You’re right, nothing about this woman’s experience is particularly unique, which is what makes this a huge decision. The numbers of potential future plaintiffs (individual or class action) is enormous. The precedent opens the floodgates (and on the same day when New Mexico hit Meta with $345M for what Meta called “inevitable” child exploitation on their platform).

Social media is going to have their big tobacco moment one way or another.

28” is the correct size for a 700x45.

That being said, I’ve used 27.5 (650) tubes in a 700 tire in a pinch.

If it’s been ridden with bad pads for a while, I’d pay close attention to the braking surface. Pick up some rim brake cleaner and go to town on the rims. Also make sure that the toe-in of the pads is adjusted properly, so that you’re using the entire pad surface and not just a corner.

And definitely pack an extra set of pads for a long tour with big descents.