Originally Posted by
TimothyH
I don't understand the fascination with rolling resistance to the exclusion of every other aspect of a tire's performance. To read bike forums one would think that it is all that matters.
Durablity, grip especially in the wet, how a tire responds (nervous vs predictable) at or near the limits when cornering all matter as well. Some of these are subjective, not easily measured but they still matter.
I'll give up a little rolling resistance for lots of grip and predictability any day.
-Tim-
It's a good question...and one I used to worry about more than I do now. Most of my cycling miles are commuting... so I used to stress about getting flats. But the fact of the matter is...even the thinnest, least effective puncture protection dramatically improves protection. I don't need to go multiple years between flats (10k on my last set with no flats).
The fact of the matter..depending on where you live..
Many people ride little or not at all in the rain
Most good tires have more than enough flat protection
Durability..well I guess lifespan is something to consider. But tires are relatively cheap.
On the road...all slicks are pretty predictable. How many people actually test the limits of grip while cornering?
So for most people, most of their time spent riding is in a straight line, on dry pavement, on tires that don't need a puncture fixed. It makes sense that the biggest concern is rolling resistance. Also...many of the fastest tires ALSO tend to be the most comfortable and most grippy.