Clipless pedals.

[Romanrinos]

I’m using Shimano PD-735s and they've been top notch without any pre-release. I keep them well oiled and the action is fairly light to twist out.

 

[Ackers]

+1 for the m520's; cheap and reliable and fairly in keeping with retro builds.

 

[Stinus]

Would also go for the m520, thy even come in silver for a retro look - the design is unchanged since 2004 so it’s fair to call them a classic.

On my road bike I have the XT pedals, lighter but the fell of it is the same and the grams saved is minimal.

 

[bikeworkshop]

The bearing quality and seals are better further up the range too.
520s wear out faster than 540s, and as a rule xt will last longer again.

But tbh 520s given a very small amount of cleaning and lubrication, can last so long the cleat retention plates are wearing out from use - years, thousands of miles, millions of clip in-out cycles.

Its shimano

 

[Stinus]

Might be true - but my experience both personally and as a mechanic is different - I killed a par of xtr's some years ago, never had problems with the 520's. I tend to think that its manly the negative 39g that you pay extra for.

As you say maintenance help, I take good care of my stuff and with a scoop of phil grease ever 5 years and the 520's will outlast you knees...