Difference between Compass Stampede Pass standard & extra light models?

[David G.]

I'd like to switch the tires on my commuter bike (internal rear hub and front porteur rack) from 700c x 28 to 700c x 32.  The bike weighs 30lbs and there is very little ability to hop over obstacles.   I ride all over the Boston area over surfaces that are fairly cracked, but not too many road side hazards (except on garage collection day).  Sometimes a gravel stretch of road.  How would people trade off the durability vs comfort differences of the 2 sidewalls?  The current tires I have are 700c x 28 Kenda Carvs.

Thanks.

[Steve Palincsar]

The tread is the same. Generally, for on-pavement use sidewall
durability is not an issue. That said, obviously the standard casing is
going to be sturdier than the extra light casing.

[Anton Tutter]

David,

In my opinion this depends on the length and nature of your commute.  I've ridden both extralight and standard variations of Hetres, and also have extralight Compass tires.  These have been on bikes that I ride for the sake of riding, and usually log 30-70 miles per ride on, on various terrain.  I do notice the difference in comfort and speed between the standard and extralight casings. By contrast, my daily commute is only 2.5 miles on cracked and pothole-riddled streets and I do that on standard Hetres. For me, the extra comfort of the extralight casing is not really justified on such a short commute.  On long trips, the advantages of the lighter casing are more appreciated, and if my commute were longer (say, in the 15-25 mile range) I'd consider upgrading to the extralights.

Anton