Originally Posted by
chasm54
Thinner tyres are lighter. Lighter tyres means faster acceleration.
Not really true - saving a few tens or even hundred of grams of rubber makes an unnoticeable difference when rider plus bike weigh almost 300lbs.
The main advantage of very narrow tyres is lower aerodynamic drag at high speeds. You are unlikely to reach these speeds and 23mm tyres will not suit your weight even on a smooth road. If you want to go faster then buy higher quality faster rolling 28mm tyres - premium quality slick tyres from Schwalbe, Panracer or Marathon are a safe bet. Wider tyres won't just ride more comfortable, they are safer - they have more puncture resistance, handle potholes better, and have superior cornering and braking (all things - tyre compound etc - being equal.)