My Topolino rear wheel is on it's way back from being repaired. It was covered under warranty (1 yr) so I just have to pay for shipping it to them. I talked to them on the phone and they said that they couldn't determine the cause of the failure.
As for tires, everyone has one if not several recommendations.
I like:
Continental GP3000, GP4000 Michelin ProRace 2 Verdestein Fortezza SE (the cheap blue ones)
I didn't like:
Bontrager tires the ship with mid-range Kleins. Hutchison Carbon Comp Continental Attack/Force