Rim Tape

[colinr]

I didn't even know there were options involved in something as simple as rim tape.

What's the best width for a regular set of 700cc road wheels?

I bought some to make my Merlin order cheaper before they switched the promotion, but it seems a bit narrow and just stretches round rather than sticking to the rim. The sticking stuff is better right? That's what my other bikes came with.

 

[GrasB]

Velox rim tape is the stuff to get. For a standard road wheel you'll want the road or 13mm width.

 

[raindog]

I got sick of having rimtape-related puncture problems so now always use Michelin - extra strong - withstands high pressures. Never had a problem since.

 

[accountantpete]

With expensive wheels they supply Raindog's sort of rim tape which is a strong plastic type. The key is that it goes on tight so it can't move - hence no need for sticky stuff.

Takes a bit of practice putting it on - you have to continually stretch it slightly whilst doing so to avoid over-stretching the final bit (otherwise the tape will lose its elasticity and its grip).

 

[PpPete]

I've used Velox and Schwalbe, not had a problem with either. Either way it needs to be wide enough to cover the full width of the "well" in the rim.

 

[colinr]

Thanks, this bike-from-scratch thing is proving highly educational!
I may have to give in and go to a bike shop for this one, don't want to get it wrong and have to do it again post-puncture.

 

[tyred]

Electrical Insulating tape is fine.

 

[colinr]

Electrical Insulating tape is fine.

But for the sake of a few quid, it would just feel so wrong on a bike made entirely of brand new parts!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I use the conti plastic stuff when I build my own wheels (oh hark at me, two wheel built and I think I'm an expert)

 

[Rob3rt]

I have only experienced rim strip. My Mavics came with a nylon type sealed strip that had to be stretched over the rim, it was not adhesive. Its worked fine so far.

 

[spriag]

Out of interest whats the purpose of rim tape? To protect the inner tube?

 

[Ravenbait]

The holes where the spoke nipples are seated will eventually wear into the inner tube unless it is protected.

I had some stuff that came as a single strip that had to be stretched over the rim. It was amazingly robust but a bugger to fit. I'm in the market for rim tape myself, though. Is ther anything that's just as robust but doesn't need to be stretched over the rim?

Sam

 

[Kestevan]

+1 for the Velox tape.

Can't beat it.

 

[PpPete]

The holes where the spoke nipples are seated will eventually wear into the inner tube unless it is protected.

I had some stuff that came as a single strip that had to be stretched over the rim. It was amazingly robust but a bugger to fit. I'm in the market for rim tape myself, though. Is ther anything that's just as robust but doesn't need to be stretched over the rim?

Sam

Velox

 

[colinr]

Velox is ordered. My inner tubes shall be happy.