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Have been on Conti Grand Prix (not 4000’s). They are fine for me in the dry but not confidence enspiring in the wet.
1 mile in to a ride today the front exploded, the bead separated from the tyre wall !
So is it a set of GP 4000’s which I think are pricey at £65 for two, or is there a cheaper tyre ie Grand Prix money of <300g. Do GP’s size up big too?
Riding wise it’s no racing, just quiet back lanes that can be a bit ropey, but the GP’s have been fine previously
Check whether you have a burr on the inside edge of the rim as it could have worn-through the sidewall, but then again IME Contis have notoriously weak sidewalls. If you have room, also look at 28mm tyres - Schwalbe Durano is a good, robust tyre for reasonable money.
I use Schwalbe Durano plus. Wanted a robust tyre with good puncture protection and they work fine, no issues, nice and grippy, work well in the wet. Not really spent time on any other tyre so can't compare back to back with anything but life is too short to faff about with tyres if you're happy with what you're currently running. But a mate of mine uses GP4000's in the summer and Durano's in the winter, not sure why, but he seems to prefer the Durano's in the wet and cruddy conditions.
If you've torn the sidewall there I'd inspect it to ascertain the cause before potentially heading for the same failure with new tyres. Generally it's either a brake rub (misaligned brake pad and/or untrue wheel) or running low pressures. Check for abrasion etc.
4000s have always been great for me, no durability issues, and (speaking as a tight git) I've never regretted spending money on them. I think I've always found them for around £50 a pair with some careful looking, but maybe things have changed.