Sidewall blowout on GP4000SII
#1
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Sidewall blowout on GP4000SII
52 miles into a ride, my front tire blew out while doing about 20 mph on a nice wide shoulder with minimal debris. Not sure how many miles are on these tires but guessing in the 1500 range. Still plenty of life left in them according to the wear indicator holes. It was bad enough that I didn't think I'd make it the 25 miles home if I put in a spare tube so called for a ride.
I don't race or do high speed cornering so it doesn't seem like the side walls should have seen much wear. I was running at 85PSI on the front where I used to run a little under 90 but it sure didn't seem like it was underinflated. I'm 160lbs and these were 700X25 tires.
Is there a way to tell if the sidewall is weakening on a tire or is it just a crap shoot as to if/when they fail?
I don't race or do high speed cornering so it doesn't seem like the side walls should have seen much wear. I was running at 85PSI on the front where I used to run a little under 90 but it sure didn't seem like it was underinflated. I'm 160lbs and these were 700X25 tires.
Is there a way to tell if the sidewall is weakening on a tire or is it just a crap shoot as to if/when they fail?
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Most likely something damaged the sidewall, maybe even on a previous ride. Check your tires often in good light.
#3
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This happened to someone in our club a couple months ago, it was a new 4000sII he'd had on the bike for just 10 days. I wonder if they had a bad batch? IIRC he bought it from one of the UK sellers.
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Mis-adjusted brakes? Brake pad rubbing the tire?
There should be telltale marks on the tire.
-Tim-
There should be telltale marks on the tire.
-Tim-
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I've had a couple of blowouts, and only once did I realize I actually hit something. Sometimes you just don't know that you actually hit something to blow it out. These are some of the most popular tires in the market, so I wouldn't immediately jump to the conclusion that it's a manufacturing problem. More of these tires on road means a higher percentage of problems being reported.
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#6
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I had the same thing happen, same tire, it was in the side wall not much above the rim. Its was not the brake rubbing! However I had hit something months ago that caused a flat, so I figure it just took this long to completely cause a large enough hole in the side wall to blow the inner tube.
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search bf for numerous threads on GP4000s and sidewall issues. And btw, GP5000s probably have the same.
#8
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I had a 4000S II sidewall cut recently. That tire had maybe 200 miles on it. I was able to boot it with a Lara bar wrapper, but had to discard the tire once I got home. Frustrating.
#9
Non omnino gravis
Sadly, the issue is widely known and well documented. Whether it's bad quality control or something else, any time you mount up a GP4000, you never really know what's going to happen. It might last 5,000 miles and never give you an issue, or the sidewall might blow out in two days. It's not a bash against Continental-- they make some of the most popular tires out there-- it just is what it is. So umm, caveat emptor.
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"Never happened to me. Your all liars. Continental makes a fine tire!" (a typical response on these threads).
I have blown out a sidewall on these (after countless flats) and the tire is likely trash now. I was riding on gravel at the time, and assume it was a sharp rock but I never found the object.
I think rather than flat out denying the issue exists, people running GP 4000's should at least be aware that the sidewalls on these tires are not designed for anything more challenging than perfect pavement that's swept regularly (which rules out every single road in CA). Riding these on gravel is flat-out asking for trouble.
But other than that, these are some great tires, worth every penny. Just be aware of their fragility over many common surfaces, and stick to good pavement whenever possible.
I have blown out a sidewall on these (after countless flats) and the tire is likely trash now. I was riding on gravel at the time, and assume it was a sharp rock but I never found the object.
I think rather than flat out denying the issue exists, people running GP 4000's should at least be aware that the sidewalls on these tires are not designed for anything more challenging than perfect pavement that's swept regularly (which rules out every single road in CA). Riding these on gravel is flat-out asking for trouble.
But other than that, these are some great tires, worth every penny. Just be aware of their fragility over many common surfaces, and stick to good pavement whenever possible.
