I think Brian was confusing someone else with me on the cost differences. In any case, I, as a mid pack intermediate rider want to progress enough this year to make it into the advanced group (as I said in another post somewhere). Would going to a race tire now really benefit me as it's likely that I'm not even close to pushing the limits of say a set of Q2's or Pures? This is what I'm struggling with at the moment. I fully understand what Brian is saying but I can also agree with some of what Chris is saying as well. I know I'm not pushing myself personally enough yet to make me go above the potential of the tires, even if I do make it into the A group. Having seen Brandon, Craig, Jinu, Nick, etc. all run on street/race tires and put up respectable times I don't see how shelling out for full race shoes will make me a faster rider, right now. Those guys have been pushing the limits of a lesser tire and obviously can take full advantage of moving to a true race tire. This is my quandary and I'm just trying to do what makes sense to get me into that A group this season.