Brian Johnson

Quote:

"I would think ride quality has to be worth a whole lot, especially the reduced shock and vibration fatigue on very long pro races.."

This actually has very little to do with the tire itself (other than, perhaps the volume of the tire) and very much to do with air pressure. A super HP tire is going to transmit more of the bump force. Every little bump in the road that a hard tire encounters will be pushing back against the bike and rider. A softer tire will deform to roll over the bump, transmitting less of the bump force to the bike and rider and not consuming as much of your forward momentum.

A "supple" tubular inflated to 120psi is not going to ride better than a high-quality clincher at 90 or 100 psi (based on a rider about 150lbs.)

Let me now don my nomex underoos.

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"There's no time for sanity, chum!"
-- The Tick