Katy Flatlander - Good first metric ride??

[Triskeliongirl]

ShootingStar, chip seal is a TYPE of paved surface, but its more coarsely paved than a tarred surface. As others mentioned, the main advantage is that it won't start melting or oozing oil the way tar does, in the texas heat, but it is not so pleasant to ride on. Being on carbon or steel rather than aluminum helps, and lower tire pressures can help. I don't think wider tires would make a difference, as its not really bumpy like a gravel road, its just there is more rolling resistance from the coarser pavement which is why I think lower tire pressures can smooth that out a little.