Originally Posted by
aclinjury
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.
To be clear, I am not *arguing* with you. You do you, I have no issues with that. Think of this as more of a discussion than anything even remotely adverserial.
That said, re your 2 points, here are my thoughts:
1/ Sure, most people dont race. But they still like to go as fast as possible. That's why they buy carbon wheels, aero frames, etc. This is just more of the same, although with fewer tradeoffs (it isnt as if you are spending a lot more money to get some extra speed - GP5ks cost about the same as pretty much any other nice tire)
2/ I do agree that the watt savings in a lab may not translate to the same number in the real world - but it doesnt have to be lower. It could even be higher, for all we know. Regardless, in the absence of any numbers, doesnt it make sense to go with the tire that has greater odds of being faster,
all else being equal?
The "all else being equal" is, admittedly, key. Handling and ride quality are great reasons to ride something else - on that front, not only do I agree with you here but also in practice: i ride Turbo Cottons and Veloflex myself, as well. There are logical reasons for not getting the GP5ks.
There is a difference between the following 2 statements:
- The extra watt savings of the GP5k are irrelevant
- The extra watt savings of the GP5k are not worth giving up on the ride feel/cornering abilities of the Veloflex Corsas
The former is illogical and cannot really be defended via arguments, other than "well, i dont care" (and I dont mean it in a judgemental way - hobbies dont have to be fully rational. I collect watches, FFS - talk about a rabbit hole devoid of reason). The latter makes a lot of sense.