Originally Posted by
MichaelW
For riding on rough shoulders, a wider tyre of about 32mm is about right. If the bike can do all of this, ride it.
32mm is my preferred road bike tire width, by far.
However, I've been getting flat out spoiled rotten by the giant 60mm (2.35 inch) Schwalbe Big Apples on my son's 29er that is doing stand-in commuting duty as I patiently await my new frame. Those tires are FUN.
In fact for a bigger guy, the 29er MTB with fat slicks is something to consider. I love it. I've found my commute time for my 15-16 mile (RT) flat urban commute are no different (real world conditions) than with my road bike. Plus, I don't have to stress about my line like I do on my road bike.
Here's a pic of my temporary monster commuter - my son's bike with some of my components.
I keep the fork locked out so there's no front squish. I actually pass roadies on this bike, and it really pisses them off
Something to consider....