Originally Posted by MotownBikeBoy
1) is it really going to make a big difference, and 2) if so, would it be a good idea to convert all of my bikes to these systems?
Ah, they can laugh, it is funny to be such a klutz. I just don't wanna get hurt.
I had exactly the same problem but then I realized that everybody (well not the single speed hipsters) who is using a road bike is usually using clipless pedals. So got a pair of Shimano 105's...
The performance is actually different. I kinda think its "easier" with clipless instead of flat ones but not "faster"...
Some things that I was worried about:
1. 2 bolt designs having one bolt getting lost and havin the cleat rotating instead of unclipping from the pedal. Not a problem with the 3 bolt SPD-SL's and Look 3 bolt design.
2. Spending alot of money on cleats. I got these cleats for quite long now. They look very bad but they work just fine. They are not terrible to walk with but I dont walk with them at all anyway.
3. Falling:
I only -almost- fell once. Just once and that was when I stopped to check for direction on my 3rd ride with them or so and forgot to unclip the pedals. Just by trying to put my leg down the pedal unclipped... Maybe just luck but... Probably best to avoid dense Cairo-like traffic anyway...
On my last crash (a spill actually) the bike was pulling me sliding on the road. After I unclipped the bike carried on and instead of me actually holding my self to the bike and sliding with my side I had to put my arm down. I might not even would have a scratch if I didn't unclip. Or maybe I would end up in front of a car. Who knows? Again traffic is probably what makes the clipless system scarier, car traffic and cyclists too.