Just love all the topics covered here lately. And while my interest are with what I grew up on, race bikes (mainly Italian road and Paramount track), I have developed an interest beyond those bikes from my involvement with you folks. Two years ago I had no interest in a bike with racks and such, then I see Chris B.'s beautiful Phil Brown and it stirs my interest to the point I am on the hunt for such a bike. Thanks to all who have given so much diversity to the group.
Now to the subject matter. Brain B. wrote "Don't like the way your bike rides, look into your wheels and tires first!". This is the quickest way to enhance the ride or select any term you would like to use for the other end of the spectrum to describe a sluggish, dead or non-responsive ride. But if one is riding clinchers don't over look the tubes. A regular old Kenda type tube is a good way of limiting the performance of a quality wheelset and/or tires. Go for some quality light tubes if you are looking to enhance the ride even more. I forget exactly the numbers, but years ago I read where about a half of a pound rotating weight in the wheels is like adding 9 pounds to your bike as far as the energy it takes to keep it moving. The other thing to consider is that when climbing or maneuvering, say as in a pack or around other riders or obstacles is that those wheels are gyroscopes and the less rotational weight there is the easier it is to tip the axis making the bike feel more lively and responsive.
The NORBA big boys and girls are now rolling in for the race and many of the cross country racers now can be seen out on the road training.
Mark, where they are calling for low 70's and humidity all this week, Poore
Slatyfork, WV