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LOL, I always so enjoy these threads. I've had one sidewall blowout on a new one of these years ago when they were certainly having an issue with a batch of them. But the reality for me is I run these more than any other tire on my many bikes. I probably easily have over 30,000 miles on them over the years with only the one blow out. Maybe 3 or 4 flats over that time too. I really don't give using these a second thought. Oh and I routinely do descents on them in the 45-55 mph range, no worries.
I even flat spotted the rear on one a couple of years ago when I locked up the back for a second avoiding an idiot camper that did a U-turn in front of me on a country road. Got home 20+ miles after the event to find I had worn clear through to the white casing when I locked up the brake. yet the tire held up just fine, no flat or blowout of any kind.
Obviously it does happen sometimes but it's not something I see any value in worrying about.
Oh and I ride really crappy chipseal roads all the time so it's not like I'm babying them on smooth pavement only. I don't even know what it's like to ride on smooth pavement, LOL!
Of course I've never considered them a gravel tire, they are road racing clinchers. If you ride them in gravel and they fail then that's user error to me, not a problem with the tire.
I even flat spotted the rear on one a couple of years ago when I locked up the back for a second avoiding an idiot camper that did a U-turn in front of me on a country road. Got home 20+ miles after the event to find I had worn clear through to the white casing when I locked up the brake. yet the tire held up just fine, no flat or blowout of any kind.
Obviously it does happen sometimes but it's not something I see any value in worrying about.
Oh and I ride really crappy chipseal roads all the time so it's not like I'm babying them on smooth pavement only. I don't even know what it's like to ride on smooth pavement, LOL!
Of course I've never considered them a gravel tire, they are road racing clinchers. If you ride them in gravel and they fail then that's user error to me, not a problem with the tire.
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#12
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"Never happened to me. Your all liars. Continental makes a fine tire!" (a typical response on these threads).
I have blown out a sidewall on these (after countless flats) and the tire is likely trash now. I was riding on gravel at the time, and assume it was a sharp rock but I never found the object.
I think rather than flat out denying the issue exists, people running GP 4000's should at least be aware that the sidewalls on these tires are not designed for anything more challenging than perfect pavement that's swept regularly (which rules out every single road in CA). Riding these on gravel is flat-out asking for trouble.
But other than that, these are some great tires, worth every penny. Just be aware of their fragility over many common surfaces, and stick to good pavement whenever possible.
I have blown out a sidewall on these (after countless flats) and the tire is likely trash now. I was riding on gravel at the time, and assume it was a sharp rock but I never found the object.
I think rather than flat out denying the issue exists, people running GP 4000's should at least be aware that the sidewalls on these tires are not designed for anything more challenging than perfect pavement that's swept regularly (which rules out every single road in CA). Riding these on gravel is flat-out asking for trouble.
But other than that, these are some great tires, worth every penny. Just be aware of their fragility over many common surfaces, and stick to good pavement whenever possible.
Also, never said "Continental makes a fine tire" nor did I come in to White Knight for them. Facts are hard, I know, but that's all I was doing. There are a lot of these tires out there, could be a manufacturing problem, or maybe they are more prone to sidewall blowouts. But I don't know, so what I suggested was not to jump to any conclusion, either way.
And FYI, I live in the Bay Area, where our roads are hot garbage. I've used Continental tires almost exclusively for probably 10 years or more, and haven't blown a sidewall on one. Again, not White Knighting, just stating facts, which may or may not bother you.
#14
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"Never happened to me. Your all liars. Continental makes a fine tire!" (a typical response on these threads).
I have blown out a sidewall on these (after countless flats) and the tire is likely trash now. I was riding on gravel at the time, and assume it was a sharp rock but I never found the object.
I think rather than flat out denying the issue exists, people running GP 4000's should at least be aware that the sidewalls on these tires are not designed for anything more challenging than perfect pavement that's swept regularly (which rules out every single road in CA). Riding these on gravel is flat-out asking for trouble.
But other than that, these are some great tires, worth every penny. Just be aware of their fragility over many common surfaces, and stick to good pavement whenever possible.
