As far as their seeming reluctance to try Speedplays, they agreed it could be an option, but didn't seem gungho about it?? I thought it would be a foregone conclusion that we would try those next. And the owner mentioned all the "upkeep" they require. Quite frankly, any pedal that wouldn't cause me pain at this point would be well worth a little maintanance.
My boyfriend recently went to our LBS to look at pedal options. They talked him out of Speedplays... said they were too hard to get in an out of.

I emphasized and even showed him how EASY they are get in/out of.

He went to the shop today... and apparently tried some out (bought some)... his comment, "These pedals are like night and day. Good call".

Upkeep? What are they talking about? I have had my Speedplays for a year now. The only upkeep I have had to do on them... was pick mud out of the cleats... because I walked in mud in them (more than once) when I stopped during a long ride. Otherwise, there has been NO upkeep.

I have found that the LBS's are hesitant to sell Speeplays and I hadn't a clue WHY? They are wonderful! Easy to use... easy to upkeep... just wonderful really. I wonder if they have a mindset against them... because they are so "different"?

Get the speedplays... you will not be disappointed.