Regarding chip&seal, it seems it's the roughest or worst maintained roads that take us to the most interesting places. After I grew out of wantng to be the fastest thing on the planet, I began to see the bike as a wonderful means of taking me places in an enjoyble way. I ended up with an all steel Romulus from Rivendell that I spend much time on. Riding 32's at lower pressure or even 35's increases comfort on an already comfortable bike. Not the best for group ride quick accelerations, but most of my riding friends don't accerate all that quickly any more anyway.