Take things to the MAX!!!! Schwalbe Marathons Plus or Specialized Armadillo + Mr. Tuffy Tire Liners + thornproof(thicker) tube. If you are going to run 26" tires around 60psi also get Slime shots in the tubes. You wanted Maximum protection RIGHT???? Well that's what you want. Your wheels will weigh 10lbs after all that which would be a good thing since you want to lose weight.