There's NOTHING that compares to the ride of a top-of-the-line sew-up (tubular) - which is why pros still and top many amateurs ride them. Even back when I was a lowly Cat 4 in 1977 I rode Vittoria Setas on my ol' Raleigh Pro - they were AWESOME tires in terms of both low weight/high performance/durability. However, there are good, "cheap" ($50 for three Servizio Corse) sew-ups for everyday riding/training that still give you the experience without breaking the bank.