Originally Posted by
OldZephyr
Good point. I've heard (and read) from a variety of sources that the difference in rolling resistance between, say, a 23 and a 28 or even a 32 tire is surprisingly small. The rubber compound, for example, or the tire construction, can be more important that the tire width for rolling resistance. But there's a big difference in comfort and the ability to avoid flats between 23s and 28s/32s.
I suspect that the OP isn't an experienced road rider (nothing wrong with that).
Wider tires will be more comfortable but they are also better suited for his weight and experience (wider tires will reduce the likelihood of wheel problems). If he's hard on wheels (for whatever reason), wider is going to be much better.
It appears that he's looking for his "last bike". What he probably needs is a bike that will work for now and a fairly long while (if not quite forever). There's no reason something like a cross bike couldn't work for what he needs now and for many years (they work fine for many people).
If he's starting out, something like a cross bike will allow him to reasonably consider riding on gravel (with 35mm+ tires) or a bit of light touring (carrying stuff). Or let him ride without worrying so much about "trashing" wheels. A road bike is going to limit what he can try (for a tiny increase in speed).