Originally Posted by
robnol
....its a speed killing but numbing garbage pavement
I've been riding steel and titanium bikes for decades with shallow aluminum rims and light spokes. I hadn't noticed. I have gone to 28c tires on most of my wheels but I run ~90 psi. (Never liked the feel of underinflated tires except off road when traction rules. I wouldn't ride a bike that required it to be ride-able. (Not much of an issue since I won't be buying CF or aluminum bikes anyway for other reasons.)
I don't love chipseal but it has never been a deal breaker or occupied much of my thought.
Edit: I do doublewrap my bars now, but that is since, in my 60s, my hands prefer the bigger diameter, better grip and less chafe. Also cloth tape looks respectable and lasts longer.
Ben