I am putting together a small trek 750 (17 inch). I have the wheelset all cleaned up and read to go back on. The Schwalbe Marathons (38c), rims (stock 36h matrix titans w/exage hubs), tubes and cassette weigh in at ~11lbs. Crazy. They are BEEFY.

I like the marathons because flats are a real bummer with full fenders etc.
I might trade them out for paselas but i am thinking this should work for now. I have ran this exact setup on another trek and when the bike was loaded it was super cushy and rode really well. I might try butterfly bars on this one or some kind of flat bar vs using drop bars. Chances are i will eventually switch over to drops. Not sure if i will go with bar end shifters or something else. Right now i still have the 7sp cassette. I think it is a 14/28t and with the triple in the front that is probably enough for me. I may have another 9sp cassette laying around that i may try but i dont really see the need.