Per Mitch's entry: "On the other hand the two groups of riders that went quickest to clipless are long distance road racers who were most likely to have long-ride comfort issues with clips/straps"
I'll second the motion and say Amen! I remember riding the Palm Springs Century back in '88, using traditional cycling shoes with cleats and clips 'n straps. My feet have a tendency to develop bone spurs on the outside, right around the area where the strap hits. I remember being at mile 80 with my feet screaming and in my agony, thinking: "you know, $120 for new shoes, $150 for clipless pedals... that's not so much!"
Right after that ride I went out and got a pair of Sidi's and Shimano Dura-Ace Look-mechanism pedals (remember them?) which, by the way, I still have and use on one of the many bikes in my stable. I'm staying with the older Look Delta clips, because it would be way too expensive to swap out everything for Keos or another type. I have a box full of Super Record pedals and Campy toe clips acquired from my various bike acquisitions. Sooner or later there's all destined for Ebay.
Bill Silverman
Pasadena, CA, USA