it's settled. these Bontrager Comfort Hardcase Tires just simply work against me whether i have some grocery items from Trader Joe's on the back rack or i'm just cruising the pavement. true, they take all abuse but they are abusing me on the hills with their 26x1.95 size.

now will this help me out a bit if i get:

a Michelin Country Rock (26x1.75...i still want to hit gravel and semi-rough terrain on the way to the store) and
a Bontrager Urban Earl (26x2.125...maybe it would be on the front, even with it's large width).

?

i actually wanted to go much skinnier, but if these fly considering their tread design, i'm all for them. mostly good/great reviews.
i've heard both work well on pavement despite their not quite slick aspects. i've read the reviews and all, but how do you think these would work for utility jaunts and occasional hardpack/gravel when i want to just hit a variety of terrains?

set up is the now quite 'decomforted' trek navigator (16.5" frame) with gt mtn seat. comfort is not a goal. efficiency is (in other words, i like to run errands like a messenger...!)

btw, i read on sheldon's site that a bigger front tire is not a bad thing