Having been a keen cyclist since the tender age of 10, my first bike was second-hand. Yes, we were poor in them days
But second-bike it was and it was a racer made up from other bits of bikes. Nevertheless, it did inspire me that when I started work, I saved up enough cash to get a brand new bike
This had the 27"x1 1/4" tyres and went everywhere on that, but wear and tear took it toll. I did in 1980, got another touring bike with 27"x1 1/4" tyres and went everywhere with that, again wear and tear sets in.
In 1994, I got a trekking bike, one that can carry heavy loads such as camping gear and that had 700x35cc tyres on.
Couple of years ago, I got a racing bike and that had 700x32cc tyres on. I swopped them for 28's, but when I was at the York Cycle Show, I got a pair of 700x23cc. What a difference, very fast.
But on the trekking bike, which is getting used for the double coast to coast. I have 700x38cc cross tyres, which will be ideal for cross-country and cushion the weight of the camping gear. But it will have some road drag I suppose.