OK folks so here is a quick update. I left the bike at the LBS yesterday and I asked him to also chnge the tires so something smoother and with more puncture resistance, so I ended up with a new pairs of Bontrager all weather hard case, 700x32, which claim to have three levels of puncture protection. I picked it up after work today so couldn't see the guy changing the tire. the evening guy didn't replace it so he could not tell me what was the issue. I hope this was a good decision!

They actually have tire fixing clinics that I will go attend for free.

Old sarge, I am equally scared of falling down, especially when I see some of the pictures posted in this newsgroup, and especially since I have had multiple back surgeries and bad bones and joints. Next to it is my scare of traffic! However, I try not to think about it and hope that all would turn up well at the end.

Will let you know how I liked the tires after my next ride. Cheers.