To cleat or not to cleat?

[Owlie]

I love my clipless pedals and stiff-soled cycling shoes, but I certainly would never recommend them to someone who is just (re)learning how to ride. I usually just tell people to leave the flat pedals on, or if it's a bike that doesn't come with pedals, to get a basic pair of platforms until you've got control of the bike down and can start and stop without issue. I'd also never put a pair of clipless pedals on a mountain or commuter bike, if I were doing a lot of riding in built-up areas. I'd stick a pair of BMX pedals on there and call it good...and learn to watch out for my shins!

[roo4]

I noticed a bigger difference in switching from running shoes to cycling shoes (both with toe clips) than I did switching from cycling shoes with toe clips to clipless. Get yourself a pair of mountain bike shoes with stiff soles that still allow you to walk around. Enjoy!

[BonnieS]

Wow, lots of great advice here, thank you. Over the weekend I did clip in and it felt great to be attached to the bike, but I was riding in a parking lot! Which is a great place to learn the basics, so I'm not putting myself down.

From what I read into these responses, I recognize I don't have the confidence yet on the bike to wear cleats safely out on the roads (YET). I think I'm going to try mountain bike shoes with stiff soles, as roo4 suggested, and make the switch when I'm confident about taking the bike out for a ride. My goal is to ride with clips, but I'm going to take it at my own pace.

Thank you to everyone, I appreciate the input so much.