A trick I learned from thr bicycle guys was. The harder the tire the less rolling ressistance. As always you would have to adjust that to circumstances, dirt or salt. So, eventually you have to know your bike and what it likes compared to the conditions. Horsepower, frontal area and drag all play a part in your optimum performance. As a newbie, it's a crap shoot till you find what your bikelikes... but I dunno. just my 2c
Your mileage may vary!!!!!!! right Jack!
I remember back in the 70's we'd drag a set of Pirellies off thr roof of the shop cuz they had been sufficiantely hardeded. We'd usually leave them on te roof for about a month and they worked great, but times are changing. Also, back then my crew chief whould put 8 # of air in the tires, which is unheard of now. But, the tires hooked up and we did our job, with good finishes. And, I still have a number of those tires and they still work against the new Goodyears. So, I dunno, I just did what I was told. And had a lot of funnnnnnn.
This is longwinded but, I think you just have to find what works for you. But, I also don't think anyone here will let you run off the deep end without your floaties... Well, except maybe Kent.....