When I first started riding clipless on my mountain bike, I agree, it took all the joy out riding from me and I asked myself why, why was i doing this to myself?? Then the light went on - I didn't have to stay clipped if I didn't want to when hitting the gnarly stuff. I clipped out and planned ahead and clipped back in when I was ready. Sometimes our brains tell us that we have to stay clipped in for every inch of trail, but you don't have to ride every bit of trail clipped in. And when I did clip in yes, it made me a better and stronger rider on sections of trail that I was comfortable riding when clipped in.

That's why I love the Crank Brother Candy pedals because of the platform and having the ability to clip out when required and still continue to ride. I know there are a few people on the forum who have a bad experiences with the Candy's and that's perfectly ok. You have to go with what's comfortable for you. Even if you have to go back to platforms. That's perfectly fine - I almost did as well.