trips can be a bit cumbersome after a while. Let us know what you decide to go with.