leicanthrope

It's been a while since, as a Californian, that I've had to even think about this - but I just discovered how bad Gatorskins are in the rain. Tried to go for a little spin on my day off, and didn't even make it out of my condo's parking lot. Needless to say, once I get paid in a few days, I'll be shopping for some new tires. I ran GP 4000s previously in a variety of weather conditions without any incident, but I am inclined to branch out a bit for the heck of it. Anyone have any recommendations for tires that are comparatively good in wet weather (in the off chance that we get a second day of rain this fall), or any others that I should make a point to avoid?

banerjek

If you're looking for a reasonably flat resistant alternative to gatorskins that's better in wet, try Conti 4 Seasons. Not outstanding, but decent

cmburch

I like the GP 4000s blackchili all year round for our weather conditions. I also use Attack/Force.

floridamtb

I'm in south Florida where there is always rain or people water the road along with their precious yard. I've had good luck with Bontrager AW2, haven't tried the Contis yet but might try them next.

IcySmooth52

I'm with you on road tires. GP 4000s is the best tire for any road bike meant to move with speed on pavement. The Attack & Force use the same casing and rubber as the GP 4000s (same tire, just different size & tread).

It might help to know why the Gatorskins are so poor in the rain: Not just the tread, but the rubber. If you're a fan of Gatorskins in the sun, I would get the GP 4-Season because it's the same casing (ultra durable), but a rubber better for weather.

Chiefsandme

I'm new to riding( 6 months) and I have a Giant hybrid that I put 700x25 gatorskins on about 3 months ago which I actually like a lot. I just bought a 2014 Tcr ( 3 weeks ago) which is amazing but I just blew out a rear tire yesterday. I was going to put 700x23 folding gatorskins on it?? Now not so sure , anyone else want to chime in?? Would love some imput?? Thanks

dalava

Vittoria Rubino Pro Tech 3

Cyril 

+1

johnny99

In my experience, the GP4000 has much worse flat resistance than the Gatorskins, especially in wet conditions. My recommendation is to go with the Conti 4-Seasons if you like the Gatorskins for summer use. Also, use a lower tire pressure and wider tire (if you can fit it in your bike) for better wet road grip.

bigfred 

GP 4 Seasons.

revchuck 

I've had much better luck with Michelin Pro4 Endurance tires. I also had good luck with Conti Grand Prix tires - not the 4000S series, but the original version. A tire I want to try for this is the new Specialized Roubaix Armadillo Elite; I've read that it's a good-riding tire with excellent flat protection and rain traction.

pdedes

schwalbe ultremos. i use the zx.

Carbonfiberboy 

Best tires I've run in the wet have been the Michelin PRO4 Endurance and the Schwalbe Ultremo ZX. I see that Schwalbe no longer makes that tire - now it's the Schwalbe One, of which I've heard very good things, but haven't tried the tire, being so satisfied with the Pro4 Endurance. I agree about the Gatorskin - horrible.

pdedes

Lucky I bought this zx in bulk last year

Chiefsandme

@Cyrill is the +1 a vote fir the Vittoria??

stanleyl

+1 for GP 4S. Good all round tires with well balanced rolling resistance, wet traction and flat resistance. Went though my daily commutes on rough roads with lots of craps and multiple centuries without a flat. The only issue is that with softer compound they wear out rather quickly. I have been using them for 5K miles and I am already on my second pair.

chasm54

GP4S is a good wet weather tyre. Schwalbe Ultremo Aqua is even better. But if you want the best, try the Challenge Criterium Open Tubular. It's a clincher, but constructed like a tubular - then instead of sewing it up they roll the edges round a bead. A bit trickier to fit than most clinchers, but the ride quality is excellent and they grip like crazy. And at 320 TPI, puncture resistance is excellent, too.

Cyril 

Yes.

roadwarrior

Gatorskins have a hard rubber compound which makes them last and resist flats. But not very sticky which makes a tire (esp in wet) more susceptible to flats and they do not last as long. Car tires ar ethe same...the ones that last a ling time have bad wet weather handling. Harder compound.

Four seasons.

cafzali

That all makes sense to me, but FWIW I found Gatorskins to be about the longest-lasting tire around. Chances are, they'll develop sidewall defects before the tread will run out. I run GP4Ks on my primary bike, but when the Maxxis Refuse tires wear out on my "spare" roadie, I want to put Pro 4 Endurance tires on it and see how they do since I've heard so many good things. I love the way regular Pro4s ride, but since they're primarily a race tire, they just don't have the puncture resistance I need for regular riding.

mtalinm

gp 4 seasons </thraed>

Kopsis

Another +1 for the Rubino Pro Tech 3. Good puncture resistance, good ride quality, doesn't sacrifice a huge amount of performance in good weather, and I can take wet steel draw-bridge grates at more than walking speed without soiling my chamois

JTGraphics

Schwalbe One or Schwalbe S are both great for all conditions with great puncture and cut resistance and long lasting, I use them both.

roadwarrior

The Endurance Pro tires are not too bad. They tend to ride in the middle of the tire more which means wet cornering can be iffy, but if you know ahead of time, compensate.
I use the Endurance tires in winter and for my trainer tire. They work great and do not pick up much debris if the roads are wet.

demoncyclist

Rubino Pro FTW...