I used to like BC’s but I had a couple of ruptured side walls so switched to maxxis and schwalbe – no similar issues.

…but yeah BC’s are a world better for grip than the non-BC versions.

I have never had problems with conti tyres, but there does seem to be a common theme of problems.

I think the problem is actually the hand made in Germany gives inconsistent results. They should either automate the German production or let the eastern factory use the BC compound.

@MSP, if you check out the recent factory tour video, theres not a whole lot of handmade in the handmade part.

I rather think that its acutally us riders that are inconsistent.

Personally, i think Conti err towards the side of making tyres for winning races on, whereas other brands maybe lean towards a tyre average Joe can enjoy even when battering the most clumsy line possible through a rock garden after a heavy winter training regime of beer and curry. Just a feeling i get from the way products are marketed etc.

Nothing wrong with either approach, and i think the truth is that if you buy a top of the range version, its pretty hard to buy a bad tyre from any of the major manufacturers. Just some will suit some riders more than others.