Wet weather grip must be a relative thing. I use the Conti Ultra Gatorskins because I think they work really well in wet weather. We do tend to get quite a bit of rain here, and I might just be used to it- or go around corners really slow:). I used to really like Conti Ultra 2000's when they were available. That is what I'm running on my winter road bike now-25mm.

Every once in a while I try other brands of tire that are on sale, but always end up going back to Continental when an important trip is coming up.

Gatorskins are crap. Gator Hardshells are good for puncture resistant tires.

I've used Conti Gatorskin 25's and then moved on to Conti 4000's in 25mm. I much prefer the 4000's......quality of ride is noticably better to me....and the number of flats, for me, was roughly the same. Goatheads, staples, etc. will penetrate either tire as well as Rubinos....and any tire that is impenetrable to them would be unpleasant to ride. We all hate flats to mar the "rhythm" of nice ride, but then again, they are part of cycling and the more flats you change out on the road the less you really worry about it. We all find our own balance of durability, feel, and puncture resistance.

That is why they make Chevies and Fords.

My wife and I rode 3650 miles fully loaded across the U. S. as well as a couple of other multi-week tours on 28mm Conti Ultra Gatorskins, and were pleased with their performance. The only time they were a problem was in goathead counrty, and when our back tires were getting pretty thin. As was already stated above--Changing a tube is not a major undertaking, and a 15 minute break is OK sometimes.

But sometimes I wonder why she always gets to take the pictures:)
http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/y...ips/Flat-1.jpg

I want to thank everyone for their pros and cons toward the Gatorskins and Rubino Pros, as well as your suggestions about other tires. This being my first road bike and the first time needing new tires, I went with the local availability of the tire and bang for the buck. The OEM Kenda tires have been exceptional in providing me with 3,100 miles of flat free service. I hope that the Ultra Gatorskins that I bought will at least come close to doing the same. They are approximately 5.7 ounces heavier per pair than the Gatorskins, but I don't see that being an issue for the type of riding that I do. I don't ride in the rain, unless it starts when I'm riding, so if I get in that situation, I will see just how well or poorly they handle on wet pavement.

Yes, but I drive both Chevies and Fords before posting. Do you?

Ride them for a while and see if you want those 5.7 ounces back!

Nope, but when I'm riding on Gatorskins and talking about Gatorskins I should be on safe ground. It is my understanding that the labeling has changed on Continental Ultra Gatorskins. They are just Gatorskins now. The point I was trying to make is that different people have different preferences and experiences when it comes to bike tires.

I sense that you may have taken my comment in a way I did not intend it. If so, I am sorry because my intent was really to just say that I have had good experience with them. Besides I'm a Ford (truck) person, and have not driven a Chevy since I retired:)

Fine. I'm letting you know that you would have a much better experience on the Hardshell. My personal experience on both tires, and lots of similar experience from others that I've read in various reviews. I also like pie. But I'm not telling you what kind. ;)

In the end, you try new things and learn. Most riders here have a shelf/container of things they have tried and, for whatever reason, just didn't want to stick with. In mine I have an old "gelflow" Turbo saddle from years ago, moustache handlebars, weird foamy bar tape "better than cork", gel pad shorts, spring loaded fold-down aero bars, Performance tires, etc. If you really don't like your Ultras (and few things are as subject to personal taste/whim as cycling gear, use 'em for trainer tires or as food for the gread god Experience.

^^

This is definitely going to be one of those buy and try items. I have a few charity rides coming up and I wanted to have new tires on the bike before then. As with everything else, buying new bike tires for the first time is a hit or miss because you only have the word of others that like or dislike them, and that includes LBS employees. Plus, my insistence of wanting 25's narrowed it down some. If I don't like them, they will become backup tires, which is what the Kendas will be for now. I can't wait for this back to heal so I can get on the bike and try them out.

Nashbar is running good prices right now.

I had rubino pros once, I was not impressed