Will I really notice the difference?

I think you;ll notice it right away. I think they're a lot better on the open road though. In town, you may have a hard time with them. I would not use them in areas where you are going to stop and start a lot.

johnnybrewer said:

Well, I'm going clipless today. Going with Nike shoes and Shimano road pedals...do you guys think I'm going to notice an immediate difference in pedaling efficiency?

Maybe not immediately, but within a few rides you will. It takes a little while to get used to anything new and different.

After your first 'horizontal track stand' you'll soon remember to unclip 🙂

johnnybrewer said:

Well, I'm going clipless today. Going with Nike shoes and Shimano road pedals...do you guys think I'm going to notice an immediate difference in pedaling efficiency?

Yes, right after you notice how quickly you forget you're clipped in, and simply try to lift your foot off the pedal when coming to a stop.🙂

If you are like most of us, you will probably have some low speed fall overs, so practice clipping in and out in a grassy area first. Once your brain begins to remember unclipping, it becomes second nature.

johnnybrewer said:

Well, I'm going clipless today. Going with Nike shoes and Shimano road pedals...do you guys think I'm going to notice an immediate difference in pedaling efficiency?

Yup. You'll definately notice. If you don't notice the difference in pedalling efficiency, you'll certainly notice when you slowly fall over that you forgot you were practically rivited to the bike!!!

johnnybrewer said:

...do you guys think I'm going to notice an immediate difference in pedaling efficiency?

Along with the abovementioned acclimation to clipping out, you will notice the ability to fully transfer power through the full pedalling cycle resulting from the mechanical connection that the pedals and shoes provide. If you take advantage of this, you will be able to transfer power during more of the pedaling cycle than you could with the toe-clips. That will definitely lead to a gain in efficiency.

You'll notice that you can push the cranks even at the bottom of the stroke as you pull your foot backwards and the pedal comes with you. You couldn't do that with toe clips without your feet coming out of the cage!

There is a reason why pros are clipped in. You'll love it too. 😄

fix said:

Along with the abovementioned acclimation to clipping out, you will notice the ability to fully transfer power through the full pedalling cycle resulting from the mechanical connection that the pedals and shoes provide. If you take advantage of this, you will be able to transfer power during more of the pedaling cycle than you could with the toe-clips. That will definitely lead to a gain in efficiency.

You'll notice that you can push the cranks even at the bottom of the stroke as you pull your foot backwards and the pedal comes with you. You couldn't do that with toe clips without your feet coming out of the cage!

There is a reason why pros are clipped in. You'll love it too. 😄

I noticed all of the above when I first went clipless. I also had the requisite falls, which were more embarrassing than painful. Where I really noticed the difference was climbing. Now I am no great climber, being 6'1" and 207lbs, but the difference in power transfer from the bottom of the pedal stroke all the way through was immediately apparent to me...and I am a newbie.

You'll love 'em.....BTW I have SPD pedals and MTN shoes so I can walk around a bit. I commute on my bike.

You'll feel like you just dropped a HEMI in your bike. Then your legs will be sore tomorrow in new places which will tell you just how much more power you really have that you were not using before.

johnnybrewer said:

Well, I'm going clipless today. Going with Nike shoes and Shimano road pedals...do you guys think I'm going to notice an immediate difference in pedaling efficiency?

More importantly...did YOU notive any difference?