Originally Posted by
NormanF
Get either Big Ben or Big Apple - on a 26" - a balloon tire is best for riding comfort.
Very narrow road style tires are harsh and unpleasant.
I find that bigger is better also translates to less rolling resistance.
I tend to agree with this, though I don't think 1.75" is *too* bad on the narrow side. Keeping it in the 2" and more side with some nice, smooth rolling tires is definitely an experience though. Thinner ain't always faster, fatter is almost always more comfortable and capable on rough terrain. The hard part is most bike shops (mine included) have bought into the thinner=faster mindset and only stock 26" tires that are on the skinny side for a nice pavement tire.