I have blown out a sidewall on these (after countless flats) and the tire is likely trash now. I was riding on gravel at the time, and assume it was a sharp rock but I never found the object.
I think rather than flat out denying the issue exists, people running GP 4000's should at least be aware that the sidewalls on these tires are not designed for anything more challenging than perfect pavement that's swept regularly (which rules out every single road in CA). Riding these on gravel is flat-out asking for trouble.
But other than that, these are some great tires, worth every penny. Just be aware of their fragility over many common surfaces, and stick to good pavement whenever possible.
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For those concerned about the sidewalls of GP4000/5000, the GP GT might be an option. I've used the 25s and they seem to ride as well as the 4000s. I may not be as discriminating as some but even I can tell they are nicer than Gatorskins. Relatively inexpensive. https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/.../rp-prod109859 The 25s measure 28mm on 23mm (external) wheels.
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Sidewall blows out, I report what happens, and yet I have no credibility. Because what happened to me (and other people in this thread) somehow didn't happen. Just because you say it didn't. Explain to me how that works.
"Hot garbage?" Pot, kettle.
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Agreed
The downside? They're slower and stiffer. Oh, well.
#18
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Who said anything about statistics? Did you even read the OP?
Sidewall blows out, I report what happens, and yet I have no credibility. Because what happened to me (and other people in this thread) somehow didn't happen. Just because you say it didn't. Explain to me how that works.
"Hot garbage?" Pot, kettle.
Sidewall blows out, I report what happens, and yet I have no credibility. Because what happened to me (and other people in this thread) somehow didn't happen. Just because you say it didn't. Explain to me how that works.
"Hot garbage?" Pot, kettle.
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Who said anything about statistics? Did you even read the OP?
Sidewall blows out, I report what happens, and yet I have no credibility. Because what happened to me (and other people in this thread) somehow didn't happen. Just because you say it didn't. Explain to me how that works.
"Hot garbage?" Pot, kettle.
Sidewall blows out, I report what happens, and yet I have no credibility. Because what happened to me (and other people in this thread) somehow didn't happen. Just because you say it didn't. Explain to me how that works.
"Hot garbage?" Pot, kettle.
LOL, I think it's funny how everyone is attacking your first post while ignoring the obvious biased one by DRIsotope that makes it sound like the world is going to end if you use these.
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Can we clarify what we're talking about here? Are you guys saying the sidewall suddenly rips open because of the pressure from the tube inside the tire, with no external forces acting on it?
Not saying that's impossible, but it just seems so unlikely. Sure, you could hit a sharp piece of debris on the sidewall and have a sudden explosive decompression, but that's just a flat because you hit something. Would be curious to see photos of the failures because if it's a debris-induced gash, I can't see how one could blame a manufacturing issue for any of this.
If people are so worried about these tires, just switch to Gatorskins. Those things are absurdly tough.
Not saying that's impossible, but it just seems so unlikely. Sure, you could hit a sharp piece of debris on the sidewall and have a sudden explosive decompression, but that's just a flat because you hit something. Would be curious to see photos of the failures because if it's a debris-induced gash, I can't see how one could blame a manufacturing issue for any of this.
If people are so worried about these tires, just switch to Gatorskins. Those things are absurdly tough.
#21
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I've had sidewall failure on only one tire in recent memory, an inexpensive Michelin World Tour.
I have had sidewall cuts (from debris or stones) on the following two types of tire: Panaracer Pasela and GP4000S II. Pasela seems particularly vulnerable to side gashes. Otherwise, it's a pretty nice riding tire.
The 4000s are a nice tire, too, but they don't hold up to my type of use, which involves riding in the dark during the winter. Dusk and dark are where the bad things happen because I can't see road debris as well.
I have had sidewall cuts (from debris or stones) on the following two types of tire: Panaracer Pasela and GP4000S II. Pasela seems particularly vulnerable to side gashes. Otherwise, it's a pretty nice riding tire.
