Recently bought myself a new bike after not having ridden one for over 20 years. I had to make that decision as to wether to try and go clipless or not, made even worse as my bike came supplied without pedals.
After reading all those harrowing stories of peoples 'clipless' moments I nearly went down the halfway route of getting those pedals that are clipless on the one-side only in case I didn't get on with them. In the end I bit the bullet and decided to go the whole hog and got some Shimano M520 SPD pedals with Specialized Road Shoes.
I honestly haven't looked back and am glad that I made this choice. I feel that I may have just got very lucky when setting up the cleats first time as I think I may have got the fitting just right as I've not felt any discomfort in my feet, knees or legs whilst using them.
You can adjust how easy or hard it is to clip into the pedals and I've always had these set at about halfway. I've never had my foot accidentally unclip whilst using them.
The hardest thing for me, especially on my first couple of rides was getting my left foot to clip in as I pull away (I never unclip my right foot which helps). I was expecting the foot to naturally and easily clip in once my foot was on the pedal, which it doesn't. I find that I need to wiggle the foot around sometimes a little before it clicks into place. Having the right foot always clipped in helps me to maintain momentum as I can pull up on the pedal as well as pushing down until my left foot clips in.
I find that when I have been pushing my legs hard on a particularly tough stretch of road, be it a long incline or into a head wind I can adjust my positioning a little on my saddle and pull up on my pedals instead of pushing. This uses a different set of muscles and gives my normal leg muscles a bit of a breather.
I've not had a clipless moment yet (touch wood) but can only imagine this happening if I had to pull up in an emergency as i'm always conscious of the fact that i'm clipped into the pedals so always plan ahead well in advance of junctions and stationary traffic etc.
I think the fact that i've not been used to riding with normal pedals for 20 years has helped me transition to clipless pedals far easier than someone who is used to riding with normal pedals and who is used to taking their feet of at anytime without any thought.
My advice to anyone thinking about going clipless is to go for it but just be very conscious of the fact for the first few weeks until twisting your foot to unclip becomes the norm.
Just like Garlic Bread, SPD's are the future.
Alexis
