My 2c: You know you can ride on skinny tires, but if you would feel more comfortable on wider ones then you could probably have just about the same speed on wider slicks. They'd be a bit more stable, less likely to tip you over just for a little crack or pebble in the road. I'm on substantially wider slicks now and thinking of working my way down as I gain confidence -- this thanks to the advice of a couple of experts: my sister and her lbs-owner, Chris Robinson (bike mechanic to the "gods"). Anyways ... go with what feels good. Try some wider tires and if it re-boosts your confidence then problem solved.