Rim tape?

Lagavulin

Is it wheel specific or generic?

I'm sick to the back teeth of getting rimside punctures that I chucked my new DT Swiss 1850s back in their bloody wheel bags.

Any particular are the rules regarding rim tape?

Anything to stop me doubling up on the tape? If not would it have to be more of the same (came supplied with DT's 1450 stuff).

acorn_user

Racing rims will all take the same rim tape. Wider rims need a rider rim tape.

Velox is renowned as the best rim tape. I have tried Pedros, and did not like it at all.

You could always try veloplugs.

rustychisel

yeah, one word. Velox.

John Stevenson

I'm partial to Ritchey rim tape myself. Thin enough that it helps with fitting/removing tight tyres, wide enough it covers the whole rim well.

whyamihere

I use electrical tape. Wrap 2 layers of it, trim the excess, works perfectly, and costs approximately nothing.

rustychisel

whyamihere wrote:

I use electrical tape. Wrap 2 layers of it, trim the excess, works perfectly, and costs approximately nothing.

yes, but, traps moisture, used to lead to problems with chromed rims (not much of a problem these days), sharp edges can slice tubes at high pressure. Best as a stopgap measure only IMO.

Lagavulin

Lagavulin wrote:

Any particular are the rules regarding rim tape?

Yes, because that makes lots of sense. Pillock

Thanks for replies.

I've ordered a couple of rolls of Velox so I'll give that a try.

Unfortunately I did have to order a Northwave winter jersey and some SKS raceblades in order to qualify for Wiggle's 10% discount.

aracer

rustychisel wrote:

whyamihere wrote:

I use electrical tape. Wrap 2 layers of it, trim the excess, works perfectly, and costs approximately nothing.

yes, but, traps moisture, used to lead to problems with chromed rims (not much of a problem these days), sharp edges can slice tubes at high pressure. Best as a stopgap measure only IMO.

How does electrical tape trap moisture any more than any other adhesive tape (eg Velox)? Not sure why you even mention issues with chromed rims. Where are these sharp edges on the insulating tape that are slicing the tube? Only an issue if you are trying to stand the tape on its side from what I can see!

I reckon Velox is only renowned as the "best" rim tape in the same way that Mavic are renowned as the "best" wheels - because it's ubiquitous, and most people have never tried a different good quality tape. The disadvantage to it is that it's rather thick, so can make mounting and removing tyres more of a hassle - though this could be an advantage if you have loose fitting tyres. Personally I much prefer Continental adhesive tape - works in much the same way as Velox, with similarly strong adhesive, but is much thinner (with the bonus of also being lighter). Thinking of trying some Veloplugs on my new wheels though.

Lagavulin

Arrived this morning and hopefully this has done the trick.

I've put the Velox tape ontop of the supplied DT Swiss 1450 tape.

Still think I'll put these wheels away soon as they're white and winter wont be kind to them me thinks.

Think I'll invest in a couple of more rolls of this Velox stuff though.

Ironically I set off this morning on my old AT400s which haven't given me any bother since I put the Armadillo Mondo Pros on and promptly got a rimside puncture.
I've had tubes fail at the base of the valve before but not a cut in the valve a few cm from the valve as happened this morning.
One side of the tape does seem to have lifted and appeared relatively sharp.

Is doubling up on rimtape a no no?
I've done it with the 1850s but those rims seem quite deep and both tube and tyre went in ok.

Unless I decide to get a cheap pair of Mavic or Shimano wheels I'll probably be using the AT400s through the winter. Would it be best to replace rather than suppliment the tape on these?

alan_sherman

Replace rather than suppliment as it might make it difficult to fit a tyre due ot the extra height of 2 lots of rim tape.

dennisn

Forget rim tape. Tear it off. Go with "Tufo" tubular clinchers. Easier to mount and
change a flat, than a regular clincher. Rides just fine. And is actually safer than a clincher
because it stays on the rim after a flat. As an added plus the tire sealant that "Tufo"
makes really works. And no, I don't have stock in "Tufo". Also their tubulars are
damn good tires and their tubular gluing tape is very easy to work with and holds
like crazy.

Dennis Noward

Toledo, Ohio

cougie

I've used insulation tape as a stop gap. Er, its been several years now and I cant quite remember which set of wheels has it on ! Seems to be working though.