Originally Posted by
Terrance Hammoc
Are all tires created equal when it comes to the rain and wet leaves?
Wet leaves: avoid.
Tire for commuting in the wet? Given the beautiful dry weather right now, I am riding on 220 gram tubular race tires. The performance difference between this and my heavier clincher winter tires and rims is remarkable. The lighter wheels completely transform the bike. So I would recommend the lightest tires and rims you feel comfortable on, in terms of the frequency of flats.
Slick tires of course. There is no point having tread on the tire, unless you are riding on loose surfaces (gravel and mud). More tread makes for a less stable tire for cornering, more weight, more rolling resistance, and less tire adhesion (because there is less actual rubber in contact with asphalt). Bike tires of course cannot hydroplane. So the only other reason for a tread as it makes it easier for manufacturers and shops to sell these tires to uninformed consumers.