The 4000s are a nice tire, too, but they don't hold up to my type of use, which involves riding in the dark during the winter. Dusk and dark are where the bad things happen because I can't see road debris as well.
#22
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I've never seen a sidewall "blow-out" on any tire I've run in the past 65 years. OTOH I've had many sidewall cuts on various tire brands and models. It only takes one sharp rock or bit of debris on perfect pavement which one hadn't noticed. It's not true that only riding on perfect pavement will prevent flats and sidewall cuts. It is true that the faster the tire, the thinner the sidewall and thus the more likely one is to get a sidewall cut. One can run tires with reinforced sidewalls and be fine with the fact that one is slower on them. Personal preference, just not mine.
I've ridden our tandem with GP4000IIs on miles of really awful gravel, some with potato-sized rocks, no problem but not my route designs either. I also had a huge cut on Michelin Endurance PRO4 tires in the first 100 yards of gravel. Neither proves anything. I'm experienced enough to always carry a light spare tire so it's never a great bother and never went down due to a cut. Hit the brake on the good tire and pretend you're running sew-ups and put the spare on.
If someone wants to claim "sidewall blowout with no previous damage," a photograph of same would be a good idea. Otherwise for sure you're going to have posters calling BS on it.
I've ridden our tandem with GP4000IIs on miles of really awful gravel, some with potato-sized rocks, no problem but not my route designs either. I also had a huge cut on Michelin Endurance PRO4 tires in the first 100 yards of gravel. Neither proves anything. I'm experienced enough to always carry a light spare tire so it's never a great bother and never went down due to a cut. Hit the brake on the good tire and pretend you're running sew-ups and put the spare on.
If someone wants to claim "sidewall blowout with no previous damage," a photograph of same would be a good idea. Otherwise for sure you're going to have posters calling BS on it.
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#23
Non omnino gravis
Do spontaneous failures happen? Of course. Less than 200 miles on a Panaracer Gravelking SK 700x35. Tire was aired to 60psi. Went off like a gunshot. I sent these exact photos to Panaracer, they replaced the tire no questions asked. The replacement tire was on the bike until the knobs wore off. I've gotten sidewall cuts from debris, rock, etc on every manner of tire. This one just up and exploded. It happens.
#24
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I think nearly every single one of my riding buddies who has gone through the GP4000Sii hype phase has also gone through the “too many sidewall cuts” phase and ultimately switched to a different tire.
Here in CA, our roads aren’t roads. They’re cracked up concrete covered in glass and gravel. Loose over hard, if you will. We run over 10-30 (rough estimate of course) small rocks on every ride. Most of us have been hit by rocks flying out from underneath tires multiple times. It’s not rough roads that gets GP4000Sii sidewalls. It’s gravel.
One of my friends talked to a conti rep at Sea otter and asked him about the sidewalls on GP4ks and I remember him saying something along the lines of “I wouldn’t train on these tires”.
Here in CA, our roads aren’t roads. They’re cracked up concrete covered in glass and gravel. Loose over hard, if you will. We run over 10-30 (rough estimate of course) small rocks on every ride. Most of us have been hit by rocks flying out from underneath tires multiple times. It’s not rough roads that gets GP4000Sii sidewalls. It’s gravel.
One of my friends talked to a conti rep at Sea otter and asked him about the sidewalls on GP4ks and I remember him saying something along the lines of “I wouldn’t train on these tires”.
#25
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I hate to add to the anecdotal, non-scientific stories but I ran GP4000’s for years, two sets to a total of about 6000 miles without issues. Our roads are third world in some areas with massive potholes that sometimes cannot be avoided. Maybe others are harder on tires. I unload over bumps and don’t overinflate. But I’m no lightweight and they’ve been great for me. I’m not riding them on my new bike as it came with good tires but I’d go back in a minute.
edit: I avoid road shoulders and gravel as much as possible and only ride on concrete or asphalt roads.
edit: I avoid road shoulders and gravel as much as possible and only ride on concrete or asphalt roads.