Originally Posted by
cyccommute
There is hardly a "need" for a tire as wide as a 38mm for commuting. The "need" of the rider is dictated by the rider's needs and abilities and not by someone stating a "need" for something.
Fair enough. No one "needs" to increase their comfort while decreasing their rolling resistance. However, I think most commuters would consider that a win-win.
Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I would say, given your proclivity for flatting 28mm tires (which are actually quite wide) "twice a week", that you belong to the former group.
No. I unweight my saddle. I haven't figured out how to unweight my racks while riding. I have enough sense not to use a skinny 28 mm tire.
Originally Posted by
cyccommute
It takes more power to get them rolling and to keep them rolling due to their higher momentum.
Get them rolling, yes. It doesn't take any more effort to keep them rolling though, except for their increased air resistance, which is inconsequential at typical commuting speeds. On the other hand, their increased momentum makes the bike's speeds a bit more stable in gusty winds (also inconsequential for commuting, but easily makes up for their increased air resistance).