Bicycle Mechanics - Looking to replace some tires

Hello all.
I have a '98 Cannondale Silk Path 300.
I've used it for a mix of on- and light off-road use (not surprisingly, considering it's a hybrid); most of what I've used it for the past couple of years has been largely road of varying conditions, though I haven't given up on unpaved trails.

It currently has 700x38c tires that I'm looking to replace; the sets I've been considering (Schwalbe Marathon Supremes) run either 700x35c or 700x40c. I've considered going for the 35c's, mainly because I'm having an easier time finding them. The slightly lower rolling resistance over the 40c's will be nice, but am I giving up long distance comfort? Or is the difference too slight?

It currently has 700x38c tires that I'm looking to replace; the sets I've been considering (Schwalbe Marathon Supremes) run either 700x35c or 700x40c. I've considered going for the 35c's, mainly because I'm having an easier time finding them. The slightly lower rolling resistance over the 40c's will be nice, but am I giving up long distance comfort? Or is the difference too slight?

With those tires, you'll have a hard time telling the difference between the two sizes with everything else being equal. If you want a softer ride (hard to believe on a Silk Road), lowering the tire pressure will make more difference than any change in tire size.

Thanks. I ended up getting the 35's for the same reason I'd mentioned: easier to find.

Next time try the Panaracer Parcels TG's. I have had good luck with them.

A man after my own heart....

I lucked out buying 2 sets of Supremes over a one month period. A set of 40s came first (to replace 45 OEMs) and I mounted them up. I was happy!

Then, the 35s arrived, so I decided to try them.

I found them a little harsh, after riding the 40s, but would have been pleased with them if I only had them.

Here's the difference - the 40s ride "softer" at the very slight expense of handling - not that they are bad, by any means - they were a BIG improvement over my 45s. It's just that the 35s are quicker steering, and more precise. They are also more harsh.

While switching them bacK - I just happened to do the rear first, and then took it for a ride ---- WOW --- transformation.

The 35 on the front kept the better handling, without transferring the harshness that the 35 gave to the rear. The 40 on the rear, gave back the better ride, without sacrificing the quicker handling. I also have another set, just like them, in the basement, for when I need them. I even bought an extra 40, a couple weeks ago, since I go thru more rears than fronts.

You would love this combo, but in all honesty, I would be very pleased with either on. I pump mine to 90-92 PSI (they are 85PSI tires) for the MUCH improved roll - amazing difference, really. And they still ride nice. I weigh 190#, bike weighs about 40#.

Niagara had the 40s on sale a couple weeks ago for $27, which was a killer deal - if they still have them, snatch em up. Then keep your eys open on their site, for when they put 32s or 35s on sale, and pick up a pair of them. Either way, you will be VERY HAPPY with these tires.

edit: as a frame of reference - I got my 40s on sale originally, for $38 each, and stumbled onto the 35s for $28 each, and figured, for that price, I could wear out a set.... LOL ---- finding them (40s) a few weeks ago for $27, was a nice bonus.

A few weeks ago (I check Niagara's site often) I saw the 40s on sale, so decided to buy one extra. I probably should have bought two. I was watching their site for a friend who wants 32s when I find them... at a good price.... LOL

You will love them, in whatever size you end up with - but the 90-92 PSI is a huge improvement on tires that already roll nice at 85. Increasing the pressure higher than that, resulted in no more improvement.

I first got 45tires on a "drop bar-ed city bike" a road bike with attachments for rack, covers, chainguard, dynamo, and it could fit big tires (like 45) long reach center pull caliper, etc - like a drop bar-ed hybrid.
then switched to 40, than to 35, than to 32, and one of the 32 was in fact 28 (measured) but labeled as 32, than kept with 28 (until i found a 24 labeled as 28) now on this bike i have 23.

On another bike i have 20.. i use them most in the city, and surroundings.

on the track i use 18 -20 (tubular tire)

I found that with bigger tires the force to spin the wheels fast is significantly increased, and the lightness of smaller tires combined with single wall aluminum rims and 32spokes is great for the city (i do ride on all the lanes betwwen cars and i frequently go at the same speed, 40-50km/h, and for that i need small/lite tires.