Hi aka_kim:

Thanks so much for the info. No, it wasn't the LBS, but a couple of other riders who said I might be a little taller with the cleats. A couple others like you, however, also said it wouldn't help and that it might not be so good for a new rider.

Thanks for getting on the soap box because I don't think I've ever heard the message so definitively. I'm really grateful for the advice. Usually, I've just read about how wonderful it is to ride w/ clipless pedals, but I hadn't really heard that a new rider should wait before trying. I'd actually suspected it since i was a bit initimidated by them, although I was also afraid of trying the pedal clips which turned out okay for me. My husband was also wary of me trying clipless so soon.

Anyway, I've decided I will wait to try clipless. Thanks also for the advice on using MTB cleats too. I'd heard some people used them on road bikes but I didn't know why. I've still got so much to learn -- but I've learned a lot already from you and others on these boards.

Thanks for the info on potential wide shoe brands. I definitely need it as I'm gonna start checking out these shoes whenever I'm in a shop since I know it will take a LONG time to find something that fits. I'd also heard from others that Diadora, Lake, Northwave and Specialized might work. Oh, and I've browsed some websites since my last post and realize now how clueless I was about custom shoes! Now I'm hoping I'll be able to find something less than $100!

Again, thank you so much for your message and for taking the time to help educate me.

Christine