Originally Posted by
Cyclebum
No doubt every ounce counts. It's cumulative on a long tour. Lots of ways to knock it down, including tire weight. I've found that 28 mm 700's work just fine long as you stay pretty much on pavement, and weigh lots less than 38's. My 140 lb buddy can climb a hill faster than his 160 lbs riding partner. Double all this for long distance hiking. And so it goes.
The real test comes if you ever go over a mountain pass that takes 2 hrs.
You will realize that every once does count.
Most folks can handle the mild discomfort of a few steep grades.
This is why I have 28 mm tires. it does help.