I prefer 1 1/4" and the 1 3/8" if they'll fit.
Like others have mentioned- it's kind of up to what you're into as far as how you like things to feel and what you're into. If you like that "lively" feel- go with the narrower tire. If you prefer comfort, go with the wider tires.
One of the cool things is being able to compare stuff- when I first got into bikes I was swapping around tires, wheels and every component I could... then you see what YOU feel the difference in those tire sizes, and then again if you ever choose to use something like the Compass/Rene Herse tires in comparison to something like Paselas.
Get good tires. I would suggest at not going less expensive than Paselas.
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*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.