I had slashes both in the sidewalls and in the tread of the Michelins. I started to get flats. A lot.

I have an Italian bike with Italian componentry, and I am now pledging my allegiance to Italian rubber (made in Thailand, but nevermind--the bike and the componentry are 100% Italian). At some point I am going to have to starting buying Italian jerseys. And then shoes. And then, and then, by god...I will go to Italy and find me an Italian woman.