I like the wider tires too. I wish I could fit soemthing alot wider on my Lemond. I had to buy some new tires for that bike and I swear its much more comfy with some cheap 28c than the 23c that were on there before. Its not like I care that much about speed even though the only reason I ride that bike is for recreation.

On my commuter I don't think I would go with anything less than 26x1.5 unless my commute got alot longer and I think I have 1.75 tires on there now. I like the comfort of the wider tire and feeling that if I encounter gravel patches (I do on occasion) I can navigate them more easily.