After around 30 miles commuting on my new bike, I got a front puncture and so decided to invest in more suitable tyres for commuting the 20-odd miles per day through London. My bike has Mavic Aksium 700c rims and currently has 35mm Conti cyclocross tyres. Any recommendations for replacements?

I've sort of narrowed my choices down to Continental Gator Hardshell and Schwalbe Marathon Plus. I already have the latter on my folder and know they're very heavy but don't roll too badly. The Gators are available up to 28mm width whereas I can get the Marathons in 32mm or 35mm and I must admit, I'm keen to have wider tyres for more grip and comfort so +1 to the Marathons, but the 32mm tyre weighs 800 grams and the 28mm tyre 740 grams. Compare this with the 28mm Gator Hardshell which weighs just 390 grams, almost half the weight of the Schwalbes and probably faster but supposedly just as durable.

Is there much difference in ride quality and comfort between a 28mm and 32mm section tyre? Going from my current 35mm tyre to a 28mm Gator will mean a 20% reduction in width and thus tyre contact surface.

Any advice on tyre choice much appreciated.