Originally Posted by
*****
would 23c make that much of a difference? when i have toured in the past i have pumped up the tires to a regular pressure like every other day. i will have front panniers. i don't forsee it hurting my hands.
I just notice the difference between my road bike (700-23) compared to my touring commuter (700-28 in summer, 700-35 in winter). Though Vancouver doesn't get much snow, the 700-35 application is for slick and frosty roads (with a reduced air pressure).
Another thing to consider is the differential in the volume of air. One has to be very dilligent with narrow tires because of less volume. The bigger tires will give you a bit of a cushion
with respect to pressure fluctuations.
Also, the best preventative maintenance against flat tires, IMO, is having close to the maximum tire pressure. Small tires ~ higher pressures ~ traditionally more ridgid handling ~ more shock transmitted to the handlebars.
If you decide to keep to the 700-23's on, I would make sure that you have really good gloves that protect the ulnar nerve (ie: Specialized/Body Geometry or Pearl Izumi). Your hands and upper body will love you for it.