I have recently started having trouble with the sidwalls of my tires failing and I am hoping that I may find some answers here.

I am currently running Alex alloy rims on my Trek 1000. My original tires (Bontrager Select 700 X 25c) lasted about a year. Both tires failed by seperating above the rim bead on the side wall. I have since replaced them with Michelin Pro Race 700 X 25c. I have replaced the rear tire twice with the same problem. The LBS replaced the first one at no cost, but I lost the second one today after 15 miles total on the tire. The flats usually occur when I am going down hill and applying the brakes. Today I made it a point to feather the brakes when going down hill to try to not to overheat the rims. When the rear tire failed today I placed my hand on the rim ( after I got stopped of course ) to get a gauge of the temperature. The rim was warm, but not hot enough that I had to remove my hand.

I know that I sound like a "Fred" but WTF. I am going broke replacing tires.

Any suggestions?

Sounds like you have a sharp edge, or a bur or somthing on yout rim cutting into the sidewall, se'n as how it's up by the bead you're haveing yout problem....