Big benefits of going clipless?

[MartianDestiny]

Okay - this is making me feel more an more at ease! I guess its time to conquer my fears and go for it. Seems like I can practice alot and plan in advance.

The pedals I'm looking at have clips on both sides (Shimano M520 Easy) - but some of you have mentioned having the platform on one and the clip on the other so you can be unclipped and pedal if you need to. Is this a better beginner pedal? The bike guy said its easier to clip in if both sides have the clips - but I'm most nervous about clipping out. A friend of mine said that she would often unclip way in advance and then pedal unclipped - is there a way to rest your foot on the pedal without clipping in?

This is so silly to be so frightened - but when my friend fell into that car it really freaked me out and I vowed never to go clipless. Just terrifies me to be stuck to my bike. But then it sounds like its the best route to go - easier to gain some speed which I'm anxious to do.

You can pedal out of the clips even without a platform. You just have to adjust your foot forward or backward such that the cleat is not lined up with the mechanism in the pedal. This is easier with larger pedals or with pedals with a platform around the cleat.

I do NOT recommend the flip/flop pedals with a platform on one side and a clip on the other. For one the platform sucks, ok for a 2 mile grocery store run, but not something you want to ride on. The big issue really becomes that they are perpetually on the wrong side giving you yet one more thing you have to pay attention to. You'll have to flip the pedal over to the right side and THEN clip in. Extra complication when you're starting just doesn't seem like a good idea.

If you want the ability to go to a platform if you freak out or don't want to clip in that day get a pedal with a wide clip area or with platforms and clips on both sides. These are available for mountain bikes, absolutely no reason you can't put them on a road bike, however.

I started on these:
http://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont..._mountain.html

They are HEAVY (designed for downhill mountain biking) but have just as much platform area as platform pedals (they are NOT as grippy though) and are pretty easy to slide your foot over or back and stay away from the cleat. I actually have a pair (I think) that have never been mounted on a bike (I outgrew them and now use the pedals without platforms) if you are interested.

Other brands make similar pedals, some less beefy as well.

Really, it becomes a mental game though. Are you the type that will do better just going for it, or do you want the mental security that comes with having a little more pedal than just clips.

For me it was all mental, I don't think the platforms really helped at all in the long run, other than making me suck it up and put clips on a mountain bike!

[ColoKate]

Hmmm this is all helpful info for me but still a little nerve-wracking too. My bike came with Shimano M505 pedals which I've been riding with sneakers on rides around 20 miles. It has been confusing to flip the pedal over to make sure I'm on the platform half, which makes me even more nervous about switching to clipless because I'll be doing the same thing, just on the other side, right? It's not that natural for me yet and I know I shouldn't be looking down so much while riding. However, I think the platform is removable?

I ordered some super sale Shimano WM40 comfort MTB shoes from REI that will be in next Tuesday. I would like the extra speed and balance to keep up with my husband, who adapted to clipless with no trouble. I picked snowboarding because I hated the trapped/locked feel of ski bindings so I hope I can get over this mental hurdle with myself LOL.

Thanks for the advice and tips, all!