Do i need rim tape?

whydoesitalwaysrainonme
whydoesitalwaysrainonme Posts: 532
edited June 2009 in Road buying advice
Have just had my built up mavic open pro rims/shim hubs and DT spokes delivered. And i noticed there is no rim tape on the rims. Do i need rim tape? and also what does rim tape do?
cheers Jamie
Ribble Gran Fondo
Focus Black Hills
Raleigh Chopper

Comments

  • avoidingmyphd
    avoidingmyphd Posts: 1,154
    i'm sure you do.

    it stops the inner tube expanding into the spoke holes and puncturing as soon as you pump it up.

    go for velox, everyone seems to think it's the best.
  • bahzob
    bahzob Posts: 2,195
    Yes you need rim tape. If you've already got some insulating tape in tool box you can run a layer of that round the rim.
    Martin S. Newbury RC
  • whydoesitalwaysrainonme
    whydoesitalwaysrainonme Posts: 532
    Okay, cheers guys. Just checking if it is needed or not as i have never ordered new wheels before, have ordered the tape (i am going to use rim tape instead of insulation tape just to be safe).
    Ribble Gran Fondo
    Focus Black Hills
    Raleigh Chopper
  • dag_on_a_bike
    dag_on_a_bike Posts: 581
    avoidingmyphd wrote:
    ...it stops the inner tube expanding into the spoke holes and puncturing as soon as you pump it up...

    I can vouch for that. Once mdae the mistake of re-using rim tape from old wheels when I purchased new wheels. BIG mistake indeed. 4 punctures in 5 miles.

    Replaced the rim tape & didn't have another puncture on those wheels/tyres for well over 1000 miles.

    At less than £10 per pair, it's just not worth messing.
    There's no such thing as too old.
  • bahzob
    bahzob Posts: 2,195
    Just for info in case any weight weenies like me out there.

    Alternative to rim tape are Veloplugs.

    http://veloplug.com/

    I use these on my climbing wheels along with latex innertubes and they are fine. Only thing to be aware of is to put some insulating tape over valve hole. (Think this is worth doing if using latex inners even with rim tape).

    (PS just in case anyone says use tubs not clincher wheels. Use these for sportives so expect to get the occasional puncture or three)
    Martin S. Newbury RC
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I used insulation tape when I needed to as a stop gap. Its been perfect - so no need to go and buy rim tape in my experience.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    I had plastic rim tape melt to the tube on a long Pyrennean descent, fortunately didn't get a blow out, will only use Velox cloth tape now. Electrical tape would be liable to the same problem I expect.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Blimey = that is hot. I did blow a tyre on a descent but thats prob cos I had 140PSI in it, and there was a lot of traffic around too. :oops:
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Yeah, very hot day, ascended on the road then off road descent so braking control needed all the time (v brakes), quite a thrill , about 30 minutes of descending from 1300 metres, only 1 fall :oops: :lol:

    The tube was wrecked though still airtight, I had to chip the plastic off the rim with a screwdriver where it had melted then hardened.

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