Fifty Plus (50+) - Secret Weapon

Today I did my second club ride with the new Vettoria Open Corsa evo's, I was with the lead dogs the whole way except when we climbed on mtn pass - I fell off the back but caught them on the down hill. There were times when I felt I wasn't even pushing hard. The same was true on the last ride. I think these tires really do roll just a little better than the Gatorskins. Unfortunately there is a price to pay - I already have had one flat and I hear they wear fast.

Please don't tell the folks I ride with - we can keep this little secret between us.

For the decrease in rolling resistance- I am prepared tp put up with the "Occasional" flat and a bit of increased tyre wear.

But I thought you had plenty of experience in group riding. The only way I can keep contact with groups I ride with is by being the fastest on the downhills.:innocent: A skill learnt by necessity over the years.

It is surprising how much a set of tires can affect the handling characteristics of a bicycle. I usually opt for increased flat-resistance over lightness and speed. Most of my rides are solo in rural, fairly remote settings; some at night. I'l gladly give up a little speed so I don't have to be fixing flats while holding a flashlight in my teeth and swatting mosquitos.

I put two vittorias on my highracer this spring. I was flying. They rode like tubulars, but they both flatted within a week. I have convinced myself that speed is not worth the hassle. I know that everyone is different, but there are a LOT of people concerned with avg. speed, to the point that slowing or waiting at a red light are hindrances. I was in a line of cars at an intersection yesterday and I let a pick-up truck turn into a gas station (I left room for him turn left). The guy waved and was a little surprised. Speed is O.K. Riding with the fast guys is O.K. But, always remember, there is someone faster and younger than you. I occasionally will pass someone on a ride. I get a little sense of victory, and then I think about why they might be riding slower. Perhaps a physical or emotional handicap is preventing them from riding fast. Poof! Automatic reality check.:thumb: