best rim tape?

[e-rider]

I have tried loads of rim tapes over the years and I'm still not happy.
There is no doubt that the pre-fitted rim tape that comes with high-end wheelsets is the best, primarily because it is a perfect fit for the rim and usually doesn't move easily..
However, sometimes there is a need to buy or replace rim tape. Now before anyone jumps in and says Velox...... I have tried velox on numerous occasions and had mixed success. The main problems with Velox are: once it gets wet it stays wet, it is relatively heavy, and most annoyingly it has a tendency to move up under the hooked part of the rim preventing the tyre bead from seating nicely.
Continental, Schwalbe and the like are all crap.
Years ago Michelin used to make super tight fitting plastic tapes that lasted well and never moved a mm once installed - can't see these for sale nowadays though.
I see that Ritchey make a snap-on rim tape - anyone tried this?

 

[MisterStan]

I'll probably get shot down in flames here, but I have used electrical tape in the past (still have it on one of my wheelsets) without any problems.

 

[raindog]

Years ago Michelin used to make super tight fitting plastic tapes that lasted well and never moved a mm once installed - can't see these for sale nowadays though.

still available
http://www.bike24.com/p2475.html
other makes do similar stuff though - I'm using some made in Italy at the moment - essential for pressures of 100psi or more

 

[Smurfy]

I'll probably get shot down in flames here, but I have used electrical tape in the past (still have it on one of my wheelsets) without any problems.

I used to do that, but i use Velox now. If the OP is having trouble with tyre bead seating, Velox comes in a lot of different widths, you just have to shop around. Also, when it's put on it needs to be reasonably tight and smoothed down well. I normally run a blunt object, something like a knife handle, over the tape to make it stick tight. Then install the tyre and pump up to max pressure. After a while at high pressure the tape will stick well to the rim.

 

[Smurfy]

still available
http://www.bike24.com/p2475.html
other makes do similar stuff though - I'm using some made in Italy at the moment - essential for pressures of 100psi or more

Velox is fine at 130psi. I've tried it!

 

[andrew_s]

The best tape I've used is the old style Continental tape - rolls of sticky tape, thin and non-stretchy enough to cope with 150-160psi.
The old yellow Michelin tapes used to crack over the spoke holes after a while, and the cracks caused punctures.

 

[Smurfy]

The best tape I've used is the old style Continental tape - rolls of sticky tape, thin and non-stretchy enough to cope with 150-160psi.
The old yellow Michelin tapes used to crack over the spoke holes after a while, and the cracks caused punctures.

I threw some of that yellow Michelin tape in the bin not long ago for that exact reason!

 

[slowmotion]

Fabric rim tape is really tough but it doesn't encourage slippage of the beads when you have to get them into the well of the rim when you have a puncture with a stiff tyre like a Marathon Plus.

 

[YahudaMoon]

Velox clothe rim tape

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

I had a spate of punctures on the Ribble (standard wheels - Rodi Airlines), as the rim tape was splitting & allowing punctures due to tube ingress into the spoke holes

Found some tough (narrow) cloth tape, & wrapped rim twice, no issues since

 

[e-rider]

if anyone stumbles on this post, I can now say that Ritchey rim tape isn't worth looking at either ;-(
It doesn't fit tight, and moves easily (not what is says on the packet though).

 

[nappadang]

Will any of this work on a MTB rim? Please forgive my ignorance.

 

[Tim Hall]

Will any of this work on a MTB rim? Please forgive my ignorance.

Velox, and presumably others, are available in two widths. So yes. Your MTB will already have rim tape fitted though.

 

[Smurfy]

Velox, and presumably others, are available in two widths. So yes. Your MTB will already have rim tape fitted though.

There's waaaaay more than two widths! SJS are listing three widths, and Planet X (where I bought some a while back) are listing five widths.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/jante-velox-rim-cloth-self-adhesive-rim-tape-prod761/

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WSVXRT2M/velox_rim_tape_2m_roll

 

[e-rider]

A new take on the classic Velox rim tape 'Schwalbe High Pressure Cloth Rim Tape'
This stuff is thinner, lighter, resistant to water, and much more sticky than velox, and can handle up to 145 psi.
Only problem is currently only 15mm and 18mm are imported to UK (Schwalbe do make other widths)
Can be bought for £5 for two rolls. I've just tried it and it appears to be amazing!