Rim tape needed or not?

[Arjimlad]

I have just unwrapped these new Shimano RS11 wheels and keep getting pinch punctures trying to fit inner tubes. Wondered if they need rim tape? I thought they came with it..

 

[Smokin Joe]

Er, that blue stuff is rim tape.

If you keep getting pinch punctures you are probably using tyre levers and trapping the tube between them and the tyre bead. Try using a pair of heavy gloves for extra thumb power instead and use a bit of talc on the bead for lubrication.

And put a little bit of air in the tube first to give it some shape.

 

[Arjimlad]

Thanks. Yes I am using tyre levers. I've never had this problem before!

 

[Apollonius]

Do not use tyre levers for fitting tyres. Push the fitted bit of the tyre deep down into the well of the wheel, and finish at the valve. Belief is important!

 

[adamhearn]

As Smokin Joe suggested plus.. if you have tightly fitting tyres, force them in to rim well around the wheel as much as possible by hand and use shoes laces to hold the stretch point. Continue to force it on moving the shoe lace further up. There's a video around that shows the technique. It's best to not use a tyre lever when putting a tyre on as it's easy to catch the tube.

 

[fossyant]

Talc the inside of the tyres and the tubes. Jobs a good un.

 

[busman]

I replace my rim tape with electrical tape as this doesn't move when changing tubes.

 

[jack smith]

Put a little air in the tube, just so it has shape, put one side of the tyre on and place the part inflated tube onto the wheel, put start by the valve and work the tyre onto the rim with your hand, if it gets too hard right at the end you can let the air out to help you out, but make sure you pull on the tyre and check the bead on both sides all the way round when the tyre is fully fitted to make sure you cant see the tube poking out or you will get a flat right away

 

[IncoherentJeff]

When fitting new tubes I fit them & the tyres to the rim (with levers if it's a tight fit), then inflate them most of the way, then deflate them & finally reinflate them to the correct psi before riding.

I find it help to stop the inner tube being pinched between the tyre bead & rim which can happen while you're struggling to fit stubborn tyres. It could be over the top I can't remember where I got it from.

 

[robgul]

The other trick when fitting tyres (by hand or with a lever ... use plastic ones!) is to fix a strap round the rim/tyre (toeclip straps are ideal) so you're only working in one direction and the tyre doesn't come off the rim at the end where you aren't trying to get the bead over the rim

Rob

 

[fossyant]

I replace my rim tape with electrical tape as this doesn't move when changing tubes.

Electrical tape is not strong enough.

Velox rim tape doesn't move.

 

[busman]

Electrical tape is not strong enough.

Velox rim tape doesn't move.

Not had a problem yet. Keeping my fingers crossed I don't get any problems

 

[fossyant]

Not had a problem yet. Keeping my fingers crossed I don't get any problems

Good luck. Road tyres ?

 

[busman]

Yeah

 

[Arjimlad]

All sorted! Talc and gloves helped and I'd been starting, not finishing, at the valve. Thanks everyone.