New Wheels - spoke hole plugs or rim tape?

arlowood

Just taken delivery of my new Shimano RS80 wheelset from Merlin Cycles - ordered afternoon of 28th - delivered today (30th) at 3pm. Hats off to the guys at Merlin.

Looking through the set-up instructions, Shimano recommend using spoke hole plugs or traditional rim tape to protect the inner tubes when assembled.

I have done quite a bit of searching and eventually located a source of the plugs at Planet X Bikes

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WSV ... -veloplugs

I gather the plugs add less weight to the wheel than conventional rim tape - according to some comments i have read.

Anyone got any experience of using these plugs? Also any opinions on the merits or otherwise of these plugs over rim tape.

Plugs cost £9.99 for a pack of 72 - roll of rim tape is about £3

fleshtuxedo

I've used Veloplugs and they do just what they claim - lighter than tape & make tyres easier to install and remove.

ajb72

I've no experience of the plugs sorry, but how much weight can rim tape really add compared to the plugs??? Tape is tried and tested and a fail safe (I'm a Velox fan).

cougie

How does rim tape make it harder to get tyres on and off ?

I'm with rim tape all the way. Or failing that - a loop of insulation tape works just as well !

ajb72

cougie wrote:

How does rim tape make it harder to get tyres on and off ?

I'm with rim tape all the way. Or failing that - a loop of insulation tape works just as well !

Not so sure about that. I tried that when new tapes hadn't arrived in time for a ride in the Peaks last year, but following a slower rider down a very steep descent meant I was on the brakes far more than I'd have liked. The resulting heat in the rim shrank the insulation tape and hey presto I punctured - fortunately only seconds after a 90 degree turn! I had applied a couple of layers too, so presumed it would hold.

Lesson learned for me, rim tape only!

alfablue

I have welded the plastic "rim tape" to the tube because of the heat build up on a Pyreneean descent. The tube didn't puncture but when I removed the tyre the tube was "as one" with the rim tape (same would have happened with insulating tape). This was the first I knew of the problem, but it could have ended nastily! Since then I have only used fabric Velox tape.

schweiz

I tried the insulation tape method once...I got about 9km before I flatted.

I've had mixed success with plastic rim tapes. I have 2 sets of wheels which have been no problem but my my PowerTap with a CXP33 rim just kept puncturing.

It'll be Velox or Zefal canvas tape all the time from now on.

pb21

cougie wrote:

How does rim tape make it harder to get tyres on and off ?

The diameter/circumference is less.

OK it is only a tiny difference but it does make getting tyres on my Campagnolo wheels slightly more bearable!

Rule74Please

Rim tape - Always.

Weight diff is zero in real terms and it is still the most reliable way to do it.

Use cloth tape not that horrible plastic stuff