Pedals: Clip vs. Straps

[Danger]

I was hoping that you guys could weigh in with opinions about what I should do with the pedals on my bike.

I have a Cannondale Badboy which I ride approx 10-15km every day. It's not a long distance, but I try and ride as hard as possible to keep my fitness up. I ride on the road in Sydney, where I constantly need to stop at traffic lights and squeeze down gaps on a regular basis.

Option 1: Clip in pedals
I'm not overly keen on the idea of needing to buy a dedicated pair of shoes and expensive pedals, but I realise that this is probably the best option.

Problem is that I have no idea what type to look at. I'm wondering if there are some that you can get which still allow you to ride comfortably with regular shoes, should the need arise.

Are there pedals you can get that clip in on one side and are regular on the other perhaps?

Option 2: Straps
I like the idea of straps as I could simply continue wearing my sneakers. I don't like the idea of falling off my bike at the lights because I couldn't get my foot out in time...

Maximum budget:
$150-$200

Thanks in advance!

[dmwill]

Given your budget, option 1.

Yes you can get single sided SPDs with the other side being flat: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...x?ModelID=5937

Shoes, cheapest Shimano road shoes are under $100. Try sizing in a shop, then look online to see if you can find them cheaper.

IMO, Straps are a little difficult to get out of in a hurry as opposed to SPDs where you can just twist outwards, and you can adjust the tension on them. I started out with them somewhat loose so I could unclip easily and gradually tightened up as I got more confident.

[keviny]

You can get something like this! but it's pretty annoying because you can only clip in on one side.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=67250

Also you can get some pretty normal looking SPD shoes. Like these.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=50387

There are better looking ones out there.....but that's all i can find from CRC.

Depending on how serious you are at riding, going clip less is one of the best thing you can do. Once you are used to it you won't have to worry about falling over

[Lorday]

Straps/Cages fuck your shoes.
Shimano SPD pedals and shoes are great. Easier to get in and out off and feature the lovely stomp clip in system when your smahing it at lights. Being able to hop shit at 45km/h (i.e pot holes) help too.

[12Lead]

Those Vans shoes look great, best of both worlds.
Cheers Todd

[keviny]

This as well.....forgot about these until i saw the article again

http://www.bikerumor.com/2012/05/13/...specific-shoe/

[Danger]

I've narrowed my choice down to 2:
* http://www.pushys.com.au/shimano-pd-...ke-pedals.html
* http://www.pushys.com.au/shimano-pd-...xt-pedals.html