I ditched my toe-cages today...

[DeniseGoldberg]

This being said, do take your time and do what feels best, but be aware that toe-clips are much worst than clip-in pedals, in my humble opinion. As for frogs, they're great for those with knee problems, but significantly less convenient than SPDs because of the protruding cleat. I am not sure if I would call them beginner pedals.

Tell me: I might have missed the discussion where you talked about this, but what are your goals regarding cycling? Do you want to do touring? Just ride around? Long distance?

Frogs are mountain bike pedals and are recessed cleats. I ride road and touring bikes, and I have been using Frogs exclusively for many years. They are very easy to get used to, easy to click in and out, no protruding cleat, easy on my knees.

I spent the morning at Team Survivor's bike skills class, and learned in a big hurry how big a pain toe-clips can be. I've used them for years, but never for something like this. Hauled my bike off to the side, whipped out my Leatherman, and tore those critters off. Naked pedals!

I think that you are doing yourself a big disservice by riding with "naked pedals". You've removed the possibility of (more) efficient pedaling by leaving yourself with only the ability to push down on your pedals, not to pull up or back. In other words, you have no ability to spin if you are using a "naked" pedal.

I also wonder (as Grog does) what your goals are for cycling.

--- Denise