I've got a Specialized Roubaix Triple Comp and it has Zertz inserts and the ride is definitely smoother than my Cannondale but Cannondales are known for "presenting" all the road to be experienced plus I couldn't tell you how much is due to the Zertz and how much is just having a carbon frame and forks and post and bars. I too am always leary of many of the claims around these types of add-ons.