To cleat or not to cleat?

[indysteel]

Given where you say you are in terms of riding a bike as an adult, I'd suggest just sticking to regular shoes for the time being...or forever. While many of us use and like clipless pedals, they're not necessary. You absolutely do not have to use them to be a bona fide cyclist.

For what it's worth, when I first started riding a bike again as an adult in 2006, I started with pedals that had a clip on one side but were flat on the other. They were okay, but more of hindrance in some ways than a help. From there, I used regular clipless pedals; Look Keos to be exact. I like them, but by the time I started using them, I already felt pretty comfortable with road riding. I also started mountain biking for the first time--as an adult and as a child--in 2011. I do not use clipless pedals on my mountain bike and really have no interest in trying. I consider myself as bona fide an mtber as anyone else.

Do what makes you feel safe and smile when you ride. And remember: It's the bike, not the gear or apparel, that makes you a cyclist.