Originally Posted by
cplager
It's the total weight (rider + bike + wheels + tires + crap) that matters. So your denominator is hundreds of ounces, but hundreds of pounds.
Actually I don't buy that, but for the sake of argument assuming that were true... Tires are one of scores or more likely hundreds of choices we make in outfitting the bike and selecting gear. They all add up. So when I see a tire that weighs almost exactly twice what my gatorskins weigh I don't take it lightly. You don't have to choose too many things that are double the weight of another acceptable item to add up to some serious weight. It is really easy to say "oh, that is only x% of total weight, it doesn't matter much", but that approach is the road to a very heavy bike and gear total when you apply it to many decisions.
To be honest the horrible ride feel of the plus is an even bigger deal to me though.