MattoftheRocks

Just saw a post that mentioned it on duranos and remembered my trial of gators that led me to toss one tire after less than a month. That was a rear one and it initially looked as though I'd stuck a big pebble/small rock between the sidewall and the tube when I'd noticed the frayed-out sidewall. Removed, inspected, seemed structurally fine but I wasn't going to chance it. I continued riding as normal, occasionally going off on the dirt and gravel roads and ignored the frays on the front one for a year or so till the tread had a nice wide flat shape along the center and then shelved it.
Do all "skinwall" schwalbes do this? Why would they bother to put those threads there if they have no structure value and look rotten when new and worse when used?

seau grateau

This is why I don't buy Gatorskins anymore. As for why they still do it, I have no idea.

Leukybear 

It's not just a problem with gatorskins.... most conti road tires do it eventually as the thread starts to dry out. It's a common occurrence that's been happening for the last 20+ years with their tires.

I think nothing of it but brake and hub floss. Just be sure to check up on the loose strands on your brand calipers and axles every now and then.