Originally Posted by
guadzilla
The tires save a handful of watts - not important.
The race-fit jersey and aero road helmet saves a handful of watts - not imporant
An aero frame saves a handful of watts - not important
Aero wheels save a handful of watts - not important
Add all these things up, though...? The difference matters.
Let me put it another way - leaving aside solo training/winter wheels where speed doesnt matter, why would you give up the benefits, even if they are minimal? I mean, if there are benefits that you prefer in other tires, sure, i get it - hell, as I said earlier in the post, i dont use GP5ks for group rides, preferring the ride quality of Turbo Cottons instead, even if they cost me a few watts - but spurning free watts, no matter how few, just because you think it doesnt matter seems illogical.
That said, i hope more people racing M45-49 feel the same way
The issue with your argument is that
1) most people on the internet buying these tires are not racers. It's like that old baldy guy dirivng his 700hp Ferrari down the ocean boulevard. The Ferrari gives no advantage over a Camary when you're crusing at 45 mph down the boulevard. Same with GP5000.
2) the "watt saving" shown labs and in the wind tunnel are based on controlled environment that is not a true representatio of real world. Sure you'll still save some watts, the but watt saving in real world is not seen in a controlled environment.
Now if you tell me that guys are riding on a metal drum in a wind tunnel, in a static position, in a static power delivery like on a tire drum test rig, then sure... by all means go get some GP5000.
And what about handling? GP5000s suck compare to Vittoria and Veloflex Corsa as far as giving feedback around corners. On a mountain descent, I can pull out 3-5 meters on each corner using Vittoria and Veloflex compared using a harder tire like the GP5000. Does 3-5 meters per corner count when you're trying to go fast? Of course it does. Does this advantage show up on the tire drum in the lab? Of course it won't.