^ thanks, keep the recommendations coming

i took another (brief) test ride tonight.. I had just spent hours pedicabbing, and had taken a bike with some cheap tires to work. my legs were tired and the short ride home wasn't super fun. but i was hungry so i decided to go back out and grab some food, taking the Alpina with the Compass tires this time. I found myself actually enjoying the ride, going fast and not even feeling that tired. These tires make it a pleasure to go fast, where with the K838s you have to work hard to go fast and the ride isn't nearly as smooth.

I still really don't like the skinwall with the Alpina, but I'm pretty sure if I want to go back to the cheapo Kendas either. These Compass tires are motivating me to finish up my Jamis which I think will look great with them. I'm also considering getting another pair for my grocery getter 86 Apex, though I'm not sure (mostly concerned about puncture resistance..). I do know that being exposed to quality tires has definitely made me realize what i've been missing. I didn't know there could be that much difference in ride quality from one tire to the next. I've been riding for a few years now on klunky tires.. but NO MORE