The biggest difference you will notice with wider tires is the increased weight. However, the comfort and traction more than make up for it in my mind. Some people just can't handle the sluggish feeling, but it never bothers me. I run 1.5's on my bike. I rode an old mountain bike for a while before I decided to upgrade to a touring bike, mostly because the MTB was too small and had no heel clearance for panniers.