Giant Escape M2 vs Giant Escape R2

Bullit2k

Hi there,
I'm thinking of getting a bike that will come with 700c rims.
they're called Alex ACE 18 700c and come with Maxxis Columbiere 700x32mm tyres.

this skinny tyre would be new to me, and I'm wondering what is the fattest most comfortable tyre I can put on those rims if I don't like the 700x32mm.

Could I put this 700x38c
Is there anything wider for 700c?

Or avoid the 700 rims and get some mountain bike 26' rims and try slicks on (for commuting) 26x1.50 slicks

The two bikes that I'm torn between choosing are:
Giant Escape m2
and
Giant Escape r2

Are they the same bike frame just with different wheels?

Both look to be the same bike (same price too) with 26' vs. 700 size hubs. I'll mainly be using the bike for commuting.

Any feedback welcome... (relevant links below)
Cheers

http://www.alexrims.com/product_detail. ... at=2&id=74
http://www.maxxis.com/products/bicycle/ ... asp?id=224
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bik ... 347/31770/
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bik ... 347/31764/

Stuww

I had a Giant M1 for my first year of commuting and it proved to be a great bike. Not the quickest off the blocks, but it would carry me 20 miles everyday quite happily.

The r2 looks a better commuting option as you should get more speed with the bigger wheels.

I'd recommend putting Schwabe Marathon Plus tyres on either of the bikes, they are bullet proof for punctures, maybe not the lightest, but plenty of grip.

Stu