They make a big difference to your wallet. Unless you are a serious racer, you won't notice much change. There are those who swear otherwise. Most of them are justifying spending large $$ on perceived difference. imo You might get 3,000 miles out of expensive tires and 2,500 out of bargin brands. If I get 2 flats in a year (3,000 miles avg x 7 years) it has been a monumental bad tire year. Air up your tires (100psi +/-) before a ride, if you have not ridden in more than 3 days. I use IRC Redstorms from Pricepoint and change tires every spring.