Supple tires with a very high threads per inch casings are said to give a better ride. I'll give a disclaimer in not having tried "Grand Bois" or any other 200 plus TPI tires yet but I'm planning on making the investment this spring.
And I know nothing about the newer wheels but insofar as retro ride equipment goes the flatter rims such as the Mavic MA 40 or Wolber Gentleman GTA were said to flex a bit more than pointy aero rims and give a more comfortable ride. Once again, I've never verified that by investing in any aero rims of old.
Tubulars are said to ride well but I've never ridden those either. Built a set for a friend once but he pretzeled the rear wheel racing his first crit. Ride quality never quite came up in the post race conversation and I didn't think to ask, but should have.
