Rim tape needed or not?

[Cyclist33]

If persists, check the rims for rough or sharp edges. My fulcrum came with a minuscule disparity at the rim join up front. Punctures every time. I could have sent them back but a bit of sandpapering on the internal face of the join and all was well. That was a week into their life and that was two years ago and I have had no punctures since.

 

[Apollonius]

If you choose to finish at the valve (which is my preference, because it does allow you to get the opposite side deep into the well of the wheel) then don't omit to push the valve up into the tyre chamber to make sure the bead of the tyre can seat properly. You can throw away the little threaded collar that goes round the valve stem. It has no function.