I prefer Look type/ SPD SL pedal. Larger platform, less hotspots on long rides. Looking into speedplays this year tho for the double sided entry but have been happy on SPD SL for a few years now.

Never used LOOKS so I can't comment on them, but the SPD SL's have worked great for me for several years with no problems.
Beside's that's what LA uses. :cool:
- T

Look type for the road. Lower end Look pedals are inferior to other brands lower price pedals, so do your research. The larger platform is MUCH more comfortable and transfers a lot more power. I started with SPD style pedals on my bike (had a spare set laying around and decided to use em till i could get the $$ together for better pedals) and the difference was definately night and day. Switching your MTB knobbies for slicks on the street big.
I have the 105 level SPD SL pedal R540 or something? And have no complaints. Off road i use Times and Crank Bros.

I agree with CA -- Looks on-road, SPD off-road.

I'm currently using Looks on road and spd off as well. Really it only matters to me for offroad since I've never experimented with road pedals but know that I like the spd style for races where I end up hiking with the bike on my shoulder for miles...

SPD SLs are different than SPDs. The SPD SLs have a much larger platform and different cleats. I have not used regular SPDs, but love my SPD SLs. It is my understanding that SPD SLs are preferred over SPDs on road bikes.

I use SPDs and mountain shoes on my road bike. The mountain shoes have three velcro straps instead of a handy one strap tri model, but they are really easy to run through the transition on. I'm not coordinated enough to put my shoes on while riding. I've never used real road shoes or pedals, so I don't know what I'm missing out on either.

More like $50 on ebay. New in box. I understand the money for the bike thing, as I went through the same thing a year ago. but for $50 for the pedals and find some road shoes on clearance, and for $120 or so, you've got a solid setup.

As for the coordination thing, its not that hard, especially with one strap shoes. Practice is all it takes. I used to use my mtb shoes and run through transition with em, but i only really saved time in one race, where we had to climb a wall of a hill immediately after exiting transition.

I agree on all comments about the superiority of SPD-SL vs. SPD for road biking. That said, because you're a beginner and doing sprint distance, you can probably use your mountain shoes and pedals for a little while before buying road shoes/pedals. I did the same thing my first year and lived to tell about it. (I switched to SPD-SL because I started to get foot numbess when I began training for a half-iron and riding longer distances).

As for the Felt F-80--it looks like the 2006 has all Shimano 105 components and is a good bike for the money. I have a 2003 F-65 that has all 105 as well and like it a lot. Just make sure the fit is good and that you like riding it.