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Report Summary

28 YOM reports that he has had 2 sidewall blowout incidents of the road bicycle tires. He states that this is very hazardous as the tires are meant to be used at high speeds and in traffic. There were no signs of cutting and the sidewall casing simply pulled itself apart.

Product Details

Product Description: Continental "Grand Prix 4000 S" 700x23c road bicycle tire.
Manufacturer/Importer/Private Labeler Name: CONTINENTAL AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (AG)
Brand Name: Continental
Model Name or Number: Grand Prix 4000 S 700x23c
Serial Number:
UPC Code:
SKU#:
Date Manufactured:
Retailer: Don't remember.
Retailer State:
Purchase Date:
Product Category: Sports and Recreation
Product Type: Cycling, Scooters, Skateboards & Skates
Product Code: Bicycles and Accessories, (Excl.mountain or All-terrain) (5040)

Associated Recall

Incident Details

Incident Description: I have just experienced my second unexplained sidewall blowout with Continental's "Grand Prix 4000 S" road bicycle tires. Obviously these are not just a "recreational product", as they are used at high speeds and in traffic, so this is a serious safety issue. There are no signs of cutting where either tire has blown out; the sidewall casing appears to have simply pulled itself apart, leaving a ragged hole. There is a little more to this than just 2 tire failures. "Once upon a time", probably 3-4 years ago, these were great, reliable tires. More recently, all of the stock I have bought in the USA and elsewhere has, after short periods of use, started having threads dangling out of the sidewall near the tire bead, shown signs of rubber cracking where one would expect it on maybe 10-year-old tires, etc.
Incident Date: 6/28/2011
Incident Location: Street or Highway

Victims Involved

Injury Information: Incident, No Injury
My Relationship to the Victim: Self
Sex: Male
Victim's Age When Incident Occurred: 28 years

Comments from the Manufacturer/Private Labeler

The Continental Two Wheel Business Unit received the report regarding a consumer complaint with a road bicycle tire on July 19th, 2011 via the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission. We confirm that the safety and the satisfaction of our customers is of paramount importance to us. It is our goal to resolve all customer complaints in a fast and reliable manner through our local business partners. In the meantime, a Continental Customer Service Canada representative, has contacted [REDACTED], who submitted the report, in order to obtain additional information and the complained tire. Once this input becomes available it will be professionally analyzed by qualified experts. Based on the results we will work together with [REDACTED] in order to establish a solution that meets the legitimate expectations of all involved parties.

Additional Details

Submitter has product?: Yes
Product was damaged before incident?: No
Product was modified before incident?: No
If yes to any, explanation: I contacted the manufacturer by e-mail about the first failure but received no reply.
Have you contacted the manufacturer?: Yes
If Not, Do you plan to?:

Report Number: 20110629-EBF1D-2147477721
Report Date: 6/29/2011
Sent to Manufacturer/Importer/Private Labeler:
Report First Publication Date: 7/22/2011
Category of Submitter: Consumer