Originally Posted by KevinF
+1. My experience with Conti's was that Conti's mean I'll be getting a flat tire before long. I've long since switched to Vredestein's. Different horses, different courses, I'm glad you like them, but I will never again put Conti tires on my horse.
Flats are anectdotal unfortunately and you really can't judge flat/cut resistance by them. I know that sounds irrational and kind of dumb but hear me out. Any tire can get a flat in certain circumstances. Can be just plain 'ol bad luck. I got a Specialized tire last year that had a nice fat kevlar strip right down the middle, and within the first 5 miles I hit a wood screw that speared it right through the middle of that kevlar strip. Not a bad tire, just bad luck. I find I usually go through a rash of flats and then will go for an extended period of time with none. Tire choice has had little to do with it. Heck, I had 3 flats in one week on Conti Gatorskins - one of the most cut resistant tires out there (and ride like a brick and are slick in the corners - blech....)
Everyone told me the Michelin pro race's were not a durable tire, and while the rubber is soft and I had a lot of micro cuts they actually suprised me how well they held up. I haven't tried the Conti's yet but I suspect it'd be the same story. I'm really content with the Rubino's though.
BTW - I've ridden the Vredestein Fortezza Tri Comps. Very very nice riding tire, seem to have a low rolling resistance, but they seem to wear out fast.