Originally Posted by willtsmith_nwi
Like I said before, increasing the wheel diameter (the tire is the outermost portion of the wheel) changes the effective gearing ratio. This is probably explains the "sluggishness" you perceive. This is no different than the "sluggishness" you feel when shifting from 7th to 8th gear. Put a 2.5" tire on your rim and you will still be able to push it with your pinky. Just imagine how relevant such a mass is to the largest muscle groups in your body in and around your hips and thighs?
A 26X2 and a 26X2.5 have the same diameter. the only difference is the width. you can find slight differences in height of tires in any size, but they bulge at the bottom to about the same distance from the rim depending on pressure.
pushing something with your pinky has no relevance.. I'd imagine you can push a nascar tire with your hand and an indy car as well with about the same force.
I'll stick to relatively skinny light tires