Originally Posted by
70sSanO
I think it is safe to say that a wider tire is more comfortable than a narrower tire.
As far as being faster, I think there are other variables that impact speed more than just tire width.
Personally, for a lot on non-competitive riders, I think dollars spent per mile probably has a greater influence on tire selection than getting the fastest tire available.
I should add that flats per ride might have a greater influence than the optimum rolling resistance. Fixing a flat turns the fastest tire into the slowest.
Everything is a compromise.
John
I can notice a difference in speed based on the tread of the tire, but based on width is not noticeable at all. The speed differences are so negligible that I agree with you that except for racers, other considerations are generally going to be way more important. I like the way you sliced up the calculations.
I like the Conti GPs (4000 and 5000) because they are smooth (which I prefer) and durable.