unless you are planning to huck some major drops or burn up a downhill clips are better since you maintain the most efficient foot position on the pedal. also on cornering your foot/pedal won't drop and smash into the ground causing a wicked and stupid crash. you will gain confidence on technical sections because of your newfound balance and power. another plus is the shoes are velcro. astronauts use vecro. this means you are riding on the same level as a freakin astronaut, which is obviously awesome.