Originally Posted by
rpenmanparker
I "grew up" with thin tape and thin gloves to make a reasonably padded combination, but not too thick. To me gloves and tape are like saddles as far as padding is concerned. The notion that more padding is better for either tends to be readily disproved by real riding experience. Thick tape like thick saddle padding is for the uninitiated.
(We are agreeing again)
You likely didn't grow up with modern carbon fiber bars and seat posts. They are different. So different they are a choice for the type of ride, as are wheels.