Utility Cycling - Rainy days slicks or knobbies?

What handles better on wet pavement, have used both but take it pretty easy on rainy days and really don't notice to much a difference. Thought I would get your take on it.

Doubt it really makes all that much difference, as long as you slow down a bit and take it easy. I used inverted tread tires on MTB when it was set up as a commuter. I had enough tread for light snow and some muddy areas. If I wanted to hit the technical stuff I would swap the wheels out for the ones with knobbies.

Aaron:)

Slicks will always handle better on pavement (on a bike, at least). I don't have the citation, but in order to hydroplane a tire with a contact patch and pressure equivalent to a bike's tire will need to be traveling at far faster than a normal biker (60-100mph?!?). Knobs grip well in loose pack like sand and mud, but just end up bending and deforming on pavement (increasing rolling resistance and being looser in a hard corner). No matter what, if you hit wet train tracks at an angle you're going down. Just my disjointed thoughts on the matter.

KJ

Of course! Sheldon is the one with the answer:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#tread

KJ

Thanks, love your signature tarman:)

I don't have the citation, but in order to hydroplane a tire with a contact patch and pressure equivalent to a bike's tire will need to be traveling at far faster than a normal biker (60-100mph?!?).

I can vouch for that. Riding on ice and snow I definitely have better traction than most cars. Plain water is a cinch.