clipless pedals?

[Owlie]

How do you feel about switching to clipless pedals? Were you riding before you got this new bike? Yes, they do allow you to use your hamstrings as well as your quads and can be really helpful on hills, but I wouldn't say it's the huge difference your husband says it is, or that you'd notice the benefits if you don't have a mileage base to begin with.

If you just got into riding, I would say that you should continue to build up your base and get comfortable with the bike and riding on roads and everything before you add clipless pedals into the mix. If you want a little more grip on the pedals, you can try toe cages or BMX pedals, which have little pins that grab the soles of your shoes.

Edit: I should say that I do ride with clipless pedals (Shimano SPDs) and love them, and I can walk around in the shoes. It did, however, take me nearly a year to make the leap.