Flats can certainly disturb the rhythm of your riding, especially if there's no where to lean the bike. Yet after changing "x" number of flats over the years, they have become just one more aspect of cycling...a chance to get off and "become one with the landscape" (lol, not sure if I really believe that). Still, I'd rather get a resilient, nice-riding balance between armor plate and no kevlar at all. Right now, I find Conti GP4000's a fine all-around tire.