Originally Posted by blakcloud

I wouldn't be so concerned with smaller tires but something that is smoother if it still has knobbies on it. Knobbies make for a rough ride and just isn't fun but they work. I think a guy your size should look at Schwalbe Big Apples. That tire would ride very nice and give you some cushion to absorb some of the road shock in the rear since you have the shock in the front. I myself would lock the front fork and go with the Big Apples if I was commuting on that bike.

As for bar ends my suggestion are the Ergon grips with bar ends. You get a better grip for your hands with the added bonus of the bar end.

Very impressed with your stats in your signature line