Originally Posted by
Cyclebum
Have to wonder if you're talking about the same seal coat surface that I'm complaining about. I guess you are, as I've ridden the Hill Country where the rough aggregate is everywhere. Wider the tire, smoother and slower the ride. I run 38s on the TE and hate the stuff.
Maybe I have been lucky, but I went on a group ride where there was fresh chip seal and everybody complaining to where they changed the route the following week, and I just didn't see that much of a problem. One thing that does happen is that since my 28s fit with only 5mm or so of clearance, when it is fresh and sticky a chip will get caught between the tire and the front caliper and make a scratching noise. All I have to do is roll the bike backwards a couple of feet to dislodge it, but my fellow riders get freaked out. Maybe there is chip seal worse than I have encountered. I have ridden on it in Austin, outside of town, Fort Davis area, (well seasoned and packed) and they recently laid it down on my own street. Chip seal is way down the list of my complaints about cycling infrastructure. If it was ever a big problem I would just ride on the appropriate bike and tires.
Don in Austin