truthfully, i have never went clipless BUT i did use the clips which allowed me to only use running shoes. for me the clips worked great with some practice AND you will save minimum 10seconds on shoe change for the T2.
if your competitive and run short, non hilly races, check out the transition pedals by pyro - a souped-up clip. these are carbon fiber footbeds
(for max power transfer
) that u can just slide your running shoes into and go. i read that a lot of pro duathletes use these transition pedals.
Company: Pyro
Pyro Platforms
Blaze through your transitions! These pedal platforms are ideal for sprint triathlons and duathlons because you can use your running shoes on the bike and still have a stable platform in which to transfer power to your drivetrain.
Unique heel retainer prevents pull-out on the steepest hills, as well as allows the use of any width shoe.
Easy-to-use Velcro strap.
Composite nylon platform for optimal strength/stiffness and less weight.
Adjust heel piece for ease of entry/exit, without sacrificity motion control!
Use with popular pedal designs, including SPD
(cleats not included
).
One-year manufacturer guarantee against breakage.
Standard size fits shoe size Women's 7 to Men's 12 - Extra Large Fits 12-16
Price: $89.95
for long, hard races use the clipless and practice with them - watch ironman. im sure that if u have some running shoes with elastic laces or lace locks, your time will not be sacrificed that much during the T2 provided u have practiced it well enough.
it seems that it really comes down to a choice of personal preferance.
i did get most of this info from:
http://www.reddingtrisport.com/store/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=39
http://www.duathlon.com/forums/talk/3080
hope this helped,
ron