Thanks for all the input so far, it's greatly appreciated.
I guess my concern really goes back to the construction of a 16" vs. a 17.5" tire? Does the 17.5" lend itself to brute durability because of how it's assembled? Again, not so much a weight issue, but more of a scrub and overall durability issue. Rolling down a smooth highway, I'm probably fine with what I've got. But, I get a little leery watching the tires fold all over themselves when I turn around in an asphalt parking lot... That can't be good for a tire carcass, and I'm really looking for the right answer to alleviate my concerns with that? And no, not making tight turns on asphalt isn't a viable option ;)
