Originally Posted by
jethro56
While I agree with much of what RichardGlover says, one thing that is lacking is the flywheel effect. The weight of heavy tires effects acceleration much more than that same weight on a nonrotating componet. The same could be said of that same weight added to the hub versus clear out at the rim. Think of a figure skater doing a spin. They start out with their arms out. As they bring them in their rpms increase.
That is true. And the aerodynamic effect is more significant than the weight. There's a reason that racers aren't using 32mm tyres.
However, I agree that for most riders, in most circumstances, it doesn't matter much. And the slower one rides, the less it matters.