New Mavic wheels - quick question

BikeBen
BikeBen Posts: 45
edited January 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi Guys

I received a new set of wheels yesterday with Mavic rims. All looks fine. I noticed on the hole for the inner tube valve there is a small plastic insert. What is this? do I need it? It's effectively making the hole for the inner tube valve smaller I haven't tried putting one through it yet but I'm thinking it won't fit with it in ? Is it for some kind of different inner tube? I'm guessing.

Secondly does it matter which way round the rim tapes go? They have text on one side, text side up? Just checking

Thanks everyone!

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    it is a presta reducer. use with presta valves or remove for "Car type" valves.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • BikeBen
    BikeBen Posts: 45
    Cool beans.

    Thanks very much.
  • EyesintheSky
    EyesintheSky Posts: 183
    edited January 2012
    Don't see why it would matter which way round the tape goes, although it just looks odd if you put it on text side down... even though you will rarely see the rim tape :D
    Very funny Scotty, now beam me down my clothes.
  • BikeBen
    BikeBen Posts: 45
    The only reason I really questioned the rim tape was that where there is a hole in it for the inner tube valve there is a bit of a seem either side (I think it might be double thickness there to strengthen it). One side of the seem was a bit rougher but not really rough enough to worry about being sat against the inner tube.

    Thanks for your help