I have a bridgestone bike that I use as a commuter. 26" wheels / 559mm rims. I use this bike to carry groceries and other loads on a rear rack.

I currently have some 2.2" mountain tires installed (not sure of the ISO/ETRTO measurement). They're very comfortable, but very sluggish and weigh 600 grams and are very knobby for mountain riding. I ride 99% of the time on pavement.

I am interested in the Panaracer Pasela TGs -- I can get them locally for very cheap, so I am going to stick with this selection. I either have a choice between the 26x1.25 or 26x1.5. Both will fit the rim, but I wonder on what width to go with.

I know from previous experience that Panaracer tires are often slightly smaller than marked (i.e. a 700c 28 is more like a 25). If that is the case with these 26" tires, the 1.25 might be too narrow if they're smaller-than-marked which could affect handling in a more harsher, twitchy way. In that regard, the 1.5"s might be the ticket. But the 1.5" weigh in at 460 grams where the 1.25" weigh 300 grams.

I think I'd prefer the 1.5" for comfort/handling but the weight of the 1.25" seems attractive. Which tire would you chose?