Quote Originally Posted by li10up
I guess this shows how new I am...but's what wrong with just saying SPD? The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked, right?
The "political" part of your question was answered (bike snobbery), but the basic reason is that "SPD" and "SPD-SL" are two different systems, so I was thinking he saw the "SPD-SL" and assumed they were both the same, when they are different.

Traditionally, SPD is more of a MTB style and SPD-SL is more of a road style, but all that matters really is what you want to ride and what feels good. The guy just set me off into a defensive mode when I have enough trouble convincing myself that I'm a "real" cyclist anyway.

Here's what he actually said:

Quote Originally Posted by InternetGuy
SPD on a road bike? Unless you're a fat chick (are over 180 pounds) get some Speedplays. Much better feel to them, and will loose some weight.
Anyway, my dad has SPD pedals, too. His are way easier to get into and out of than mine, and the MTB shoes are a lot easier to walk in. My dad thinks it's payback -- he has to watch me walk in my cleats from his nice MTB shoes, and I have to watch him walk in his ski boots from my nice snowboard boots