Originally Posted by
shelbyfv
Sorry, different rims don't constitute a bike "optimization" that isn't available to non-pros. If your bike can fit a 28mm tire, it can fit an appropriate wheel of whatever material.
Sure, they are available. Furthermore one can buy a 12000 - 15000 EUR bike very close to pros, or even 2 with different configurations for different types of rides. But the point is that most casual riders don't go so expensive (and many will never spend 1000-3000 EUR for advanced wheels). For the numerous belonging to that category, who spend 1/3 or less and don't overspend on new wheels (me included), a simple switch to wide tires has a different impact. Especially if they ride clean roads without the necessity to damper big imperfections. I still think that this topic has split "solution" and it is more subtle than simply increasing tire width no matter what.