On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 03:41:37 GMT, Monroe <minburn1@telus.net> wrote:

> As to significant rain, we've had drought for 3
>of the past 4 years. I'm living at the edge of parkland/prairie . . .
>. arid conditions with relatively low annual rainfall (you mention
>Cold Lake . . . interestingly enough, historically there is
>significantly more rain received in that area despite being close to
>where I live). While rain is sometimes a concern, extreme heat and
>highway miles is the bigger concern. I've actually never owned a tire
>that didn't fare reasonably well in rains out here. Now if this was
>out on the coast, certainly a different story.

I recall running into one of those big blue-black prarie thunderstorms
outside Medicine Hat in 1993. It wouldn't have been so bad except that
the pavement had distinct low spots in the main traffic lanes, just a
couple of inches deep, but quite enough to aquaplane the somewhat worn
tires I was running.

>You mention the wide performance tires. Necessarily low profile?

Depends whether you like your cornering on the vigorous side or not.

>Low profile on the bad roads here equate to a rough, jarring ride.

Which some of us don't mind in the interests of better handling.
But chaque a son gout!

> Or is there a middle ground in this decision? I'm currently using stock 14
>inch wheels.

On the sportier Hondas, two wheel sizes are offered, a larger
diameter, wider alloy wheel and an inch smaller diameter, narrower
steel wheel. Usually these fit the stodgier four door Hondas as well.
I suppose if the softer ride of the higher sidewall tire is more
important to you, you could stick with the stock rims.