Crankbrothers Quattro vs. SPD - So confused!

[RolliePollie]

Hello everyone,

Wow, this site is AWESOME! I just bought my new Trek 1000 WSD about a month ago and I'm loving it so far!!! Aside from a little lack of coordination, I think I'm progressing pretty well. Now if winter would just go away, I could start getting in some good rides!

I'm beginning to look at clipless pedals, but I'm getting conflicting advice. I'm looking at Crankbrothers Quattros vs. SPDS. One friend, a mountain biker, recommends Quattros and says they're much easier for a newbie than SPDs. But my road cycing friend recommends SPDs and says "just don't get eggbeaters!" One tells me Quattros are easier to get in and out of, the other tells me just the opposite. My #1 concern is getting OUT of the pedals, as I've had so much trouble with the toe clips & straps that came with my Trek that I finally just took them off. Also, I definitely want pedals that you can clip into from both sides (this is also based on my struggles with the toe clips/straps AND from observations of my un-coordinated feet by both friends). I already have road shoes that will fit multiple cleat patterns.

Any advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated!